‘Most intimidating’ stadium ‘louder than LSU’ lands $350m revamp after past work caused ‘swaying’

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks have called Williams-Brice Stadium home since 1934.

It has undergone a series of renovations over the years with the capacity exploding from 17,600 to over 80,000.

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The 92-year-old venue has a reputation for noise, with Darude anthem Sandstorm pumped out before the opening kickoff and after Gamecock touchdowns to get the crowd bouncing so much the press box is known to shake.

Former South Carolina chief Will Muschamp said The Cockpit is the most intimidating environment he’s coached in — as the home or opposing coach.

“That’s probably the rowdiest student section I’ve seen. That’s the rowdiest stadium I’ve been in,” Missouri running back Damarea Crockett added in 2016. “It was a great atmosphere. It was way louder (than LSU and Florida) on the field. That’s the first game I couldn’t hear anything Drew (Lock) was saying, and I was right behind him.”

A new upper east deck added in a 1983 refurb added a quirky new trait as the whole section was noticeably swaying during games, including a 38-14 rout of Southern Cal.

After that win, legendary coach Joe Morrison declared: “If it ain’t swayin’, we ain’t playin.'”

Shock absorbers have since been added but they haven’t fully tamed the rocking and Morrison’s words still ring around the venue today.

The Gamecocks are now working on another refurb that will keep the rocking atmosphere while hopefully leading to fewer unforeseen consequences.

In December, a long-planned series of improvements was approved by the state with 350 million worth of bonds to be issued by the university’s athletics department.

Upgrades to the student section, locker rooms, concession stands and bathrooms are in the works, as well as extra suites to bring in big-spenders.

The bonds will be paid off over three decades using additional revenue, food sales and media rights.

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Annual ticket revenue is expected to increase by $26 million by year two and rise as high as $70 million in three decades.

The new suites are hoped to bring in $210 million in funding.

Construction is underway and set to finish in time for the 2028 season when the capacity will be reduced to around 73,000.

Phase 1 of the Williams-Brice Stadium Reimagination Project, which mainly involved demolition, is set to be completed this summer.

“This is an exciting moment for Gamecock Nation,” said Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati.

“Breaking ground on this project signals the beginning of a new era for Williams-Brice Stadium and reflects our commitment to delivering an enhanced experience for our fans and student-athletes.”

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LaNorris Sellers returns to South Carolina

The Gamecocks secured a massive boost when quarterback LaNorris Sellers snubbed both the NFL Draft and transfer portal to return.

Despite going 4-8 last year, he will stick with coach Shane Beamer for his final season before going pro.

Beamer wanted to see Sellers grow as a vocal leader and likes what he has seen so far.

“I thought LaNorris had a great spring learning a new offense, getting adjusted,” revealed the coach. “I think he’s in a good place.

“He’s playing with a lot of confidence right now. Leadership, I think he’s been really good there. (He’s) communicating with the offense, organizing throwing sessions, talking when he needs to talk, I like where he is right now.”

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