March 20, 2008

University of South Carolina graduate Lance Grantham has been named Director of Ticket Operations for the Gamecocks’ Athletics Department, Associate Athletics Director Marcy Girton announced today. Grantham will assume his new duties on March 31.

Grantham, who graduated from USC in 2001 with a degree in sports management, has served as the ticket manager for the Gator Bowl Association in Jacksonville, Fla. since 2005. In that role he managed ticket inventory, customer service, and financial and box office functions for all Gator Bowl Association events, including the Toyota Gator Bowl, the ACC Football Championships and the River City Showdown.

Prior to his stint in Jacksonville, Grantham was the ticket manager for the New England Patriots, the New England Revolution and Gillette Stadium from 2002-05, the first three years of the stadium’s existence. In addition to overseeing a box office staff of 18 people and managing season and individual event ticket sales, Grantham developed a customer service program for season ticket holders as they transitioned into the new stadium. He was part of two of the Patriots’ Super Bowl titles. In 2001-02, Grantham was the guest services assistant manager for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the St. Pete Times Forum, where he managed a 300-person event staff during NHL hockey games and arena football games.

After graduating from Chipley (Fla.) High School in 1992, Grantham served the country in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1995. He also logged an internship with the Augusta GreenJackets Baseball Club.

“We are thrilled to fill this position with a very qualified individual who also happens to be a University of South Carolina graduate,” said Girton. “Lance has gained a wealth of experience, most notably with the New England Patriots and most recently with the Gator Bowl Association. I know he is very excited to have the opportunity to work for his alma mater and we are happy to have him on board.”

“I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to return to the University of South Carolina,” said Grantham. “As an alumnus, I know just how special this University is and what that has meant to me. I look forward to once again joining the community and providing the best possible service to our University and its fans.”

“I’m delighted that one of our own is returning home,” said Dr. Thomas Regan, professor in the sport and entertainment management program at the University of South Carolina. “Lance has built a career at different places, gained experience and built a resume. He is very thorough in all that he does, has good interpersonal skills and has learned to deal with many different constituents. Moreover, he is a good person who understands the broader aspects of athletics. It’s a great hire for the University and for the athletics department.”

Grantham replaces Kent Hegenauer, who accepted an Associate Athletics Director position at Southern Mississippi.