Dec. 23, 2008

University of South Carolina Athletics Director Eric Hyman has proposed to the Gamecock Club Executive Committee and its Board of Directors that Gamecock Club membership contributions for the 2009 calendar year be held at 2008 levels, it was announced today.

“It is important that we are sensitive to our donors in these challenging economic times,” said Hyman. “With the downturn in the economy, we have been discussing our options internally and believe this is the best way to give some relief to our loyal Gamecock fans, while still allowing us to move forward with the many initiatives that we currently have in place.”

The freezing of membership level contributions applies to all Gamecock Club gifts being given for 2010 benefits. It does not apply to gifts being given by Dec. 31, 2008 or Feb. 27, 2009 for 2009 benefits.

“The Gamecock Club is the lifeblood of the Gamecock Nation,” said Chip Comer, Chairman of the Gamecock Club Board of Directors. “By addressing the Gamecock Club dues increases rather than the YES program, we have affected all of our Gamecock fans, rather than only those with football tickets. When Eric approached our board leadership with this concept, we were in full support and felt that it is the right thing to do.”

The Gamecock Club Board of Directors is expected to formally address Hyman’s recommendation at its next meeting, which is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2009.

The Gamecock Club, with over 12,000 members, raises more then $14 million annually for Carolina student-athlete scholarships.