It is a rarity in sports for a visiting team (especially a losing visiting team) to leave a game and have a lot of positive things to say about the environment and fans of the home program. However, that is exactly what happened this weekend in Columbia.
Since the game ended with the Gamecock win, fans of the maroon and white have had nothing but good things to say about Williams-Brice Stadium, the Carolina Faithful, and the gameday atmosphere in Columbia.
Back home from South Carolina & can’t stop thinking about how cool the atmosphere at Willy B was.
— Grace Ybarra (@gnybarra) September 25, 2023
Bucket list stadium for sure. pic.twitter.com/tNNtQBiZ6B
That experience last night in Williams-Brice Stadium was unlike any other. Almost felt like a party rather than a football game. The athletic department at South Carolina has done a fantastic job at making a trip to a game worthwhile. You can’t get an experience like that from…
— Left Field Lounger (@LFLatMSU) September 24, 2023
A Florida State fan believes Williams-Brice is better than Doak Campbell.
I can’t lie, I’m envious of the environment in Tallahassee that is Williams-Brice stadium. The constant engagement along with the intro makes you feel that you’re part of a four quarter story as opposed to being at a football game. https://t.co/HCIXvXvEcp
— Joe Johnson (@_JoeJohnson_) September 24, 2023
An Auburn fan trying to go to every SEC stadium enjoyed himself, as well.
Last night was a Sandstorm kind of night.
— Will (@ShootyHoopsWill) September 24, 2023
Tons of fun (and points) in Columbia!! 10 down, 6 to go. pic.twitter.com/eGzzCL2yo4
It wasn’t just fans, though, as the Mississippi State media was very complimentary of the South Carolina football experience.
Williams-Brice Stadium is an elite college football gameday experience. From the light shows to Sandstorm, they don't miss on the details that make this more than a game.
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) September 24, 2023
Even ESPN’s Aaron LaBerge got in on the action, going as far as calling a South Carolina football game the “best atmosphere in all of college sports.”
Williams-Brice Stadium has the best atmosphere in all of college sports!! 🏟️ 🤙🏼 #GoGamecocks pic.twitter.com/OVPILo88p7
— Aaron LaBerge (@aaron) September 24, 2023
Willy B has been among the best venues in all of sports for a long time, and it is about time that the rest of the country is learning that reality. The SEC East has known this for years (just ask Tennessee or Texas A&M fans after the games last season), but more and more college football fans are recognizing the home-field advantage located on George Rogers Boulevard.
South Carolina football fans routinely support their program to elite attendance numbers across all sports, and the recent improvements to the gameday experience at Williams-Brice have taken the already-elite home environment and turned it into one that has a real argument as being the best venue in the entire country.