Nov. 25, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball has issued 4,000 season tickets for first time in the Dawn Staley era, the Athletics Ticket Office announced today. The number grew from 3,000 to 4,000 in the last month with sales still actively continuing. In Staley’s previous five seasons, season-ticket sales hovered around 2,000 per season.

This season, South Carolina launched the “Drive for 5” campaign. Inspired by head coach Dawn Staley’s jersey number during her Hall of Fame playing career, the initiative aims to bring at least 5,000 fans to every Gamecock women’s basketball game this season.

The campaign is reaping rewards for the Gamecocks who, through four home games so far this season, average 4,961 fans with a season high of 5,120 at the season opener. South Carolina averaged 3,952 fans last season and brought in 5,000 fans just twice in 16 home games. The final average was the highest in Colonial Life Arena’s 11 seasons and ranked 26th in the nation, fifth in the SEC.

In season-ticket numbers reported for this season, the Gamecocks are neck-and-neck with Kentucky for second-most in the SEC. Tennessee leads the way with over 8,500 so far this season.

South Carolina season tickets for 2013-14 are $50 for a reserved seat or $100 for four general admission tickets. Visit GamecocksOnline.com/tickets or call 1-800-4SC-FANS to purchase tickets.