Jan. 19, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. –
The University of South Carolina Athletics Department has announced the launch of the “Garnet Army” student fan club for Gamecock basketball. The official launch of the new student fan section will take place this Wednesday, Jan. 21, in conjunction with the men’s basketball contest against Florida, which starts at 7 p.m. A special student appreciation celebration with a pre-game pep rally will take place prior to tipoff, with the distribution of the “Garnet Army” T-shirts – free to the first 750 students, special on-court promotions, free pizza and a pre-game and halftime performance from the dance group Fanny Pak, who fans may remember from MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, will highlight the event.

In early November, approximately 250 students participated in a competition in which they were asked to create a name for the student section for both men’s and women’s basketball games. Close to 350 possible names were submitted, with Cockpit, Cocky’s Corner and Garnet Army emerging as the top three choices. A committee consisting of athletics marketing, basketball personnel and student government made the final decision on the official name for the student section.

Videos of Fanny Pak and a special Cocky promotional video can be found on the Gamecocks’ official Facebook page located at www.GamecocksOnline.com/facebook. The videos and additional event information can be found by clicking the game link for Wednesday’s men’s hoops game versus Florida under the upcoming events section.

Below is an itinerary of Wednesday’s events.

Student Appreciation Night – Wednesday, January, 21, 5:30-6:45 p.m.
5:30 p.m. Doors open, T-shirts distributed at student entrance (first 750 students receive free Garnet Army T-shirt)
6:00 p.m. Students chosen for on court promotion
6:10 p.m. In stands promotions
6:15 p.m. Pizzas are passed out
6:35 p.m. Pre-game Fanny Pack Performance
6:40-6:45 p.m. Student Half court shots
7 p.m. Game begins
Halftime – Fanny Pack Performance