The University of South Carolina has greenlit the next phase of a sweeping renovation to Williams-Brice Stadium, further advancing its $350 million plan to modernize the home of the Gamecocks football program and elevate the overall fan experience.

On May 22, 2025, the USC Board of Trustees approved a bond resolution to fund Phase II of the stadium overhaul, a move that comes months after Phase I was introduced in November 2024. While the stadium has yet to undergo its first round of physical upgrades, university officials are now moving full steam ahead with an ambitious transformation.

The comprehensive upgrades include new premium seating areas, luxury boxes, and expanded club spaces in the west stands. Enhancements also target student amenities, such as an indoor club under the north stands and two new videoboards flanking the south stands. Functionality and accessibility improvements are a major focus as well, with planned updates to the visiting team’s locker room, a new loading dock for events, and upgraded concourses, bathrooms, and concession stands throughout the stadium.

“Our fans deserve a great experience when they attend football games and other special events at Williams-Brice Stadium,” said USC Board of Trustees Chair Thad Westbrook. “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.”

Strategic Partners Selected for Design and Construction

To lead this large-scale project, USC has enlisted Populous, a globally recognized sports architecture firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. Known for high-profile stadium designs around the world, Populous is working closely with the university’s athletics staff to ensure the upgrades meet both performance and aesthetic expectations.

Additionally, USC has joined forces with Legends, a company specializing in premium sports experiences, to improve the fan journey through advanced data analytics and targeted sales strategies.

For construction, USC selected Contract Construction of Irmo, South Carolina, and Manhattan Construction Company, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Both companies bring extensive experience in major sports facility projects. Contract Construction has been a longtime partner with USC, having worked on Founders Park, the Long Family Football Operations Center, and the Campus Village Student Housing Complex. Manhattan Construction, meanwhile, has led projects including the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, Texas A&M’s Kyle Field, and renovations to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

“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. “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 December],” he continued. “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."

Next Steps in Approval Process

The final hurdle before construction begins is set for August 2025, when the university will present the project to the State of South Carolina Legislature’s Joint Bond Review Committee and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority for final financial approvals.

Why It Matters

The renovation is not just about athletics—it’s part of a larger strategy to modernize USC’s infrastructure, boost revenue from events, and position the university as a leading collegiate venue in the Southeast. Williams-Brice Stadium, originally built in 1934 and significantly renovated in the early 2000s, remains one of the largest college football venues in the country.

Once completed, the upgraded stadium is expected to enhance recruitment, drive economic activity through concerts and events, and create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for fans and visitors alike.

Originally reported by Construction Equipment Guide.