The University of South Carolina Gamecock basketball teams are among the best in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and they have some of the best fans, too. Students love to support their teams, but it takes more than just showing up to the games to show true dedication and spirit! Being a true Gamecock fan means knowing everything possible about the team, including who the coaches are, what rivalries exist, where to find the schedules, and how to get tickets. All of that information and more can be found right here in our USC Gamecock Basketball Sports Guide!

About USC Gamecock Basketball:

Mascot : Gamecock

Conference : Southeastern

Division : NCAA Division I

Colors: Garnet and Black

The men’s and women’s basketball teams hold multiple championship titles. The men’s team holds championship titles in the SoCo (1933), ACC (1971), SEC Regular (1997), SEC East (1997, 2009), NIT (2005, 2006), and NCAA (2017) tournaments. The women’s team’s impressive record includes championship titles in the NWIT (1979), Metro Conference (1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991), SEC Regular (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), and NCAA (2015, 2017) tournaments.

Athletic Schedules:

Regular season college basketball begins in November. Full schedules with dates, times, and coverage information can be found at the following links on the GamecocksOnline website.

Tickets:

Student Tickets: USC student tickets are free and can be acquired through the South Carolina Student Account portal. Students must be taking at least six credit hours to be eligible.

General Admission Tickets: General admission tickets can be purchased online through the South Carolina Ticket Office .

Box Office Address, Hours, and Phone: 1304 Heyward St., Columbia, SC 29208 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Toll-Free: (800) 472-3267| Local: (803) 777-4274

Military and First Responders: Eligible for discounts at select events through GOVX Tickets .

Rival Teams:

The USC Gamecocks’ biggest rivals are the Clemson Tigers. Both are public universities supported by the state of South Carolina. They compete in different conferences (USC in the SEC and Clemson in the ACC), but go head to head every year in the Palmetto Bowl. This annual rivalry game typically takes place in November on Thanksgiving weekend.

Game Day Traditions:

On game day, take part in these traditions handed down by generations of students:

Wear the school colors, garnet, and black.

Expect appearances by Cocky the Gamecock, who may throw T-shirts during halftime.

Enjoy performances by the cheer and/or dance teams during halftime.

Sing the alma mater at the end of the game. Students raise their right hand and cup their fingers during the line “Here’s a health, Carolina.”

Cocky the Gamecock Mascot, Photo by Ccky2001 via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

Fight Songs & Spirit Songs:

Fight Song: “Step to the Rear” Hey, let’s give a cheer, Carolina is here,

The Fighting Gamecocks lead the way. Who gives a care, if the going gets tough,

And when it is rough, that’s when the ‘Cocks get going. Hail to our colors of garnet and black,

In Carolina pride have we. So, go Gamecocks go — FIGHT!

Drive for the goal — FIGHT!

USC will win today — GO COCKS!

So, let’s give a cheer, Carolina is here.

The Fighting Gamecocks all the way!

Alma Mater: “We Hail Thee Carolina” We hail thee, Carolina, and sing thy high praise

With loyal devotion, remembering the days

When proudly we sought thee, thy children to be:

Here’s a health, Carolina, forever to thee! Since pilgrims of learning, we entered thy walls

And found dearest comrades in thy classic halls

We’ve honored and loved thee as sons faithfully;

Here’s a health, Carolina, forever to thee! Generations of sons have rejoiced to proclaim

Thy watchword of service, thy beauty and fame;

For ages to come shall their rallying cry be:

Here’s a health, Carolina, forever to thee! Fair shrine of high honor and truth, thou shalt still

Blaze forth as a beacon, thy mission fulfill,

And crowned by all hearts in a new jubilee:

Here’s a health, Carolina, forever to thee!

Where to Get Gamecock Apparel:

Dressing in garnet and black is an essential activity of attending any Gamecock sporting event. To show your fan dedication, you can purchase official Gamecock gear at the official online store of the University of South Carolina, or get it at the USC Bookstore. You can also find Gamecock apparel at sporting goods stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and local boutiques like Miss Cocky.

Coaches:

Men’s

Head Coach : Frank Martin

Assistant Coaches : Perry Clark, Chuck Martin, Bruce Shingler

Director of Operations : Andy Assaley

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Scott Greenawalt

Women’s

Head Coach : Dawn Staley

Associate Head Coach : Lisa Boyer

Assistant Coaches : Fred Chmiel, Jolette Law

Director of Operations : Cynthia Jordan

Sports Performance Coach: Katie Fowler

2017–18 Coaches. For coach updates, visit the USC Athletic Directory.

Game Day Transportation and Parking:

If you live off campus, it’s important to know the best way to get to the arena and where parking is available. The best way to get to the game is via the game day shuttle, which is free for students and $3 for non-students. Students and fans who drive their own vehicle are encouraged to arrive early and be prepared to pay for parking. Parking in Lot B, part of Discovery Garage, and the Convention Center is available for $10 per vehicle to the general public. Parking in Lot A, the Discovery Garage, and the DOT garage is restricted to Gamecock Club members. Off-campus parking can be found in the City Garage parking for $10. A parking map can be found in the Fan Guide.

Colonial Life Arena:

801 Lincoln St., Columbia, SC 29201

Home games take place at the Colonial Life Arena. The arena can seat 18,000 people and replaced the old Carolina Coliseum in 2002.

Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC, Photo by Dfscgt21 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Gamecocks on Social Media:

Stay updated on upcoming events and get an inside look at the Gamecocks by following them on social media.

Men’s Basketball: @gamecockmbb

Women’s Basketball: @gamecockwbb

University of South Carolina Student Athletic Tickets

South Carolina Gamecocks

Play-by-Play Voice of the Gamecock Men’s Basketball

Now that you’ve done your research, consider yourself a true Gamecock fan! Be sure to show your support at the next game, and share this guide with your fellow students so they can become true fans as well.