South Carolina Women’s Basketball Eyes Another Attendance Record – Can Fans Deliver?
Dawn Staley had plenty to discuss with Brad Muller, but one of the biggest talking points was South Carolina’s continued dominance in women’s basketball attendance records. The Gamecocks have led the nation in attendance every season since 2014-2015, the same year A’ja Wilson began her legendary career in Columbia.
Now, after setting all-time records for total and average attendance during their undefeated 2023-2024 national championship run, South Carolina is on the verge of making history again. With March Madness approaching, the Gamecocks could break their own records once more.
A Record-Breaking Moment on the Horizon
With the Colonial Life Arena needing just 18,000 more fans next week to surpass last year’s total attendance record of 273,133, the milestone seems inevitable. South Carolina will host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, and assuming a victory in the opener against a likely 16-seed, the numbers should fall into place.
However, there’s one potential obstacle—March Madness ticket sales. Unlike regular-season games, NCAA Tournament rounds don’t always sell out due to fluctuating schedules and increased prices. Even so, Staley remains confident that Gamecock Nation, known as the FAMs, will deliver.
“If you challenge the FAMs, they’ll come through,” Staley said. She believes breaking the record will be “easy” for such a passionate fanbase.
Chasing More History
If South Carolina surpasses 273,133 fans, they won’t just claim the total attendance record—they’ll also break their own average attendance record. With the second round of the tournament marking the Gamecocks’ 17th home game of the 2024-2025 season, the numbers are lining up perfectly for another historic achievement.
When to Watch & Get Tickets
Fans eager to witness history will have to wait for the Selection Sunday announcement to see exactly when South Carolina will play. The reveal airs at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 16th, on ESPN, with live streaming available on the ESPN app.
For the Gamecocks, history is on the line—and for Dawn Staley and her team, there’s no doubt the fans will rise to the occasion once again.
