Dec. 5, 2006
Dear Gamecock Fans:
The South Carolina Gamecocks have been selected to play in the 48th annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee. The Gamecocks will face a 10-win Houston Cougar team, champions of Conference USA. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m. Central time at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Friday, Dec. 29.
The Liberty Bowl has a long and rich tradition of pageantry and the events surrounding the Bowl are considered the crown of the Memphis social scene. One of music’s hottest young stars, two-time Grammy Award winner LeAnn Rimes will bring her unique style to this year ‘s Liberty Bowl Football Classic. Rimes will perform at the President’s Gala and headline the Liberty Bowl’s halftime show.
The Gamecocks will be staying at the world famous Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis, an easy walking distance to Beale Street, where the Blues were born. Bands from across the nation will march on Beale Street during the Liberty Bowl parade, which is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 28. Memphis is of course the birthplace of rock `n roll, and features Graceland, the home of “The King,” Elvis Presley. And if you like dry ribs, you won’t find any better than what you can find in Memphis.
Bowl executives from around the country know that South Carolina is a team on the rise. Coming off a second-straight seven-win season and earning a second straight bowl trip, Coach Spurrier has this program headed in the right direction. We need to show our support to Coach Spurrier and the team by coloring Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Garnet and Black and creating a home field advantage.
Carolina fans have a tremendous reputation for how they travel and support the Gamecocks. Now we are putting that reputation on the line. As our program moves forward and we get in the mix for the upper tier bowl games in the future, those bowl officials make their decision based in part on our past bowl game attendance. We will be measured by our track record and we can make a huge statement with a great turnout in Memphis.
If you want to jump on board and spend part of the Holiday season with the Gamecocks, please contact our ticket office at 803-777-4274 or log on to www.uscsports.com. We look forward to seeing you in Memphis!
Sincerely,
Eric Hyman
Athletics Director
GAMECOCK TICKETS–800.4SC.FANS
GAMECOCK TRAVEL/HOTELS–866-249-6751
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get better seats by ordering from the AutoZone Liberty Bowl?
The Liberty Bowl has made a commitment to offer the Gamecock Nation the best seats available. You are encouraged to purchase tickets from the Gamecock Athletics Ticket Office.
ALL GAMECOCK FANS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE AUTOZONE LIBERTY BOWL. WE HAVE ACCESS TO ENOUGH TICKETS TO ACCOMMODATE ALL WHO WISH TO TRAVEL TO THE MEMPHIS.
2. May I sit with friends that also will be purchasing bowl tickets?
If you wish to order seats with friends or as a group, these applications must be submitted together via mail with an indication written on the application who you would like to sit with. Every attempt will be made to seat you with the group. The ticket allocation for “group orders” will be based on the purchaser with the lowest priority.
3. If I am not a Gamecock Club member or faculty/staff member with season tickets, may I purchase bowl tickets?
Non-Gamecock Club Members may order tickets and they will be filled on a first-come, first served basis.
4. How do I purchase bowl tickets if I am a USC student?
Bowl tickets are available for USC students with a valid student ID. These tickets may be purchased at the Russell House in Room 205 on December 11 and 12. After that date, students may stop by the Colonial Center ticket office to purchase. Tickets will be sold on a first come-first served basis until the student allotment is no longer available.
5. If I am not sure I will be able to attend the bowl, can I place my order and cancel at a later date?
Once tickets have been ordered, we are unable to offer refunds or exchanges on bowl tickets.
6. I would like to mail my application to you. What address should I send it to?
Gamecock Athletics Ticket Office
The Colonial Center
801 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29208
The university closes on Dec. 21, 2006. No applications are able to be received after December 21.
7. Can I resell my tickets on Gamecock Ticket Marketplace?
Bowl tickets are not able to be resold on Gamecock Ticket Marketplace.
8. I am unable to attend the bowl game. Can I buy tickets and donate them back to Gamecock Athletics?
Gamecock Athletics welcomes you to buy tickets and donate them back. The Athletics Department will give the tickets to children, families and staff at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis.
