Get up Gamecocks, it’s game week. With Carolina’s season opener against the Tar Heels this Saturday (in the neutral location of the Panther’s stadium), it’s nearly time to hit the road.

September 7 marks the first home game, and whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth time, we’ve got your guide to game days in Gamecock nation.

🎟 Where to purchase tickets

Via Gamecocks Online: Single game tickets are available online now, with the exception of Alabama and Clemson.

🚘 How to Get There

With Carolina football comes game day traffic (including changes in traffic patterns in certain areas) so you’ll want to leave 3-4 hours before the game. Or earlier, to have time for tailgating.

All parking lot gates will open five hours before kickoff – except for Gamecock Park, which opens six hours before kickoff. No gates open before 8 a.m.
Pregame shuttles pick-up at the Colonial Life Arena parking Lot B (3 hours before kickoff) and transport to the main gate of the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, for $3 roundtrip per person or free to UofSC students with Carolina Card. Shuttles run 1.5 hours after the game with limited service throughout the game. Pregame shuttles also pick up at the Russell House.
Many nearby businesses, churches + residences sell spots in their parking lots before the game (so make sure to bring some cash).
Golf cart shuttle service from the Fairgrounds and Gamecock Park are available for those with disabilities beginning 2.5 hours before kickoff and will continue until the game begins. Return service begins with five minutes left in the event, until there is no one waiting at the golf cart shuttle stations.
Uber + Lyft are available but tend to surge in price.

👜 What to Bring

Your ticket. (Student tickets are on their phone.)
A clear bag or small clutch to carry your things into the game. Read about the clear bag policy here.
Gamecock gear. If your wardrobe needs a little more garnet or black, check out Miss Cocky, Barefoot Campus Outfitter, Addams University Bookstore, Brittons, Mast General Store or MyKim.
One sealed water bottle per person, or an empty, clear bottle that you can fill up inside the stadium for free (trust us on this one).
For what not to bring, here’s a list of items prohibited in the stadium.

🐔 Must-see

The Gamecock Walk, where players and head football coach Will Muschamp walk through Gamecock Village + across Bluff Rd. toward The Zone in the south stands, which usually takes place ~2.5 hours prior to kickoff.
The 365-member Carolina Band, or the “Mighty Sound of the Southeast” performs in the Gamecock Village around the same time as the Gamecock Walk, and they’ll be performing at half-time, too.

🏈 The Game

Early gates (West Premium Gate WP21, The Zone Z48, East Pass Gate E70, and Student Gate ST96) will open two hours prior to kickoff. All other gates will open 1.5 hours prior to kickoff.
There's a Mobile Ticket Express Lane at nine gates (look for the signs to guide you).
There is no re-entry into the stadium.
Use #SpursUp on social media posts during the game for the chance to be featured on the large video screen.
Carolina’s half-time show includes performances by the Carolina Band, Carolina Coquettes + Cheerleaders.
Stick around ‘til the end of the game for the singing of UofSC’s alma mater.