Feb. 7, 2005

Columbia, S.C. –
Gamecock fans will get to see a preview of the 2005 South Carolina football team at the Garnet and Black Spring Game, Saturday, April 16 at 1 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium. Admission is free and Carolina officials are hoping for a record crowd. The biggest crowd on record at a previous Gamecock spring game is 19,200 in 1999; however, crowds in excess of 20,000 were reportedly the norm during the mid-1980s when Coach Joe Morrison’s teams were at their zenith.

First-year head coach Steve Spurrier and his staff will open spring practice March 22. Coach Spurrier says he is likewise looking forward to a large crowd for the Garnet and Black game.

“Hopefully, we’ll have a great turnout on April 16,” said Coach Spurrier. “I always think it’s an important test to see how our players perform with a large crowd in the stands. It should be an exciting afternoon at Williams-Brice Stadium.”

Coach Spurrier said that the school plans to honor the 1969 Gamecock team at the Garnet and Black Game. That Carolina squad won the Atlantic Coast Conference championship and played in the Peach Bowl.