Instead of a spring football game this year, USC Athletics is launching the Garnet & Black Spring Fest on Saturday, April 11.

The event features a concert at Colonial Life Arena headlined by Darius Rucker and Lauren Alaina, along with a free block party in Foundation Square outside the arena.

Why no spring game?

Ongoing construction at Williams-Brice Stadium made hosting the annual spring game challenging, as the university prioritized preparing the stadium for its Saturday, Sept. 5 home opener against Kent State. The Spring Fest was created to give fans an opportunity to get together and meet Gamecock football players.

What to expect

The free block party begins at 1 p.m. in Foundation Square at the corner of Lincoln and Greene streets. It will include autographs from Gamecock football players, food and drinks for sale, inflatables for the kids, and more live music. A detailed schedule is scheduled to be released later.

Doors at Colonial Life Arena for the Darius Rucker show open at 6 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7 p.m.

Ticket timeline

Friday, February 27 at 10 a.m. | Silver Spur and above Gamecock Club members
Friday, February 27 at 1 p.m. | Full Scholarship through Roost Gamecock Club members
Friday, February 27 at 4 p.m. | Student Gamecock Club members and USC Association of Lettermen
Monday, March 2 at 10 a.m. | USC students
Monday, March 2 at 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena Cyber Club members (Join today for early access)
Tuesday, March 3 at 10 a.m. | General public onsale