Columbia, South Carolina, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina has forged a partnership with Blanchard Machinery to enhance Williams-Brice Stadium, marking the largest investment in USC Athletics. The partnership will feature Blanchard CAT logos on the football field and will provide student-athletes with valuable internship opportunities. The planned renovations will include various enhancements to the stadium, with completion expected before the 2027 football season, backed by a total project cost of approximately $350 million.
Columbia, South Carolina – The University of South Carolina (USC) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Blanchard Machinery to enhance Williams-Brice Stadium. This collaboration was revealed during a press conference held at the stadium, marking a significant milestone for the USC athletics program.
USC Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati referred to the financial contribution from Blanchard Machinery as the “largest investment” in the athletics department’s history. While specific figures were not disclosed, the partnership will prominently feature the Blanchard CAT logo on both 25-yard lines of the football field, a first for the program.
Donati pointed out that these logos symbolize the essential collaboration between the community, alumni, and corporate partners. This partnership is not only about branding but also about a commitment to improving the overall experience for student-athletes and fans alike.
The renovation plans for Williams-Brice Stadium will include enhancements to both the east and west sides of the venue and the introduction of new premium seating options. The Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Blanchard Machinery, Rozier Blanchard, has expressed the company’s dedication to investing in South Carolina and giving back to the local community through this partnership.
Beyond branding, the partnership will offer valuable opportunities for student-athletes through internships and post-graduate job placements as part of the Gamecock Student-Athlete Development Program. Nick Kistler, General Manager of Gamecock Sports Properties, has pointed out that this collaboration represents a significant boost for student-athletes and the broader sports programs at USC.
The agreement is a five-year partnership set to kick off with the 2025 home opener, at which point the Blanchard logos will first be visible. Completion of the planned enhancements to the stadium is expected before the start of the 2027 football season.
This initiative comes on the heels of recent NCAA changes allowing universities to feature advertisements on the field, paving the way for USC to form this partnership with Blanchard Machinery. The renovation project has also received approval from USC’s Board of Trustees, which has greenlit further phases aimed at upgrading Williams-Brice.
Future enhancements will target creating additional premium areas, upgrading the student section, and renovating locker rooms and concourses, with the overall project projected to cost around $350 million. Funding for these improvements will be obtained through athletic revenue bonds. The first phase of renovations will focus on the west side of the stadium, and plans include developing a year-round venue that will serve both athletics and the community.
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will soon be issued to select a construction manager for the project. Renowned design firm Populous has been chosen to lead the design efforts for the renovations, aiming to deliver a compelling and improved game day experience for fans while ensuring a sustainable future for USC’s athletic programs.
FAQ
What is the partnership between USC and Blanchard Machinery?
The partnership aims to enhance Williams-Brice Stadium through significant financial investment, featuring the Blanchard CAT logo on the football field and providing opportunities for internships and job placements for student-athletes.
When will the enhancements to Williams-Brice Stadium be completed?
The enhancements are expected to be completed before the start of the 2027 football season.
What are some of the improvements planned for the stadium?
Planned improvements include enhancements to the east and west sides of the stadium, new premium seating options, upgraded student sections, and renovations to locker rooms and concourses.
What is the total cost of the renovations?
The total cost of the renovation project is estimated to be around $350 million, funded through athletic revenue bonds.
Key Features of the USC and Blanchard Partnership
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Contribution | Largest investment in USC Athletics history (amount undisclosed) |
| Logo Placement | Blanchard CAT’s logo will appear on both 25-yard lines |
| Internship Opportunities | Internships and job placements for student-athletes |
| Renovation Timeline | Planned completion before 2027 football season |
| Total Renovation Cost | Approximately $350 million |
| Design Leadership | Populous will oversee the project’s design |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: USC Announces Partnership with Blanchard Machinery
- Charlotte Observer: South Carolina Athletics News
- WLTX: Upgrades and Renovations for Williams-Brice Stadium
- Cola Daily: Williams-Brice Stadium Redesign Approval
- WIS TV: USC Begins Reimagining Williams-Brice Stadium
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Google Search: South Carolina Gamecocks athletics
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Google News: South Carolina Gamecocks
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