By james art The University of South Carolina unveiled the early stages of Phase 1 of its plan to upgrade Williams-Brice Stadium during a Board of Trustees meeting Friday afternoon.
The board approved a request for proposals (RFP) process to retain an architectural firm to design the initial phase of new stadium improvements.
“Today is an important day for our institution and I hope it is the beginning of many important milestones ahead as we realize this incredibly transformative vision for athletics and our football program that will impact all areas of our university and region,” said board chairman Thad H. Westbrook.
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Friday’s approval, which came after a year of developing a master plan for the stadium, represents the next major step in a long-term plan to revitalize the 90-year-old structure.
Initially, the upgrades appear to prioritize improvements to the West Stand with an emphasis on the creation of additional revenue-generating suites and the Premium Club. Compared to South Carolina’s SEC brethren, Williams-Brice has a woeful lack of premium suites that should generate revenue and, in theory, pay off over time. South Carolina is currently last in the SEC in premium flats.
While the renderings and specifics released so far were the result of a feasibility study focused on the west stands, approval of Phase 1 will allow architects, engineers and contractors to continue planning and consider major changes to the east side and potentially minor improvements to the north tribune.
University architect Derek S. Gruner said they hope to take a holistic approach that not only focuses on immediate upgrades but will allow them to use the schemes designed for other parts of the stadium during Phase 1 to move seamlessly to Phase 2 at a later date.
Back to Phase 1, a project description provided to the media says 30 traditional apartments and six larger founder suites could be added to the 100 and 200 levels on the west side, possibly replacing the 18 apartments that currently are in this area of the stadium. It will also add elevators and utility space.
That would potentially raise the stadium’s total number of suites to 36 with hopes of eventually bringing the number to 83. The median among SEC football stadiums is 90.
Improvements will also be explored for the main level concourse and ground level concourse, which could include a Bunker Club, new restrooms and new concessions on this side of the stadium.
Significant potential changes are also being considered for other areas of the stadium, improving the game day experience for all fans.
Construction activities on Phase 1 are scheduled to begin at the end of the 2025 football season and will be completed before the start of the 2027 football season.
No matches are expected to be moved from the stadium due to construction.
The improvements will likely come with one downside in some people’s eyes — another reduction in seating capacity, though Ray Tanner said capacity won’t drop below 70,000.
South Carolina consulted with the Nations Group, one of the nation’s leading experts in stadium development; widespread market research and resulting analysis from Elevate, a leader in stadium and premium seating; and comprehensive financial modeling by USC staff.
Funding for the potential project would come from capital gifts, suite and premium seat purchases, and related revenue streams, according to a release.
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In 2022, South Carolina added LED lights, new band boards and an upgraded distributed sound system to its home stadium experience.
Previously, the Williams-Brice Stadium 2020 project, one of the largest renovations in the stadium’s history, introduced the 2001 Club, Traditions Club, Cockaboose Club and Horseshoe Club, as well as new box seating options, while making smaller upgrades to the bathrooms and groups around the facility.
This round of upgrades, which reduced capacity from 80,250 to 77,579, was also done with an eye to the future.
The reimagining of Williams-Brice Stadium comes amid ongoing efforts to engage a developer to create a retail, dining and lodging district near the stadium.
In June, South Carolina issued a formal request for proposal (RFP) to spur development on nearly 900 acres of land near the Congaree River and the football stadium.
According to the release, the RFP, described as “the next critical step in a long process” by Tanner, seeks to identify private development partners willing to pursue a comprehensive land use agreement with the university.
The release said the eventual agreement could bring new recreation, dining, lodging and retail opportunities to the area, which includes 885 acres of undeveloped property owned by USC adjacent to the Congaree River, west of the existing football facility. Long Family operations, and 12 additional acres near Williams-Brice Stadium.
In February 2023, South Carolina released a formal request for information (RFI) for the same project.
USC Athletics will share additional details with the community as the design process progresses. For more information on the Williams-Brice Stadium project, click here.
