South Carolina football: university pushing for 100% capacity this Fall

South Carolina football may see full crowds in 2021.

The light at the end of the tunnel appears to be coming in regards to attending sporting events in full force. After a year and a half of empty or partial capacity venues, college athletic departments are beginning to announce intentions to once again see their teams participate in front of sold out crowds.

The South Carolina baseball team announced yesterday that they’d allow 100% capacity at Founders Park for the season’s final SEC series against No. 4 Tennessee, and the NCAA followed suit by stating that postseason venues will be able to sell out for regional and super regional play.

Now, it looks like football is opening its doors, too.

The University of South Carolina announced Wednesday that they plan to allow 100% capacity at Williams-Brice Stadium this football season. Athletic director Ray Tanner had the following to say about the move towards larger crowds.

"“There is nothing like Gamecock Game Day and we are excited to welcome back all of our great fans to Williams-Brice Stadium. Fans will be able to enjoy all of the game day traditions as in previous years.”"

Last year’s football season was affected by the COVID pandemic in a major way, seeing a significant decrease in available seating, a drop in ticket sales, fewer games, and a need to schedule a slate consisting of only conference opponents. In the case of South Carolina, fans weren’t able to experience the new stadium renovations and additional club seating.

Now, supporters can begin to move back to some sense of normalcy, with tailgating restrictions being lifted and the plan to return to full capacity set. First year head coach Shane Beamer will certainly welcome the crowd noise from what’s recently been ranked as one of college football’s 10 loudest venues.

"“When Williams-Brice Stadium is full, there is no greater home field advantage in college football. I look forward to running out to 2001 with our team to a stadium full of loud, passionate Gamecock fans.”"

Coach Beamer will need that home field advantage while navigating through a slate that sees Auburn, Clemson, Florida, and Kentucky come to Williams-Brice Stadium. Hopefully the Gamecocks will give 85,000 fans a lot to cheer about this Fall.