Oct. 24, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball has reached 3,000 season tickets issued for first time in the Dawn Staley era, the Athletics Ticket Office announced today. The Gamecocks have steadily grown their season-ticket base over the last six seasons to this season’s new high, which is nearly 30 percent higher than last season’s total and a 75 percent increase over the 2011-12 figure.

“We are excited about the enthusiasm surrounding our program and the upcoming season,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said. “We asked fans to support us, and we’re happy to see that 3,000 have already joined the Drive for 5. For everyone else, it’s not too late to join us in creating a great atmosphere at Colonial Life Arena.”

South Carolina’s season attendance has been climbing over the last three seasons, culminating in last season’s average of 3,952. It was highest for the Gamecocks in Colonial Life Arena’s 11 seasons and was a 25.9 percent increase from the 2011-12 season. The figure ranked 26th in the nation and fifth in the SEC, just 70 fans per game fewer than Vanderbilt. Nationally, average attendance at South Carolina women’s basketball has risen from 43rd in the nation to 26th over the last three seasons.

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.

Season tickets for 2013-14 are $50 for a reserved seat or $100 for four general admission tickets. Fans who purchase their reserved seats season tickets at Saturday’s Tip-Off Tailgate Party will be able to select their seat location at the event. Women’s basketball single-game tickets for all games this season will go on sale on Fri., Nov. 1.

Visit GamecocksOnline.com/tickets or call 1-800-4SC-FANS to purchase tickets.