Dec. 15, 2016

If you’re heading to Birmingham, Ala., to watch the Gamecocks play in the Birmingham Bowl against South Florida on Thursday, December 29, let us help you find some more things to do and see before and after the game.

Having a bowl game just a short drive away means you can probably get there on one tank of gas from South Carolina, and the postseason gives us one more chance to fire up the grill and tailgate. We hope Gamecock fans will enjoy the trip and bring home a win!

Don’t forget, the Gamecock fan headquarters for the Birmingham Bowl will be located at Mugshots and is just steps away from the Uptown Street Fest and Pep Rally scheduled for Wednesday, December 28. Gamecock fans are welcome to drop into Mugshots on Wednesday, December 28 as we prepare to face the South Florida Bulls!

Here’s a quick list of some of the top things we’ve found to see and do while you visit Birmingham.

MORE SPORTS

If the Bowl game isn’t enough to satisfy your sports craving, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame showcases famous athletes from the state such as Olympic great Jesse Owens, baseball legend Hank Aaron, heavyweight champion Joe Louis as well as the most famous football stars such as Ken Stabler and Bok Jackson. The Negro Southern League Museum is also a must-see and is free of charge.

You can also check out the Barber Motorsports Museum, which is home to one of the world’s biggest motorcycle collections with more than 1,200 vintage and modern motorcycles and racecars.

If you have time for golf, Birmingham has two courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, one of which is the third longest course in the world.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Need a good place to eat and meet up with fellow Gamecocks? There are plenty of places in different parts of town to fill your needs (and stomachs). The Uptown Birmingham Entertainment District features a wide variety of eateries including The Southern Kitchen, Texas De Brazil, and Todd English Pub, just to name a few. The familiar-sounding 5 Points South area includes Dreamland BBQ, Cosmos Pizza, Highlands Bar & Grill, and Hot and Hot Fish Club. Avondale includes fun eateries such as the Avondale Brewing Company, Saw’s Soul Kitchen, and Rowe’s Service Station.

HISTORY/DISCOVERY

Birmingham was a big part of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, and the Civil Rights District is a good place learn more about it. Bowl teams normally tour the area each year, including a visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (Pictured right). You can also take a cellphone tour of the area.

The McWane Science Center is also nearby, and has four floors of hands-on exhibits and an IMAX Dome Theatre. The exhibits include everything from dinosaurs to space travel.

CULTURE

Music and art are big part of the Birmingham scene. The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame has many interactive exhibits and pays homage to some of the all-time greats. The Birmingham Museum of Art has one of the largest collections in the Southeast with more than 24,000 pieces on display, representing a wide variety of cultures, including Asian, European, American, African, and Native American.

GREAT SPOT FOR A SELFIE

If you want to get a panoramic view of the city with something unique, snap a picture of near the Vulcan, which is largest cast iron statue in the world. No, it’s not Mr. Spock. It’s the burly Roman god of fire who watches over the city and is a symbol of the city’s iron origins.

For more information on attractions and dining, download the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau app by searching “IN Birmingham” in the app store. You can also visit the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau website www.inbirmingham.com.

Need tickets for the game? Ticket requests may be submitted online at www.gamecocksonline.com/tickets or by calling the ticket office at 800-4SC-FANS (472-3267).