Aug. 21, 2014

The clock is ticking down to the start of another season, but there is still time to get a great deal on season tickets for South Carolina soccer. Now you can purchase a joint season ticket for the 2014 season to see the Gamecock men and women’s soccer teams for only $25 for adults and $10 for youth (17 and under). With each team hosting 11 regular season games, every season ticket gives fans 22 matches to enjoy at Stone Stadium.

“Our soccer coaches and student-athletes put a great product on the field,” said Josh Waters, director of marketing. “In the past few years, both teams have finished in the top of their conferences in average attendance and with the even lower price this season, we hope to see an increase in the attendance. We like to make our soccer games and all of our sports as family-friendly as possible and combining the two season tickets makes it even more affordable for families to attend.”

The goal is to sell 500 season tickets this year, and anyone who purchases a season soccer ticket will also receive a free Gamecock soccer scarf. Attendance at South Carolina soccer games skyrocketed last year with a 51% increase in attendance for the men’s games and a staggering 89% increase in attendance for the women’s games.

“It’s a great thing because a lot of families have boys and girls, so they follow both programs,” men’s soccer coach Mark Berson said. “Our home winning percentage is always excellent and that’s due to the support that we have.”

Coach Shelley Smith’s women’s team went undefeated at home last year with 11 consecutive victories at Stone Stadium, while Berson’s team only lost two of its nine home matches last year.

“I’m excited about the support we’ve seen,” Smith said. “It’s a great deal for the community to purchase the joint season tickets, but it’s also a great opportunity to see some tremendous soccer being played. We’re one of the best venues you’ll find in the country. The crowds do make a difference. We were 11-0 at home last year, and we have great fans so it makes it hard for opponents to come here and play.”

The time is also right to pass along a great deal to Gamecock fans thanks to the recent FIFA World Cup peaking the interest of more sports fans.

“For men’s soccer, we are one of only two programs to have a member of the World Cup team for the last four World Cup tournaments,” Waters said. “I think that speaks volumes to the talent level that fans can see here.”

Both teams will face nationally ranked competition and both will also play host to rival Clemson in 2014. There will also be a pair of doubleheaders, giving fans the opportunity to watch both teams on the same day.

“We host a great family environment,” Waters said. “We have a bounce house for kids to play in, plenty of good parking around the stadium, Cocky is always present, and you get a great chance to watch two of the best soccer programs in the entire country.”

So to sum up: Great teams, great facility, and a great deal!

Fans can purchase tickets online at GamecocksOnline.com, or by calling the Gamecock Ticket Office at 1-800-4SC-FANS.