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To OUR Fans…

South Carolina Athletics would not be where it is today without the support of our amazing fans like yourself. Your endless support allows our student-athletes to succeed both in the classroom and on the court.

We’re excited to announce a new journey that will establish a new vision that could revolutionize the fan and student-athlete experience. We know this journey will also revolutionize the city of Columbia, the State of South Carolina and college athletics as a whole.

This isn’t a journey we will be on alone, this is a journey we all will be on together, as Gamecocks, as we create Our Future.

Developing Our Vision

In what could become the most exciting and comprehensive development project ever undertaken in the Midlands, the University of South Carolina has started the process to determine the feasibility of a major modernization of Williams-Brice Stadium that could also pave the way for the development of more than 800 acres of undeveloped USC property situated adjacent the Congaree River, west of the existing Long Family Football Operations Facility. The project will not include moving Williams-Brice Stadium from its current location or acquiring and developing the State Fairgrounds.

We have issued a formal Request for Information (RFI), which is the first step in determining the potential scope of the project as well as identifying possible development partners who have an interest in pursuing a comprehensive land use agreement with the university. The RFI results are due back to the university at the beginning of March and will provide the university with an informed understanding of current industry capabilities and practices to better determine how it moves forward with the procurement.

The eventual agreement could generate significant private funding for improvements to Williams-Brice Stadium, allowing for the expansion of the venue’s use for other public events in addition to football games.

A second phase of the project is the potential for continued private development of more than 17 acres adjacent to Colonial Life Arena, west of Park Street.

“We believe this could be a game changer for our university. These projects are envisioned to create a fan experience second-to-none in college athletics. We are also looking at expanding the variety of events and opportunities these enhancements can bring, which will positively impact the local community.”
Ray Tanner - South Carolina Athletics Director
“We have a once in a generation opportunity to move forward on needed facility improvements through a partnership that doesn’t require public financing. We intend to develop a project and select a partner who has a strong track record of creating commercial projects that benefit the entire community through job creation and new businesses that will make Columbia and the Midlands more vibrant than ever.”
Ed Walton - USC's Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer

FAQ

  • What is the project? Toggle content

    The university has started the process to determine the feasibility of a major modernization of Williams-Brice Stadium through a comprehensive land use agreement with a private developer.  This project is split into two phases.  The first is development of areas adjacent to and including the existing footprint of Williams-Brice Stadium as well as more than 800 acres of undeveloped property the University owns and/or controls along the Congaree River west of the existing Long Family Football Operations Facility.

    The second phase is 17 acres adjacent to Colonial Life Arena nearer the core of its Columbia campus that currently includes surface parking and related property owned or leased by the University.

  • Why is the project needed? Toggle content

    USC wants to deliver the best possible gameday experience to all its fans. While significant renovations to Williams-Brice Stadium have been made to the stadium in recent years, these projects will aim to provide a gameday experience that is unprecedented in college athletics.

    The project would also allow for the expansion of the venue’s use for other public events in addition to football games. In addition, future private commercial development on leased land would create new employment opportunities and make the Midlands a more vibrant place to live, work and recreate.

  • What are the goals for the development of the project? Toggle content

    There are four major goals for this project, set by the University:

    • Make improvements to Williams-Brice Stadium that enhance the fan experience and allowing for the expansion of the venue’s use for other public events in addition to football games
    • Fund those improvements through a Master Development Agreement or a Ground Lease of existing university property. This will generate revenue without burdening taxpayers, students or fans.
    • Leverage existing University owned or controlled properties to generate the new customer-based cashflows necessary for improvements
    • Ensure that the leveraged use of university property has positive, broad, year-round economic impact for the Midlands community.

     

  • How could this project affect my season tickets or membership dues? Toggle content

    We are committed to having this project be an enhancement to the fan and student-athlete experience. Our mission is to provide our members with improved experiences without significant financial increases.

  • What is the timeline for this project? Toggle content

    The RFI results are due back to the university at the beginning of March and will help inform a decision to create an eventual Request for Proposal (RFP) for those interested in continuing in the selection process for construction of the development. This website will be updated as new information is released. You can also sign up for the newsletter below to stay up to date.

  • Is the University purchasing the Fairgrounds or any other new property as part of this project? Toggle content

    No. We plan to utilize the value of existing property, as opposed to creating new debt.

  • What is a Request for Information (RFI) phase? Toggle content

    The RFI is solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation of future business, an offer for procurement, or an offer of expectation of any other type of current or future procurement or contractual action. It is only intended to gather input and is for market research purposes only.

    Before soliciting proposals, the University may issue a Request for Qualification (RFQ) from prospective offerors and the University will conduct an evaluation of all submitted qualifications. The required information will focus on qualifications, experience and the ability to perform the requirements. Subsequently, these Offerers will be invited to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFP will ask for detailed written proposals, including proposal development documents and to make a formal presentation to the University.

Are you interested?

While we are only in the beginning stages of this process, it will be some time before we determine what could be included in this project. Complete the form below if you’re interested in staying up to date as things progress.