Family Weekend Football Game

Our signature Tailgate Party and South Carolina v. Akron football game will be a highlight of the weekend. Plan ahead to have the most memorable time!

 

Game Day Policies and Football Ticket Access

Learn more about football gameday policies. Use the digital ticketing guide to assist with accessing football tickets. To prevent unnecessary stress, we recommend downloading tickets before Saturday. Download the South Carolina Gamecocks App (available in both Apple App Store and Google Play). Review detailed instructions on accessing and managing digital tickets.

If you need assistance with accessing football tickets, contact the Athletic Ticketing Office at 803-777-4274 or speak with athletics during check-in at the Russell House Ballroom both Thursday and Friday of Family Weekend.  

Accessibility and Accommodations

The university makes Family Weekend widely accessible for those with disabilities. For families that purchased football tickets with wristbands, please reach out to [email protected] and let us know your specific need so we can work with athletics to adjust seating as needed.

For any other accommodation needs, please email [email protected] for assistance.

 

Family Weekend Tailgate Party

The Family Weekend Tailgate Party will be held from 4- 7 p.m. (3.5 hours before kickoff). Plan to leave early enough to allow time to enjoy both the Tailgate Party and the game.  We suggest wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for hot, humid weather. 

Entry: Families and USC students must wear Family Weekend wristbands to enter the Tailgate Party. 

Drink Tickets: Bring your drink tickets for family members aged 21+. No additional tickets are provided at the event.  

Seating: We encourage families to bring a picnic blanket to relax on during the tailgate. Please remember that anything you bring must be taken with you to the stadium. 

Prohibited Items: Outside beverages are not allowed at the tailgate. For more details, check the football game day information.

Arrival: There is no waiting space available at the entrance to the Tailgate Party. We encourage you to explore the stadium area and enjoy the tailgate festivities at Gamecock Village if you arrive early for the Tailgate Party.

Getting to the Tailgate Party

Ride the Gameday Shuttle, which picks up from three campus locations and drops off at the State Fairgrounds near the stadium, or drive directly to the stadium.

Riding the Gameday Shuttle

• Pre-game: Shuttles start running at 1:30 p.m. (6 hours before kickoff) and pick up at:  Russell House, 1400 Greene Street Lincoln @ Devine Street and Campus Village.
• Pre-game: The walk from the shuttle drop-off at the fairgrounds to the tailgate location is about 1.1 miles.
• Post-game: Meet the shuttle at the same fairgrounds drop-off point to return to your original pickup location. 
• Post-game: The shuttle will run for 90 minutes after the game, with limited service during the game.

Shuttle Tips

• Be patient! Our transportation staff is working hard to get families to the Tailgate Party, but it may take some time.
• Wear your Family Weekend wristband to ride the shuttle.
• No coolers, food, or drinks are allowed on the shuttles, except for sealed water bottles.
• Pay attention to the shuttle drop-off. After the game, you'll meet the shuttle again at the drop-off point inside the fairgrounds, which will return you to your original pickup location.
• Need additional details? Visit Gameday Shuttles.

Driving and Parking

• If you plan to drive to the stadium, plan parking ahead of time. Paid parking lots surround the stadium but parking is not guaranteed.
• There is no parking available at the Tailgate Party location. 
  
  

Walking Directions From Shuttle Drop-Off To Family Weekend Tailgate Party

• After exiting the shuttle (within the State Fairgrounds), walk south towards George Rogers Boulevard (the stadium will be in front of you).
• As you approach George Rogers Boulevard, cross at the pedestrian crossing to the other side.
• Turn right on George Rogers Boulevard, and continue walking on the sidewalk (keeping next to the stadium).
• Continue to walk on the sidewalk south (the stadium will be on your left). Gamecock Park will be ahead, and you will cross Bluff Road at the pedestrian crossing.
• After crossing Bluff Road turn left and walk along the sidewalk toward National Guard Road.
• Continue straight until you reach National Guard Road, then turn right. You will walk past the entrance to cross at the pedestrian crossing to enter the Tailgate Party.
• Look for the big white tents and banner at the entrance of the Family Weekend Tailgate Party.

Remember to follow the instructions of law enforcement officers stationed at each crossing location.