Aug. 18, 2010

College Colors Day, an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the traditions and spirit that embody the college experience, is coming to Williams-Brice Stadium! This year, all South Carolina Gamecock fans will help the nation ring in the tradition as it plays host to the University of Southern Mississippi in the annual College Colors Day Kickoff on the eve of the big day. College Colors Day will be celebrated on Sept. 3, 2010.

“The Kickoff is a fantastic way for South Carolina fans across the state and country to gear up and show their enthusiasm for Gamecock athletics,” said Steve Spurrier, University of South Carolina head football coach. “We trust the entire community will unite and wear their garnet and black on College Colors Day.”

“I cannot think of a better way to showcase the spirit of the Gamecock Nation than the opportunity to host the College Colors Day Kickoff,” said University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides. “College Colors Day celebrates the spirit of higher learning and the tradition of college sports, and we are honored to have been chosen as ambassadors for such an exciting event.”

College Colors Day, which coincides with “back to school” and the kick-off of intercollegiate athletics, encourages fans across America to wear their favorite college or university apparel throughout the day on Friday, Sept. 3.

Additionally, College Colors Day, in partnership with NCAA football, strives to advocate higher education through increased public awareness and celebrates the achievements of colleges and universities, acknowledging their fundamental importance.

To further celebrate College Colors Day, South Carolina is encouraging middle schools in Columbia to promote the importance of higher education. Middle school teachers can register their school or class at www.trademarks.sc.edu to receive College Colors Day and South Carolina-themed posters, stickers, and games to encourage participation. The middle school selected based on their gamecock spirit bulletin board, will be presented with a game ball at the September 2 football game. The College Colors Day Kickoff will be played at Williams-Brice Stadium at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be televised on ESPN.

The annual College Colors Day celebration is organized by The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), a division of IMG Worldwide.

“We are thrilled to have an institution with such a rich history and a passion for college athletics like South Carolina hosting this year’s annual College Colors Day Kickoff,” said Kit Walsh, CLC’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “Fans should sport their Gamecock gear to the stadium Thursday night and on Friday, head to campus or work in garnet and black to officially celebrate College Colors Day.”

For more information on College Colors Day, please visit www.collegecolorsday.com www.facebook.com/collegecolorsday.