Gamecock Park

Stadium-Adjacent Venue

Gamecock Park is a multi-use facility located in Columbia, South Carolina, adjacent to Williams-Brice Stadium, home of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team. The park opened in 2012 on the site of the former South Carolina State Farmers Market, covering approximately 50 acres.

Designed as a "parking lot within a park" concept, Gamecock Park serves primarily as a premium tailgating venue for football games and other sporting events. The spacious layout provides ample room for tents, chairs, and tailgating setups.

Distinctive Features

The central feature is the Garnet Way, a grassy promenade lined with scarlet oak trees that provides a route for the marching band, cheerleaders, and football team to parade through on their way to the stadium.

The park incorporates sustainable design elements, including wells for irrigation, infiltration trenches and bio-retention cells to manage stormwater runoff, and over 900 trees to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Tailgating Experience

Gamecock Park is renowned for its electric gameday atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the open spaces that allow for comfortable tailgating setups with plenty of room to spread out.

During events, food trucks are often present, offering a variety of dining options for those who didn't bring their own food. On special game days, there may also be kid-friendly attractions like bouncy castles in the food truck area.

Amenities

The park features multiple restroom facilities throughout the grounds that are generally well-maintained, even during busy game days.

Visitors with dogs are welcome in the park, though owners are expected to clean up after their pets and ensure they are well-behaved.

Traffic Considerations

Due to its popularity and proximity to the stadium, traffic management can be challenging after major events. Visitors planning to attend high-attendance games may want to consider extending their tailgating time after the event to avoid the immediate post-game congestion.

History and Recognition

Much of the pre-existing material from the former farmers market was recycled or repurposed during construction.

Beyond game days, Gamecock Park supports various events throughout the year, such as concerts, food festivals, and art fairs. The facility has received multiple awards for its design and sustainability features, including recognition from the American Society of Landscape Architects.