Aug. 27, 2008

University of South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier is introducing a new gameday tradition at Williams-Brice Stadium, known as the “Gamecock Walk.” The Gamecock Walk will debut Thursday prior to the Gamecocks’ home opener against North Carolina State.

Fans are encouraged to line up in the parking lot on the southwest corner of Williams-Brice Stadium and greet the players as they arrive at the stadium approximately two hours and 15 minutes prior to game time (5:45 p.m. on Thursday).

“If our players want to high-five the fans and give them a fist bump or something like that, we’re going to do it,” Coach Spurrier said. “It seems like every school in the nation’s doing that now and we’ve not done it. We’re going to start doing that.

“I think our players need to know the importance of playing football for the University of South Carolina. And our fans are the ones that have demonstrated how important it is.”

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. and the contest will be televised nationally by ESPN.