COLUMBIA, S.C. — The wait is over! South Carolina women’s basketball tips off the 2025–26 season on Monday, Nov. 3, and Gamecock fans — affectionately known as FAMS — have plenty to look forward to both on and off the court this year.
To start, fans can enhance their game-day experience with the Fast Break Pass, an exclusive add-on that allows early entry into Colonial Life Arena 90 minutes before tipoff — a full 30 minutes ahead of general admission. The pass also grants access to faster concession lines. A full-season pass (16 games) costs $125, while single-game passes are priced according to individual ticket costs. Passes are available now at Ticketmaster or via the QR code displayed outside the arena on game days.
Before Monday’s opener, fans are encouraged to arrive early for a special ring ceremony honoring the 2024–25 SEC Championship and Final Four team. The ceremony will begin around 6:40 p.m., setting the stage for an exciting start to the new season.
Fan Engagement: Chalk Talks and Shuttle Service
Season ticket holders can once again enjoy Chalk Talks presented by Atkins Law, a Gamecock tradition where fans get insider discussions about the team’s strategy. Five sessions will be held this season in the Frank McGuire Club at Colonial Life Arena, limited to 300 attendees each. Sessions will take place 75 minutes before tipoff for the following games:
- Nov. 19 vs. Winthrop (7 p.m.)
- Dec. 28 vs. Providence (12 p.m.)
- Jan. 11 vs. Georgia (2 p.m.)
- Feb. 5 vs. Mississippi State (6:30 p.m.)
- Feb. 22 vs. Ole Miss (12 p.m.)
To make attending games even easier, free shuttle service will be available for select matchups this year. Fans can park at Founders Park and ride to Colonial Life Arena for no charge during these dates:
- Nov. 11 vs. Clemson
- Jan. 15 vs. Texas
- Jan. 25 vs. Vanderbilt
- Feb. 8 vs. Tennessee
- Feb. 12 vs. Ole Miss
- Feb. 26 vs. Missouri
Shuttles will run three hours before tipoff until one hour after the final buzzer.
Hear from Coach Dawn Staley
Head coach Dawn Staley will appear at Carolina Calls at Backstreets Grill throughout the season. Fans can catch her live on Nov. 6, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, and Mar. 10, with each session starting at 7 p.m.
New Rules to Watch This Season
Gamecock fans will notice a few updates in college basketball this season. The SEC has introduced timeout clocks, visible just below the shot clock, helping fans track breaks in play and intermissions before overtime periods.
The NCAA has also rolled out several rule changes. A few are visual — such as no longer requiring players to tuck in jerseys and standardizing colors for tights, knee sleeves, and legwear. Others aim to improve pace, including a 20-second shot clock reset when the offense retains possession in the frontcourt after a dead ball.
Perhaps the most notable change is the introduction of coaches’ appeals. Coaches may now challenge four types of rulings:
- Out-of-bounds violations
- Backcourt violations
- Whether team control changed before a foul (if it affects free throws)
- If a foul was charged to the correct player
Appeals can be made at any time within the proper window, with no limit to how many can be used. However, unsuccessful appeals cost a timeout — and if the team has none remaining, it results in a technical foul and two free throws for the opposing team.
With fan-friendly experiences, new rule twists, and the promise of another thrilling season under Dawn Staley, Gamecock Nation has plenty to cheer for as South Carolina begins its quest for another championship run. 🏀🐔
