South Carolina teases Williams-Brice renovation plans. Here are details, next steps

The University of South Carolina is laying the groundwork for the next major renovations inside Williams-Brice Stadium.

Officially, USC’s Board of Trustees on Friday approved Phase 1 of a “Williams-Brice Stadium Development Project.” This includes a feasibility study so that the school can hire architects and contractors for the actual work.

Athletic director Ray Tanner said the goal is for construction to begin after the 2025 football season and “do as much as we possibly can before the ‘26 kick.”

Would the entire renovation be done in a single offseason? Probably not, Tanner noted. But perhaps South Carolina could finish upgrades on the west side of Williams-Brice in one offseason, Tanner said, then tackle construction on the east side the next offseason.

“It’s possible, but you have to hit the marks,” Tanner said. “The weather has to be right. A lot of things have to click.”

In a timeline provided by South Carolina, the entire Phase I project will be completed in August 2027.

The last major renovations that affected Williams-Brice seating came in 1996, when the south end zone changes added 8,000 seats and raised capacity to 80,250. Then, in 2020, club spaces additions and renovations brought capacity down to 77,559.

With the influx of suites and premium space proposed in this renovation, the total capacity for Williams-Brice Stadium — which is currently at 77,559 — will take a hit.

“We would not go under 70 (thousand seats),” Tanner said. “Probably low 70s when it’s all said and done — if we do the whole thing.”

According to South Carolina, the renovation will cost $180 million to $200 million and will primarily be funded by “capital gifts, premium seating sales and licensing, and related annual revenue.”

Among the options for what could be done, in a presentation made Friday to the BOT by Derek S. Gruner, USC architect and associate vice president of facilities planning, design and construction:

▪ USC wants to create a master plan for renovating Williams-Brice, Gruner said, with the west stands being the “most advantageous” for upgrades. That’s the side not in the direct afternoon sun, the same side where the stadium’s press box and existing suites are.

The emphasis will be on the addition of premium suites. Early ideas for the 100 level include the possible addition of 18 traditional suites and eight founders suites.

The west side currently has 18 traditional suites, and that figure is believed to be the lowest in the SEC. For reference, Texas A&M has 140 premium suites, Georgia has 86, Florida boasts 80 and Kentucky has 67. In-state rival Clemson has 95.

The Gamecocks have have a long waiting list to buy such suites, leaders have said. At a cost of nearly $100,000 a year each, they are big revenue drivers for the schools that have them.

Tanner said South Carolina would like to get “just inside 90 (suites) when it’s all said and done,” including doubling the number on the west side from 18 to 36 — all of which, Tanner said, will be brand-new suites.

According to the press release sent by South Carolina, the “optimal future suite number” is 83, which would rank 11th in the SEC.

▪ A large premium club and additional suites are possible at the 200 level, Gruner said.

▪ Other than those suites and premium spaces, the school could target improvements to ground level concourse areas, restroom improvements and other new club space.

Williams-Brice Stadium history

1930s: The stadium as originally built opened in 1934 and included 17,500 seats with $82,000 of funding, according to published reports. It was known as Columbia Municipal Stadium and became Carolina Stadium in 1941.

1960s: Stadium growth brings capacity to around 43,000.

1971-1972: Entire west side of stadium is replaced, including a new lower grandstand and the addition of an upper deck that cost $6.9 million and raised capacity to 56,400 seats. The name was officially changed to Williams-Brice Stadium.

1982: An upper deck was added above the existing east side stands, raising capacity to 72,000. Work cost $10.2 million.

1995: $9.9 million went toward west side luxury suites, club seats and a new press box.

1996: $13.5 million spent on south end zone project, 8,000 seats added. Capacity raised to 80,250.

2005: $3 million for Crews Building/weight room and meeting rooms on south side of stadium.

2012: $6.5 million video board added to north end zone.

2012: Gamecock Park tailgating area opens beside Williams-Brice at a cost of $30.5 million ($15 million for the site and $15.5 million for construction/landscaping).

2015: $14.5 million Springs Brooks Plaza opens surrounding the stadium.

2020: $22.5 million spent on club spaces additions and renovations. Capacity down to 77,559.

2022: $11 million for new stadium lights, sound upgrades, new west side elevators.