News Summary
The University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees has approved the second phase of renovations for Williams-Brice Stadium, focusing on enhancing the fan experience with upgrades to the student section, locker rooms, and concessions. Phase two includes the creation of a new air-conditioned club space and improved facilities, aiming to modernize the venue and boost athletics revenue. The project, set to cost around $350 million, follows an earlier phase that redesigned key stadium areas and expanded premium seating options. The next approval step is scheduled for August.
Columbia, SC – The University of South Carolina (USC) Board of Trustees convened on Thursday afternoon and unanimously approved the second phase of renovations for Williams-Brice Stadium, including a crucial bond resolution. This decision is a significant step toward enhancing the overall fan experience and modernizing the facilities at the popular sporting venue.
Phase two of the renovations will include extensive upgrades to the student section, locker rooms, concessions, and restrooms. Additionally, back-of-house improvements are set to result in better service for fans attending events at the stadium. The Board of Trustees, led by Chair Thad Westbrook, emphasized that these renovations are essential in improving fan experiences and boosting athletics revenue for USC.
In 2024, the master plan to reimagine Williams-Brice Stadium was first approved, launching phase one of the renovation project. Phase one focuses mainly on redesigning the east and west sides of the stadium, including the expansion of premium seating options which will feature 30 traditional suites and six Founders Suites. The Founders Suite, a notable addition, will come with a spacious 1,074 square foot area that includes 24 outdoor wide chairback seats.
April 2025 marked the approval by the State Joint Bond Review Committee and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority for phase one of the renovations. Construction is projected to commence in December 2025 and conclude by the end of 2027. The architectural design firm Populous has been tasked with overseeing the entirety of the stadium’s reimagination project. To further elevate the fan experience, USC has partnered with Legends, while Contact Construction and Manhattan Construction Company are designated as primary contractors for the undertaking.
As for phase two, additional features will include the creation of an air-conditioned club space and dedicated restrooms for students located in the north end zone of the stadium. Although a university spokesperson has noted the challenges in evaluating the impact of renovations on spring games and seat availability, the renovation journey is clearly aimed at significantly enhancing the game-day experience for all attendees.
The next critical approval step for phase two will occur in August 2025. University officials are set to present the proposal to the General Assembly’s Joint Bond Review Committee and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority. The entire renovation endeavor is projected to cost around $350 million and will primarily be funded through athletic revenue bonds.
The renovations at Williams-Brice Stadium are indicative of a broader push by USC to ensure their sports facilities meet the evolving needs of fans and athletes alike. With the advancements planned in both phases of the project, the university aims to maintain its status as a premier venue in collegiate athletics.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Williams-Brice Stadium Upgrades
- Post and Courier: Gamecocks Renovations
- The State: USC Football Renovations
- Wikipedia: Williams-Brice Stadium
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
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