Massive Crowds Expected in Columbia as South Carolina Fair and Gamecock Football Collide Saturday
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia is bracing for one of its busiest weekends of the year as two major events — the South Carolina State Fair and the University of South Carolina’s home football game against Oklahoma — take place side by side on Saturday.
Kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium is set for 12:45 p.m., while the State Fair opens its gates at 10 a.m. With more than 100,000 people expected across both events, local authorities are urging fans and fairgoers to plan ahead, arrive early, and, most importantly, stay patient.
“Pack your patience,” warned Master Trooper William Bennett of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. “It’s going to take some time to get everybody in, get them parked, and after the game, traffic’s going to be heavy and congested. We’re doing the best we can to get everyone out as quickly as possible.”
Troopers will be stationed throughout the area to direct traffic and assist pedestrians. Bennett reminded attendees to follow instructions and remain cautious, especially when walking near busy intersections and crosswalks around the stadium and fairgrounds.
“Look out for pedestrians,” Bennett said. “Once we’re out of our cars and moving around on foot, let’s make sure we’re paying attention to crossing areas and wait for troopers to help us get across.”
Parking is expected to be extremely limited, with some lots designated for Gamecock season passes unavailable due to the fair. The Lexington Medical Center lot, located between the fairgrounds and the stadium, will open to the public for $20 per vehicle on a first-come, first-served basis. Officials also reminded fans that tailgating will not be allowed on fair property.
Fair organizers say attendance has been strong this year, and they’re optimistic that the overlapping events will bring even more visitors.
“We’re hoping folks come into the fair, then go enjoy the game, maybe come back after,” said Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair. “Or we get another crowd that comes in later, depending on how traffic is moving.”
For many fans, the combination of football and fair festivities is a welcome doubleheader.
“We come up for all the home games,” said Samantha Harvey, who traveled from Charleston. “Adding the fair on top of it is the cherry on top. You’ve got to plan ahead, expect some delays, but we’re all Gamecocks, we’re all South Carolinians — it’s all worth it.”
Both events are expected to draw record crowds throughout the day, so officials advise arriving early, checking road closures, and preparing for slow traffic in and around the Bluff Road and Rosewood Drive corridors.
