South Carolina Eyes Major Development Plans Around Williams-Brice Stadium
In May, the University of South Carolina revealed updated renovation plans for Williams-Brice Stadium — featuring exciting upgrades such as two new videoboards, 43 luxury suites on the west side (up from the current 18), air-conditioned student areas, enhanced restrooms, and more. But even with those upgrades in motion, fans and locals have long been asking another question: what’s happening with the nearly 900 acres of land surrounding the stadium?
USC athletic director Jeremiah Donati addressed that during a recent interview with The State, confirming that the school is actively exploring development opportunities.
“We are in the RFP (Request for Proposal) process and we expect as we get into the fall, we’ll have more updates there,” Donati said. “We’ve got a tremendous amount of interest from some potential partners that would provide a ton of value to Columbia and to that area. So that’s very exciting.”
Currently, South Carolina is accepting proposals from developers interested in utilizing portions—or all—of the land. Once a design is selected, USC will enter a land-lease agreement with the chosen developer. The university retains ownership of the property, while the developer pays to build and operate businesses on it. Over time, this would generate a new stream of revenue for the school through lease payments and business activity.
While ideas have floated around for years—particularly about transforming the land behind the football practice facility, much of which sits in a flood zone—Donati indicated that some concepts, like a golf course, may come further down the line.
“The golf stuff is for later days,” he said.
What’s likely to come first is the development of a vibrant, multi-use entertainment district on 6.6 acres directly east of the stadium—currently used as parking lots.
“Whether it’s condos, hotel, restaurants, bars,” Donati said, the plan is to bring that kind of energy and activity just outside the gates of Williams-Brice.
Donati emphasized that any entertainment development should be closely tied to the stadium itself, citing successful models like Texas Live! in Arlington and The Battery in Atlanta, both of which are deeply integrated with nearby sports venues.
“What I want to see from the architects is the stadium incorporated into the district,” he said. “Because the way in which we would build out the stadium will help serve what’s outside the stadium. So, in other words, if you’ve got a condo, you’re going to want to make sure that you’ve got access into the stadium. If you’ve got a hotel, you want to make sure that you’ve got (access into the stadium).”
He added, “So we would be foolish to build them separately from the (stadium). It’s got to be connected.”
As for when things will begin to take shape, Donati noted that more concrete details will likely emerge this fall. Once a proposal is selected, construction could start relatively quickly, since the responsibility—and financial risk—falls on the developer rather than the university.
While timelines are still fluid, the vision is clear: South Carolina is aiming to transform the area around Williams-Brice into a lively, year-round destination that benefits both the university and the city of Columbia.
