Official Launch 2026
Founding Host Applications Now OpenJoin Early

Columbia
Game Day

Next Home Game — Kent State· Sep 5, 2026
169Days
01Hrs
45Min
50Sec
TBATBA
Book Your Crawl

Quick Facts

School

University of South Carolina

Stadium

Williams-Brice Stadium

Capacity

77,559

Conference

SEC

2026 Football Schedule

Official University of South Carolina South Carolina Gamecocks home & away games

DateOpponentLocationTV / Time
Sep 5, 2026Kent StateHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 12, 2026TowsonHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 19, 2026Mississippi StateHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 26, 2026at AlabamaAwayTBA· TBA
Oct 3, 2026KentuckyHomeTBA· TBA
Oct 10, 2026at FloridaAwayTBA· TBA
Oct 17, 2026BYE WEEKHome-· -
Oct 24, 2026TennesseeHomeTBA· TBA
Oct 31, 2026at OklahomaAwayTBA· TBA
Nov 7, 2026Texas A&MHomeTBA· TBA
Nov 14, 2026at ArkansasAwayTBA· TBA
Nov 21, 2026GeorgiaHomeTBA· TBA
Nov 28, 2026at ClemsonAwayTBA· TBA

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

⭐ Best Month

86°

High

/

67°

Low

8 rainy days
⭐ Best Month

77°

High

/

55°

Low

6 rainy days
⭐ Best Month

67°

High

/

45°

Low

6 rainy days

Game Day Packing List

    Best Time to Visit

    These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Williams-Brice Stadium.

    Best Game Day Bar Districts

    The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Columbia on game day

    Five Points

    The legendary gameday district with packed bars, outdoor patios, and Gamecock traditions

    • Gameday central
    • Outdoor patios
    • Sandstorm atmosphere

    The Vista

    Upscale downtown area with craft cocktail bars, restaurants, and a more refined pre-game experience

    • Upscale venues
    • Craft cocktails
    • Riverfront views

    Main Street

    Historic downtown with local bars, breweries, and a mix of college and professional crowds

    • Historic charm
    • Breweries
    • Mixed crowd

    Top Bars for Game Day

    The best spots near Williams-Brice Stadium for South Carolina Gamecocks fans

    Pavlov's Bar

    2.1 miles from stadium·Five Points institution
    Legendary gameday spotOutdoor patioPacked crowds
    Open in Google Maps

    Group Therapy

    2.0 miles from stadium·College bar
    Dance floorCheap drinksGameday energy
    Open in Google Maps

    Jake's Bar & Grill

    2.2 miles from stadium·Sports bar
    Giant screensWingsGameday specials
    Open in Google Maps

    Hunter-Gatherer Brewery

    3.1 miles from stadium·Craft brewery
    Local brewsOutdoor spaceGameday releases
    Open in Google Maps

    Saluda's

    2.8 miles from stadium·Upscale bar
    Craft cocktailsRooftop patioPre-game elegance
    Open in Google Maps

    Cock & Bull Pub

    2.3 miles from stadium·British pub
    Imported beersPub foodGameday atmosphere
    Open in Google Maps
    Official Game Day Route

    Bar Crawl Route Map

    The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Williams-Brice Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience

    Total Distance

    1.3 miles

    Estimated Time

    4–4.5 hours

    Bar Stops

    5 Stops

    Route Type

    Walking Route

    Start Here

    Touchdowns, 2001 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205

    1
    Stop 1First Stop

    Touchdowns

    2001 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205

    Gamecock-owned and operated Five Points institution — voted best college bar vibe in Columbia with multiple screens, fast service, and legendary Philly cheesesteaks. The new HQ of Gamecock gameday in Five Points.
    Get Directions
    2 min walk (0.1 mi)
    2
    Stop 2

    Group Therapy

    2107 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205

    Dance floor and cheap drinks — the highest-energy stop on the Five Points crawl
    Get Directions
    2 min walk (0.1 mi)
    3
    Stop 3

    Jake's Bar & Grill

    2112 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205

    Giant screens and wings — best spot to watch pre-game coverage before heading to Williams-Brice
    Get Directions
    5 min walk (0.3 mi)
    4
    Stop 4

    Cock & Bull Pub

    326 S Edisto Ave, Columbia, SC 29205

    British pub charm with imported beers — a calmer stop before the final push
    Get Directions
    12 min drive (2.5 mi)
    5
    Stop 5Final Stop

    Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at the Hangar

    1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205

    Local craft brewery at the historic Hangar location with gameday releases — the perfect send-off before the Sandstorm
    Get Directions

    End Point

    Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at the Hangar, 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205

    Live Route Map

    Full Route
    1

    Touchdowns

    Stop 1 of 5

    Gamecock-owned and operated Five Points institution — voted best college bar vibe in Columbia with multiple screens, fast service, and legendary Philly cheesesteaks. The new HQ of Gamecock gameday in Five Points.

    1 / 6
    1.3 miles
    4–4.5 hours
    5 bars + stadium
    Full Route
    Pro Tip

    Five Points is the soul of South Carolina gameday — start here and work your way toward The Vista for a more upscale finish. Wear garnet and black, arrive 4 hours before kickoff, and make sure you're in the stadium for the Sandstorm entrance — it's worth every second.

    Join the Official Crawl

    Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop

    Book Your Spot
    Fan Culture

    Game Day Traditions

    The rituals, chants, and moments that make University of South Carolina South Carolina Gamecocks game day unlike anywhere else

    Sandstorm Entrance

    Every home game as the team takes the field

    When the Gamecocks take the field, Williams-Brice Stadium erupts to the pounding beat of Darude's "Sandstorm." The entire stadium — all 77,000 fans — jumps in unison as the song builds to its iconic drop. It is one of the most electric stadium entrance moments in all of college football.

    "Sandstorm" at Williams-Brice is so loud and synchronized that it has been called the best entrance in college football.

    Cockaboose Railroad

    Every home game

    The world's only permanent tailgate railroad — 22 custom-painted cabooses permanently parked on a rail spur outside Williams-Brice Stadium. Each caboose is privately owned and decorated in garnet and black. They are among the most coveted tailgate spots in all of college sports.

    The Cockaboose Railroad is the only permanent tailgate railroad in the world — 22 cabooses parked outside the stadium.

    2-0-1 Chant

    Throughout every game

    South Carolina fans chant "2-0-1" (the area code for Columbia) throughout games as a rallying cry. The chant unites the stadium and is a proud declaration of Gamecock identity. It is heard in bars, on the street, and echoing through Five Points on every gameday.

    The "2-0-1" area code chant is a uniquely South Carolina tradition that ties the team to the city of Columbia.

    Five Points Gameday Ritual

    4-6 hours before every home kickoff

    Five Points — the legendary bar district on Harden Street — transforms into a sea of garnet and black on gameday. Bars open at dawn for noon kickoffs, patios overflow with fans, and the energy builds for hours before the team takes the field. It is the heartbeat of Gamecock gameday culture.

    Five Points has been the soul of South Carolina gameday since the 1970s — garnet and black as far as the eye can see.

    Garnet & Black Dress Code

    Every home game

    South Carolina fans take their gameday colors seriously — garnet and black are worn by virtually every fan in the stadium. The sea of garnet inside Williams-Brice is one of the most visually striking sights in the SEC, and visiting fans are immediately outnumbered by the passionate Gamecock faithful.

    Williams-Brice's sea of garnet is one of the most visually intimidating sights for visiting teams in the SEC.

    The Clemson Rivalry (Palmetto Bowl)

    Late November every year

    The annual game against Clemson — the Palmetto Bowl — is the defining rivalry of South Carolina football. The entire state divides along garnet and orange lines every November, and the winner earns bragging rights for the entire year. It is one of the most passionate in-state rivalries in college sports.

    The Palmetto Bowl has been played every year since 1909 — South Carolina vs. Clemson splits the entire state in two.

    Experience Every Tradition Live

    Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single South Carolina Gamecocks ritual

    Best Gameday Food

    Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Williams-Brice Stadium

    Open Gameday

    Yesterdays Restaurant & Bar

    Southern Comfort Food · $$

    4.5(1842 reviews)

    A Five Points institution since 1975, Yesterdays is the quintessential Gamecock gameday meal stop. Their shrimp and grits — creamy stone-ground grits with Gulf shrimp and smoky andouille — have fueled generations of South Carolina fans. The patio fills with garnet and black hours before kickoff.

    2.0 miles
    Must Order:Shrimp & grits with andouille sausage
    Open Gameday

    Motor Supply Co. Bistro

    Farm-to-Table Bistro · $$$

    4.7(2103 reviews)

    The Vista's most celebrated restaurant and a gameday splurge worth every penny. Motor Supply sources from local South Carolina farms and changes its menu daily. The pimento cheese board and fried chicken sandwich are gameday staples. Reserve weeks in advance for Clemson and Georgia weekends.

    2.8 miles
    Must Order:Pimento cheese board & fried chicken sandwich
    Open Gameday

    Salty Nut Brewery

    Brewpub & Kitchen · $$

    4.4(987 reviews)

    Columbia's beloved craft brewery with a full kitchen serving gameday-perfect food. The smoked brisket nachos paired with their house amber ale is the ultimate Gamecock pre-game combo. The outdoor beer garden fills with garnet-clad fans 3 hours before kickoff.

    2.1 miles
    Must Order:Smoked brisket nachos with house-brewed amber ale
    Open Gameday

    Lizard's Thicket

    Southern Meat & Three · $

    4.3(3241 reviews)

    The ultimate South Carolina comfort food institution — a local chain beloved by Gamecock fans for decades. The fried chicken plate with three sides is the definitive gameday fuel-up meal. Cheap, fast, and absolutely delicious. Multiple locations make it easy to grab before heading to Williams-Brice.

    3.2 miles
    Must Order:Fried chicken with mac & cheese, collard greens, and cornbread
    Open Gameday

    Pawleys Front Porch

    Burger Bar · $$

    4.6(1567 reviews)

    Five Points' favorite burger joint with a gameday special named after the Gamecocks. The Gamecock Burger — topped with house-made pimento cheese and a crispy fried green tomato — is the perfect pre-game fuel. The front porch fills with fans in garnet and black on every home game Saturday.

    2.0 miles
    Must Order:The Gamecock Burger with pimento cheese & fried green tomato
    Open Gameday

    Crave Food Truck

    Gourmet Food Truck · $

    4.5(612 reviews)

    Columbia's most popular food truck parks near Williams-Brice Stadium on every home game day. The loaded BBQ pulled pork fries — topped with slow-smoked pork, cheddar, jalapeños, and house sauce — are the best stadium-adjacent bite in Columbia. Cash and card accepted, lines move fast.

    0.5 miles
    Must Order:Loaded BBQ pulled pork fries
    Earn Money on Game Day

    Host a Columbia GameDay Crawl

    Turn your love of South Carolina Gamecocks football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

    • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
    • Set your own schedule
    • Join a host community

    Tailgate & Parking Info

    Everything you need to know before you arrive at Williams-Brice Stadium

    Tailgate Zones

    Cockaboose RailroadOpens 5 hrs before kickoff

    The world's only permanent tailgate railroad — 22 custom cabooses parked outside Williams-Brice. An iconic USC tradition.

    Five Points Bar PatiosOpens All day

    Harden Street bar patios overflow with Gamecock fans. The most electric pre-game street scene in Columbia.

    Stadium LotsOpens 4 hrs before kickoff

    Official tailgate lots surrounding Williams-Brice with RVs, tents, and Sandstorm energy.

    Parking & Transit Tips

    • Purchase official USC parking passes at gamecocksonline.com — sell out months in advance.
    • Five Points parking fills up by 9 AM for noon games — arrive early or rideshare.
    • Arrive 3+ hours early — George Rogers Blvd and Bluff Rd back up significantly.
    • COMET Transit runs free game day shuttles from remote lots to the stadium.

    Rideshare Drop-off

    Uber/Lyft drop-off on George Rogers Blvd near the stadium. Expect surge pricing on game days.

    Shuttle Service

    COMET Transit runs free game day shuttles from remote Park & Ride locations to Williams-Brice Stadium.

    Where to Stay

    Top hotels near Williams-Brice Stadium for game day weekend

    Hilton Columbia Center

    $$$
    2.5 miles from stadium
    • Downtown location
    • Walking distance to The Vista bars
    • Full-service amenities
    Best for the full Columbia experience. Book 2–3 months in advance for Clemson and Georgia weekends.

    Marriott Columbia

    $$
    2.8 miles from stadium
    • Free parking
    • Shuttle available
    • Modern rooms
    Great mid-range option near downtown. Book early for SEC home games.

    Hampton Inn Columbia

    $
    3.0 miles from stadium
    • Free breakfast
    • Free parking
    • Easy highway access
    Best value option. Use rideshare to reach Five Points and the stadium.

    Game Day FAQ

    Everything you need to know about Columbia game day bar crawls

    Ready for the Ultimate Columbia Game Day?

    Book your University of South Carolina South Carolina Gamecocks game day bar crawl and experience Columbia nightlife like never before!

    This site can’t be reached

    The webpage at https://www.google.com/maps/embed?origin=mfe&pb=!1m3!2m1!1sTouchdowns,+Columbia,+SC!6i16 might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.

    ERR_FAILED
    The webpage at https://www.google.com/maps/embed?origin=mfe&pb=!1m3!2m1!1sTouchdowns,+Columbia,+SC!6i16 might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.