Williams-Brice to get $21M facelift

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Williams-Brice Stadium will undergo a $21 million facelift that will add premium seating to the south, east and west sides of the facility by 2020.

A $750,000 project to renovate the first floor of the Floyd Building on the north side of the stadium is expected to be completed by the 2019 football season.

The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees unanimously approved the renovations on Wednesday.

USC athletic director Ray Tanner, in an email interview, said the athletic department will pursue licensing for alcohol sales in a specified portion of the new seating areas. Fans will not be able to take alcoholic beverages out of those areas. Alcohol sales in general seating areas are banned by the Southeastern Conference. 

"The SEC does not allow alcoholic beverages to be sold or dispensed in the public areas," Tanner said. "The rule does not apply for private or leased areas of the stadium."

A section of loge seating, which provides tables for fans, will be added to the southwest corner, and a ground-level “2001 Club” area will provide field-level views of the Gamecocks running onto the field on game day.

The Crews Building will be outfitted to feed and host recruits on game day.

“We are always looking to improve the gameday experience for our fans,” Tanner said in a news release. “With access to climate-controlled areas and better amenities, there is a real focus on making fans happy and keep them coming back.”

Renovations are also planned for the 100 (West Club) and 400 (East Club) levels, as well as the south lower level. Donors sitting at either level will have access to lounge areas featuring air conditioning and additional concessions.

 “I really like what Coach Tanner has done with developing this plan,” USC head coach Will Muschamp said. “The club concept and the enhancements to the Crews Building will leave Gamecock football in a really good place for years to come.”

Steve Eigenbrot, USC senior associate athletic director for development, said the plan is to add amenities in a cost-effective manner. He said the renovated seats will be priced lower than current premium areas in the stadium.

The 80,250-seat capacity of Williams-Brice will not change significantly.

The plans must still get the approval from the state.

What’s in the plan:

• 38 new loge boxes (152 seats) and an observation deck.
• Ground-level, air-conditioned club space for loge patrons and close to 300 more guests with passes.
• Development of a 12,000-square-foot, air-conditioned area positioned behind sections 101-105.
• Renovation to the current scholarship level to create air-conditioned space from ramp to ramp. Concession and restrooms will be added to this space.