Gamecock Basketball: Gameday Information and Policies

With a high level of interest and excitement surrounding both the University of South Carolina men’s and women’s basketball programs, along with the heavy student population surrounding Colonial Life Arena, fans attending a Gamecock basketball game should plan accordingly to ensure you do not miss any of the action:

1. Fans are encouraged to arrive at least one hour prior to tipoff in anticipation of traffic congestion around the arena and longer lines at both the ticket windows and scanning lines.
2. Parking lots will open two hours prior to tipoff.
3. For both Men’s and Women’s basketball games, parking in Lot A and Lot B is restricted to Gamecock Club members with the appropriate parking hang tag. Some public parking may be permitted on a game by game basis in Lot B for $10. Gamecock Club members with the proper hang tags can utilize the 650 Greene and 650 Lincoln garages. To ensure Gamecock Club members get a parking spot, please arrive early as these garages are shared with students on campus. The Discovery Garage is also available for gameday parking at $10 per vehicle.
4. The Convention Center parking lot and the City Garage parking lot, located near Pendleton, Park and Lincoln streets, are available during certain games for single game parking. Rates in these lots and garages are set by the owners and are subject to change at any time.
5. Athletics Department controlled parking spaces in lots around Colonial Life Arena will only be available to patrons for the games in which they have purchased tickets.
6. Tailgating, including grills, coolers, and large buffet-style spreads, are discouraged. Tents are prohibited.

Please check our website for game schedules and tip times.

HANDICAP PARKING SERVICES
For your convenience, there are several available parking lots within walking distance of the Colonial Life Arena. Price for the lots is $10. Accessible parking is available in most, if not all, of these lots. In order to park in the spaces reserved for disabled guests, the vehicle must have a state issued handicapped window pass, sticker, or license plate. Any vehicle may drop off a disabled patron at the front of the Colonial Life Arena, park their car in one of the lots, and meet that person inside.

CLEAR BAG POLICY

To provide a safer environment and more expedited entry for fans, South Carolina Athletics implemented a clear bag policy beginning with the 2016-17 season for all ticketed athletic events that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the venues for baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, football, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, volleyball and indoor track.

Approved Bags

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ — A logo no larger than 4.5″ x 3.4″ can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
• A clear bag shall be clear from top-to-bottom and up to a 2″ trim/border on the bag is generally acceptable.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ — approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:

• Purses larger than a clutch bag
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Fanny packs
• Cinch/Drawstring bags
• Luggage of any kind
• Computer bags
• Diaper bags
• Binocular cases
• Camera bags
• Non-approved seat cushions, which include large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments or covers

CLEAR BAG POLICY FAQ

Why is South Carolina adopting this policy for all ticketed events?
Our guests are our most prized partners, and ensuring their safety is a top priority. World events continue to impact our security, and we can not ignore them in the annual analysis of our public safety and stadium security policies at all of our venues.

How does this policy improve public safety?
Clear bags provide layers of security with less inconvenience to our guests. As guests walk toward our events, law enforcement can easily spot prohibited items and have the ability to resolve issues before they even get into line. The clear bags are easier and faster to search, greatly reducing faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign. Additionally, inside the venue, staff members know that a clear bag has already been searched and that any non-clear bag without a security tag requires their attention.

How does this expedite my entry into the venue?
This policy enables us to move guests through our security checkpoints faster, allowing staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags that are brought into the venue. A standard size bag eliminates the need for bag templates to check sizes. In short, shorter lines mean fewer hassles, all while guests enjoy an improved sense of safety.

How many bags can each person bring into the venue?
Each ticketed guest can carry one large clear bag — either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or the 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear bag — plus a small clutch purse (4.5″ x 6.5″). The small clutch must be carried into the venue outside the clear bag and is subject to search.

What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
Guests carrying bags that do not meet the criteria will not be admitted to the venue. They may return their bag to their car or will be provided a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag into which to transfer their belongings before entering the stadium. Transferring items to a venue-provided bag requires disposal of the non-approved bag.

Are team-branded bags available?
Guests who desire to carry South Carolina branded bags may purchase them at local retailers. However, any clear 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear bag with no commercial identification or an inexpensive one-gallon Ziploc-style bag may be used. Clear bags may have a logo no larger than 4.5″ x 3.4″ displayed on one side. A clear bag shall be clear from top-to-bottom and up to a 2″ trim/border on the bag is generally acceptable.

Can I bring my purse?
Yes, as long as it meets the size requirements. A small clutch purse, with or without a handle or strap, is permitted along with either the 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear tote bag or one-gallon freezer bag.

What about diaper bags?
Diapers and other baby supplies can be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, is allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the stadium.

Can I carry cameras, binoculars, smartphones or tablets separately from the clear bag?
Binoculars or a phone or camera can be carried into the venue so long as it is not in its own bag.

Are seat cushions allowed to be carried into the venue?
Approved seat cushions may be carried into the stadium. Non-approved seat cushions and chair backs include any that have arm rests and any large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments or covers.

If I have certain items that I need to bring into the venue for medical reasons and they won’t fit in the clear bag, what do I do?
Guests carrying medically necessary bags or equipment into the venue will be required to have their bag/equipment inspected and tagged by security at specified locations within each venue. At Williams-Brice Stadium, those locations are West Premium Gate 21 and East Gate 81.

Do I have to put everything I’m carrying into a permissible clear bag?
No. This policy is designed to limit only the type of bags carried into the venue, not the permissible items that are brought to a game. In their pockets or jacket, guests can carry keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc., if they choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch purse (4.5″ x 6.5″). And, they can carry a blanket over their shoulders, binoculars and/or camera without the case around their necks or in their hands, and a sealed bottle of water or one empty and clear bottle of water in their hands. A complete list of prohibited items can be found on our Game Day page.

Does this policy apply to me if I’m working at the game, not attending as a fan?
Support staff and personnel such as equipment technicians, media, caterers, etc., will continue to enter the stadium through designated gates. These individuals and any items that they bring into the stadium will continue to be screened based on procedures that are already in place. Once screened, the bags will be temporarily tagged, showing that the bag has been screened and approved.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Artificial Noisemakers 

Artificial noisemakers are not permitted in Colonial Life Arena and will be confiscated by stadium security. 

Prohibited Items 

• Purses larger than a clutch bag (4.5″ x 6.5″), briefcases, backpacks, and cinch bags of any kind, fanny packs, luggage of any kind, computer bags/cases, camera bags/cases, binocular bags/cases or any bag larger than the permissible size (12″ x 6″ x 12″) or that does not meet appropriate clear bag standards. [Please see Clear Bag Policy]
• Coolers, thermoses, cups, glass bottles, cans, flasks (Exception: 1 sealed clear plastic disposable bottle OR 1 empty and clear plastic disposable bottle of water per person (i.e. Dasani water bottle))
• Food of any kind
• Video cameras, tripods, recording devices, detachable camera lenses over 6″, selfie sticks
• Weapons/concealed weapons
• Alcoholic beverages
• Containers of any kind
• Aerosol and spray cans
• Umbrellas
• Mace/pepper spray
• Animals (except service animals)
• Laser lights, strobe lights and pointers
• Irritants such as artificial noisemakers
• Fireworks/explosives
• Inflatables (beach balls, etc.)
• Flags and flagpoles, unauthorized banners or posters
• Strollers
• Illegal drugs
• Seat cushions that include pockets, zippers, compartments or covers
• Personal seat backs with armrests
• Non-approved face coverings
• Drones
• Other items that in the judgement of stadium management pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other patrons

POLICIES

Gamecock Fans Code of Conduct 

Gamecock fans are encouraged to wear garnet and black to the games and enthusiastically support the team. Our goal is to create a championship experience with integrity, while exhibiting good sportsmanship and maintaining a safe and respectful atmosphere for our teams and fans to enjoy. The Gamecock image is not only shaped by our student-athletes, coaches, students, and faculty, but by our great fans.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, Gamecock fans shall:

• Conduct themselves in a manner that represents their University, the Southeastern Conference, and the NCAA with honor, dignity, and respect
• Fans should refrain from the following but not limited to vulgar, abusive, derogatory, demeaning, or intimidating language, gestures or cheers at any time. This is inclusive of refraining from the reference of race, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual identity, religion and the like
• Support the players, coaches, and officials in a positive manner
• Treat the visiting team, coaches, and fans with courtesy and respect at all times
• Demonstrate the qualities of civility and sportsmanship at all times
• Refrain from throwing objects onto the field for any reason
• Not become inebriated or belligerent
• Refrain from entering the playing field at any time, including after the game
• Be a positive role model for those around them by treating others with courtesy and respect
• Consequences of not abiding by the Gamecock Fan Code of Conduct could result in relocation of seats, removal from the venue or cancellation of season tickets

Tobacco Policy 

The University of South Carolina is a tobacco-free campus. The policy, which includes the ban of electronic cigarettes, is in effect at all University of South Carolina facilities, as well as surrounding property owned, leased, or controlled by the University. These restrictions apply to all areas of Colonial Life Arena. We request and appreciate your adherence and compliance with this University policy; violators are subject to ejection.

Alcoholic Beverage Policy

Beer and wine will be sold at portable kiosks and by other vendors at Colonial Life Arena. The primary Aramark concession stands will not add beer or wine to its menus in an effort to keep the regular lines moving efficiently. 

Patrons purchasing beer or wine will be carded at the point of sale and will be limited to two beverages per sale. Students are not permitted to use their Carolina Cards to purchase alcohol. Per SEC regulation, beer and wine sales at Colonial Life Arena will end at the end of the third quarter of women’s games and at the 12-minute TV timeout in the second half of men’s games. 

An Aramark Alcohol Compliance Officer will monitor alcohol points of sale on the concourse to ensure proper procedures are carried out. Points of sale will be equipped with ID Scanners for age verification.

Vendors/Political Materials & Solicitations

Soliciting or vending of goods or services is strictly prohibited throughout the Springs Brooks Plaza at Williams-Brice Stadium, as well as lots owned or leased by the University on game day. Distribution of political stickers, brochures, promotional items, or other solicitations is strictly forbidden on properties owned or leased by the University.

ARENA INFORMATION

ARENA GATES

All entry gates will open 1 hour prior to tip. The main entrance for Colonial Life Arena is located on the corner of Green and Lincoln Street. There are secondary entrances located on Greene Street, Lincoln Street, and College Street. 

Be advised that all persons, upon entering property/arena, consent to a search of their person and property at the time of entry and during their stay on the premises. Colonial Life Arena has a no-re-entry policy; tickets can only be scanned for use once.

ARENA MAP

ARENA LIGHTS

Strobes will be used as part of the pregame light show and throughout the game. 

ARENA TICKETS, REFUNDS/RESALES

To offer greater convenience and safety, mobile-only ticketing will provide contactless entry to Colonial Life Arena for all 2022-23 Men’s/Women’s Gamecock Basketball games. To expedite entry and ensure the best possible gameday experience, fans should download their tickets prior to arrival and enter through the gate shown on their mobile ticket. Please review our Digital Ticketing Guide for a step-by-step guide to access mobile tickets and down the Gameday App to manage mobile tickets. Student ticketing details will be sent directly to all eligible students from the Department of Student Life. 

The Ticket Office is located in the Colonial Life Arena atrium and is open one (1) hours prior to tip. Tickets cannot be resold on any University-controlled grounds, including, but not limited to, Colonial Life Arena, and all University controlled/leased parking lots. Lost, stolen, or counterfeit tickets are not the responsibility of management. There is a NO refund or exchange policy in effect on all tickets. Management reserves the right to refuse admission. Every person except children two and under must have a ticket. The holder must present their ticket upon request. It is the responsibility of the ticket holder to be familiar with all ticket usage rules and regulations, which can be found on the back of each ticket.  Additional tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Office if available.

FEATURES FOR PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES

In addition to the main entrance, College and Greene Street are also wheelchair accessible. Once inside the Colonial Life Arena, elevators are available to provide access between levels.

Individuals with disabilities may use the elevators located throughout Colonial Life Arena (see arena diagram for elevator locations). 

HANDICAP SEATING 

Handicap accessible seating is available at various locations throughout the Colonial Life Arena. On the seating charts, they are indicated with the accessible symbol.  Handicap seating is available to the patron with the disability and one guest. Handicap accessible seating is sold on a first-come, first-serve basis by calling (803) 777-4274 Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.  Tickets may be exchanged for handicap seating on the day of the game at the box office if such seating is still available.

ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICE 

Assisted listening devices are available to hearing-impaired guests at no cost. The assisted listening device is a headset that broadcasts the Colonial Life Arena’s Sound System on an FM frequency. Any patron checking out an assisted listening device must leave a driver’s license or a valid form of identification to receive the headset. They are available at the Guest Services kiosk located on the main concourse behind section 118. Please contact (803) 777-9062 within five business days of the event to make arrangements.

INTERPRETATION SERVICES 

Interpretation services for those with a hearing disability are available.  Please contact Colonial Life Arena at (803) 777-9062 within five business days of the event to make arrangements.  If you need assistance while at the Colonial Life Arena, please contact an usher or staff member. In addition, the Guest Services Center is located in the front atrium inside the main entry doors, or the Guest Services Kiosk on the main concourse behind section 118. Any Guest Services Representative will be happy to answer questions you may have. 

GUIDE DOGS/ SERVICE ANIMALS

Trained guide dogs and service animals are permitted/allowed to assist guests inside the arena.  Please notify the arena at the time of ticket purchase if special accommodations are required for the service animal.  All other animals are prohibited.  If you need assistance while at the Colonial Life Arena, please contact an usher or staff member.

FIRST AID

If medical assistance is needed, contact the nearest usher for directions to the closest first aid facility.  There is a first aid room equipped and staffed as a limited treatment station located on the concourse level at the top of section 112 near the College Street entrance.

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

Cameras/phones that elicit a flash are not allowed once the contest begins. Flashes are a distraction to the student-athletes and could potentially present a safety issue.

RECYCLING/ TRASH REMOVAL

The University conveniently places receptacles for the disposal of trash and recyclables throughout the arena and parking areas. Please help us keep the area enjoyable by disposing all bagged trash into these receptacles. Fans are encouraged to utilize recycling containers with appropriate items.

LOST AND FOUND

Any items that have been lost or found should be reported to the Guest Services Kiosk in the main lobby across from the main entry doors. Guests may call (803) 576-9062 during normal business hours to inquire about lost and found items.

LOST PATRONS

Lost patrons and persons looking for lost patrons should proceed immediately to any guest services location throughout the stadium, or notify event staff security, a law enforcement officer, or text the fan help text line (TEXT “USC” [space] along with your issue and location to 69050)

GUEST SERVICES

For any guest service needs, please visit the Guest Services kiosk on the concourse behind section 118 or the Guest Services Center located in the main entrance atrium at the front of Colonial Life Arena.

RESERVE ATMs

Colonial Life Arena will not accept cash at any concession stand. Reverse ATM’s can be found at the box office lobby and on the concourse behind 106/107. Simply exchange your cash for debit card at any Reverse ATM location throughout Colonial Life Arena.

RESTROOMS

Arena restrooms are located throughout the main arena concourse for your convenience.  For Family restrooms, contact the Guest Services kiosk located on the concourse behind section 118.

SECURITY

The University of South Carolina makes every attempt to ensure that all fans are able to enjoy attending the game.  In the unfortunate event that threatening or illegal behavior is observed, guests may contact uniformed security located throughout the arena. Officers from various law enforcement agencies are stationed throughout the arena. Please do not hesitate to report suspicious behavior or unruly fans. Game day law enforcement personnel are coordinated by the USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety at (803) 777-8400.

WILL CALL

The Colonial Life Arena Box Office WILL CALL opens at the same time doors open and is located at the main entrance of Colonial Life Arena.  Please have a valid form of picture ID and the credit card that was used to purchase when picking up tickets left at WILL CALL.  Please be advised WILL CALL lines may be longer on game day and we recommend picking up tickets ahead of time.

FAN HELP TEXT LINE/GAME ENHANCEMENT LINE

If you see something, say something.  Report stadium issues, unruly behavior, or requests for help by texting: “USC” <space> along with your issue and location to 69050. Assistance is available one hour before tipoff and one hour after the game. (Standard SMS rates apply)

For non-emergency postgame concerns, call 803-777-8679 and leave a voice message along with your name and number to express any complaints, issues or suggestions regarding the game day environment.

HOTELS

Preferred hotel partners of the South Carolina Gamecocks. 

• Cambria Hotel Columbia, Downtown The Vista – (803)-728-3355
  • 1000 Lady St. Columbia, SC 29201
• Courtyard Downtown at USC – (803) 799-7800
  • 630 Assembly St, Columbia, SC 29201

• Graduate Columbia – (803) 779-7779
  • 1619 Pendleton St, Columbia, SC 29201

• Hilton Columbia Center – (803) 744-7800
  • 924 Senate St, Columbia, SC 29201

• Hyatt Place Columbia – (803) 978-2013
  • 819 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201

• Tru by Hilton Harbison Columbia – (803) 732-7299
  • 271 Columbiana Dr, Columbia, SC 29212