South Carolina athletic director Jeremiah Donati addressed questions about Williams-Brice Stadium’s naming rights following news that Blanchard CAT and Blanchard CAT Rentals secured a five-year deal to feature their logo on the stadium’s playing surface.
“It’s going to always be named Williams-Brice Stadium,” Donati told the Post and Courier’s David Cloninger. “As far as our other venues, they’re kind of next up.”
Longtime fans concerned about the stadium’s iconic look can rest easy — the signature palmetto trees and SEC logo will remain part of the field design, Cloninger reported, citing a source.
While The State reported that the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, Donati described it as “the largest individual investment into our athletics program.”
Nick Kistler, general manager of Gamecock Sports Properties, emphasized the distinction between the branding agreement and a name change. “This is simply branding the field,” Kistler told The State. “It is not naming (the field.) That’s a big distinction.”
The Gamecocks will host their home opener at Williams-Brice Stadium on Sept. 6 against South Carolina State. This season will be the last before the start of a $350 million renovation project at the venue.
