The next steps in renovating Williams-Brice Stadium have been approved. 

There is still a long way to go, but recently the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees gave its approval to begin phase two of the Williams-Brice Stadium project. 

“We are grateful to the Board of Trustees for its leadership and thrilled to continue to see this project take shape and receive the necessary approvals to proceed,” said USC Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati in a press release sent to the Chronicle. “Our staff, along with key partners in Populous, Legends, Contract Construction and Manhattan Construction Company, have invested significant effort in preparing for this next phase. These approvals help us get one step closer towards our goal of beginning construction following the conclusion of the 2025 football season. In the coming months, we will be able to show Gamecock fans finalized concepts I know they will be excited about. These plans will impact all of our fans and significantly elevate their game day experience.”

Phase one of the project was approved at the end of 2024 and included adding premium suites to the western side of the stadium. 

Currently, South Carolina is dead last in the SEC when it comes to premium seating options. Additional premium seating options will help the school generate more revenue. 

Phase two looks to build on that and more with renovations to the student section, locker rooms, video boards and more. The project is also set to include concourse improvements, such as adding more concession stands and restrooms to improve service to fans in the stadium.

“Our fans deserve a great experience when they attend football games and other special events at Williams-Brice Stadium. These renovations are an important step in our long-term efforts to give fans an experience that is second to none and grow athletics revenue that supports our football program during this new era of college athletics,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Thad Westbrook.

Initial construction on the project is expected to begin in December after the 2025 football season. The project is projected to cost around $350 million.

In February, design firm Populous was selected to lead the reimagining process of Williams-Brice Stadium. The group has worked closely with the University and athletics department staff in charting the course for the stadium upgrades.  

Populous has designed projects for Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida State and many other athletic departments. It has also worked on Olympic and professional sports stadiums. 

In May, the school partnered with Legends, a global premium experiences company, to improve the fan experience at USC sporting events and to maximize the program’s revenue generation using a streamlined and data-driven sales approach.

The university also selected Contract Construction and Manhattan Construction Company as the contractors for the renovations.

Contract Construction, based in Irmo, S.C., has been involved in many university projects, including the 2020 Williams-Brice Stadium upgrades, construction of Founders Park, the Long Family Football Operations Center, Springs Brooks Plaza and the Campus Village Student Housing Complex.

Manhattan Construction Company, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has developed major sport facility projects including Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, Kyle Field, Texas A&M’s football stadium, Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Dallas Cowboys Headquarters in Frisco, Texas.

The next step in the approval process will be in August when school leadership goes in front of the State of