Gamecocks Ready for SEC Home Slate: A Fan’s Guide to 2025 at Williams-Brice
Things are about to get real — not just for the South Carolina football team, but for fans as well.
After a 2-0 start that featured an opening win over Virginia Tech in Atlanta and a weather-delayed 38-10 victory against S.C. State, the No. 11 Gamecocks will host their first SEC home contest of the year. Vanderbilt (2-0) comes to Williams-Brice Stadium for a 7:45 p.m. kickoff on Sept. 13.
This matchup marks the first of four conference games in Columbia this season, alongside a pair of nonconference home showdowns against Coastal Carolina (Nov. 22) and archrival Clemson (Nov. 29). With SEC games offering both familiar rivalries and fresh storylines, here’s a breakdown of what Gamecock fans can expect from each home clash in 2025.
Vanderbilt – The Surprisingly Spicy One (Sept. 13)
South Carolina has dominated this series, winning 16 straight, including a three-touchdown victory last year. But Vanderbilt enters with momentum, having thrashed Virginia Tech in Blacksburg just a week ago. Coach Clark Lea has the program trending upward, and quarterback Diego Pavia added fuel to the fire by admitting he had the South Carolina matchup “circled” on his calendar.
Tickets are already gone — it’s a sellout — with resale prices hovering around $130 on Sept. 11. Vandy fans don’t typically travel in massive numbers, but as the joke goes, they bring the “smartest” crowd in the SEC.
Expect heavy traffic, but the late kickoff should stagger arrivals.
Tailgate Tip: Pay homage to Nashville with hot chicken. Columbia has options like Cocky Rooster in Five Points and Dave’s Hot Chicken on Devine, where the “Reaper” level requires signing a waiver.
Kentucky – Always a Party (Sept. 27)
The South Carolina-Kentucky rivalry is long and competitive, with USC holding a 21-14-1 edge. Tensions flared after 2022 when Wildcats coach Mark Stoops made comments interpreted as digs at Shane Beamer’s “stupid sunglasses” hype video. The Gamecocks have since won three straight, including the 2023 night game featuring DJ Darude performing Sandstorm live.
Tickets are scarce again, with resale prices around $140. Kickoff time is still TBD, listed as a flex window ranging from afternoon to evening.
Tailgate Tip: Swing by Zesto in West Columbia. Their iconic fried chicken pairs perfectly with iced tea, and their blue-and-white branding cheekily matches Kentucky’s colors.
Oklahoma – The Fair Game (Oct. 18)
The Sooners are still newcomers to the SEC, and their second-ever meeting with South Carolina could be another marquee clash. The Gamecocks, ranked No. 11, handled Oklahoma 35-9 last year. Now ranked No. 13, Brent Venables’ squad is looking to rebound after a 6-7 campaign.
Tickets are again tight, with resale prices near $150. Kickoff is expected in the noon-to-1 p.m. range.
Adding to the atmosphere: the South Carolina State Fair will be in full swing next door, creating the annual “fair game” experience. Expect heavy traffic and packed parking, especially for families trying to squeeze in both events.
Tailgate Tip: Skip the grill and head to the fairgrounds. From deep-fried Oreos and Fiske Fries to Daley’s Dogs’ famous corn dogs, this is a tailgate where fair food rules the day.
Alabama – The Heavyweight (Oct. 25)
Every SEC game is big, but Alabama’s arrival always feels different. Second-year coach Kalen DeBoer is still proving himself, but the Tide remain the league’s gold standard. A ranked-on-ranked clash in Columbia could be on deck.
Unsurprisingly, tickets are premium. The cheapest resale price as of Sept. 11 was a jaw-dropping $370. Kickoff hasn’t been announced, but fans should brace for gridlock — maybe even consider leaving now.
Tailgate Tip: Nothing fits an Alabama showdown better than barbecue. Go big with James Beard-nominated City Limits Barbeque or the no-frills classic True BBQ in West Columbia.
The SEC home schedule promises a little of everything: intensity, rivalry, tradition, and plenty of tailgate flavor. Whether it’s Nashville hot chicken, Zesto buckets, State Fair treats, or Midlands barbecue, Williams-Brice will be buzzing all fall.
