Williams-Brice Stadium



History of Williams-Brice Stadium

Williams-Brice Stadium, formerly Carolina Stadium, was first constructed in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Then it seated 17,600. It has undergone a number of expansions and revisions over the years, with the largest prior to the 1982 expansion coming in 1971-72. A bequest from the estate of Mrs. Martha Williams Brice helped boost the capacity then from slightly more than 43,000 to more than 54,000.

Mrs. Brice's husband, Thomas H. Brice, was a Gamecock football letterman, 1922-24, and her family operated the Williams furniture Company in Sumter. She left a substantial interitance from the Williams Furniture fortune to her nephews, Thomas W. and Phillip L. Edwards, much of which they passed on to the University of South Carolina. That included a bequest for the stadium project.

The name was officially changed from Carolina Stadium to Williams-Brice Stadium in dedication ceremonies during the September 9, 1972 opener with Virginia.

Williams-Brice Stadium Facts Top Five Crowds at Williams-Brice Stadium
 * First constructed in 1934, Williams-Brice Stadium has a seating capacity of 80,250
 * Since 2001, Carolina has sold out all of its season tickets prior to the beginning of the season
 * USC consistently ranks among the top 20 in the nation in home attendance
 * Nearly $30 million of improvements and renovations have taken place at Williams-Brice Stadium over the past 10 years
 * The Zone features an 11,000-square foot banquet facility and provides fans with a fantastic view from the South End Zone
 * The premium seating and executive suites at the stadium are among the finest in college football
 * First game as Carolina Stadium was on September 23, 1934. (USC 25, Erskine 0)
 * Dedicated as Williams-Brice Stadium on September 9, 1972. (Virginia 24, USC 16)
 * Capacity: 80,250
 * Playing Surface: Natural Grass

85,000 vs. Clemson (11-17-01) 84,900 vs. Florida (11-10-01) 84,277 vs. Georgia (9-14-02) 84,200 vs. Tennessee (10-28-00) 83,987 vs. Clemson (11-22-03)