What’s new at Williams-Brice this season: A lot of major changes set to debut

Football season kicks off at the University of South Carolina on Saturday, with Williams-Brice Stadium adding plenty of enhancements to its gameday atmosphere.

Among the biggest changes: new LED lights and more than $4 million in work on new elevators and an expanded west side concourse.

Everything debuts Saturday when USC hosts Georgia State at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Light show, anyone?

South Carolina’s stadium lights are now LED bulbs with two colors: white and garnet. They’ll shine white during game play, of course, but they’re expected to blink and mix in the garnet color at other times.

How often USC utilizes its lighting effect options over the course of a game remains to be seen, but videos leaked to social media have shown how things will look when “Sandstorm” is blaring at Williams-Brice. Fans will get the opportunity to view them in full effect with Saturday’s game being played at night.

“It’s even more impressive in person,” USC said via its football Twitter account.

New ribbon boards also will surround the stadium bowl. The sound system has also been upgraded.

New signage honors retired jerseys

Former USC star Jadeveon Clowney will have his jersey retired at halftime of the team’s home opener. He’ll be the fifth Gamecock football player to earn the honor.

Clowney’s name and No. 7 — along with Sterling Sharpe (2), Steve Wadiak (37), George Rogers (38) and Mike Johnson (56) — will be part of new stadium signage that’s been added across the face of the press box.

Concourse and elevator upgrades

Two new elevators have been added to Bluff Road side of Williams-Brice Stadium. They’ll help by absorbing some of the foot traffic used to using the existing three elevators. The elevator shaft is made of concrete to better compliment the structure of the stadium.

The west side concourse is being expanded and upgraded.

“This additional space will be imperative for future improvements, as the opportunity to improve concessions, fan movement and restrooms is incumbent on first adding more space to the concourse,” according to USC.

Also added to the 200 level of the stadium is a large platform that lets people view Gamecock Park and the Long Family Football Operations Center.

Food truck rodeo

South Carolina athletics will hold a “food truck rodeo” on opening day at the Gamecock Village area inside Gamecock Park. Per USC, the event will feature Pelican’s SnoBalls, Carolina Cookin’, Chanco’s Tacos, Home Team BBQ, The Arepa Chef, The Wurst Wagen and Truly Scrumptious Creamery.

Food trucks are available starting at 3 p.m. Gamecock Village will also feature live music, inflatables and a pep rally with the team band — along with the team’s pregame Gamecock Walk to the stadium.