COLUMBIA, S.C. (October 25, 2024) — The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved today the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to retain an architecture firm to design the initial phase in a transformational enhancement of Williams-Brice Stadium. The approval comes after a year of development of a master plan for Williams-Brice Stadium in partnership between the Department of Athletics and the University. “Today is a significant day for our institution and I hope it is the beginning of many big milestones ahead as we realize this incredibly transformative vision for Athletics and our football program that will have an impact on all areas of our university and the region,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees Thad H. Westbrook. The Board of Trustees’ approval today comes after a year-long process of consultation and input with Nations Group, one of the nation’s leading stadium development experts; a widely distributed market survey and resulting analysis by Elevate, a leader in stadium and premium seating; and comprehensive financial modeling by USC staff. The project will initially focus on the design of the West and East Side of the stadium, which is Phase 1 of the project. Included in the initial plans are premium suites of varying sizes and the installation of club seats. Gamecock Club development staff will begin to engage with potential suite purchasers immediately. The reimagining of Williams-Brice Stadium comes in conjunction with the ongoing efforts to engage a developer to create a retail, food and lodging district adjacent to the stadium. “This ambitious project will improve significantly the experience of our fans and supporters for many years to come,” President Michael Amiridis said. “These improvements will also make our stadium more attractive to additional athletic and entertainment events, which could increase even further USC’s economic impact in Columbia and the Midlands.” Planning continues on other master facility projects on campus including but not limited to additional state-of-the-art student housing, new and renovated parking structures, research laboratories and student experience spaces. “We have the greatest fans in college athletics and these major renovations to Williams-Brice Stadium will give them a quality game day experience as good as anywhere in the country,” said Director of Athletics Ray Tanner. “Our staff has spent a lot of time collecting information from our fans, on what would make a better environment for our home games.  It is time to put these plans into action and I am excited to see what the future holds for Williams-Brice Stadium.” Construction work on Phase 1 is slated to conclude prior to the start of the 2027 football season, with significant potential changes being considered for other areas of the stadium, improving the game day experience for all Gamecock fans. There is no expectation at this time that any games will have to be relocated from Williams Brice-Stadium as a result of construction. Funding for the potential project will come from capital gifts, suite and premium seating purchases, as well as from related revenue streams. Categories: Local Sports, South Carolina Sports, Sports, USC Gamecocks