The University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees voted on Thursday to continue moving forward with $350 million worth of improvements to Williams-Brice Stadium.
“We are grateful to the Board of Trustees for its leadership and thrilled to continue to see this project take shape and receive the necessary approvals to proceed,” said USC Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati in a release provided by the university. “Our staff, along with key partners in Populous, Legends, Contract Construction and Manhattan Construction Company have invested significant effort in preparing for this next phase. These approvals help us get one step closer towards our goal of beginning construction following the conclusion of the 2025 football season. In the coming months, we will be able to show Gamecock fans finalized concepts I know they will be excited about. These plans will impact all of our fans and significantly elevate their game day experience.”
Donati spoke during the meeting, which was held via teleconference and attended virtually by GamecockCentral.com, and outlined five priority items that the school hoped to accomplish in the course of the project.The football program has long been short on premium seating relative to its competitors in the SEC and beyond, so first on the agenda is to upgrade the amount of premium seating available on the west side.
“This will provide a significant amount of additional revenue and enhance the gameday experience for our fans and provide opportunities for future outside events,” Donati said.
Projections show that this portion of the project could create $200 million in additional revenue, according to Donati’s comments.
Among the ideated premium seating options are 10 new “Founder’s Suites” in the 100 level, and 33 suites in the 200 level with connected clubs. There’s also plans for a new field-level club with access to the lower bowl
Secondly, the school hopes to improve the student section. University architect Derek Gruner on the call, while noting that this portion was still “very much under design” – said that an air-conditioned club was being contemplated for the student section, in addition to more restrooms and a concourse.
