My brother in-law and myself have started our own S.E.C. stadium tour.Last year we went to knoxville to watch Bama vs the Vols.This year it's Auburn vs the Gamecocks.We alternate years between Bama and the little Eagles games on the road.Me i'm crimson in my blood,he's the other side...Need help on great places to eat and interesting things to see at or around the stadium.Seriously we are having a great time in our little tour..Next year it's Bama vs Vandy in Nashville..Help us out with some needed information... ROLL TIDE...
Need help from Tide fans about Williams Brice Stadium in South Carolina...
- Thread starter Bryant-Saban
- Start date
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
Come on tide fans ,help us out with some info....Thanks a million...
Come on tide fans ,help us out with some info....Thanks a million...
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
I hesitated to respond because the only experience i had with Williams Brice Stadium was last year. And that game was miserable, so understand that my thoughts are going to be very biased.
The trip - I drove from Birmingham and the trip wasn't bad at all. Interstate pretty much the entire way and it only took about four hours.
The town - The town was pretty nice. We (wife and I) stayed at the Spring Hill Suites downtown. It was pretty new and within walking distance to many restaurants. We ate at the Ruth's Chris the friday night before the game. Very good meal. We did have to drive to go to ESPN gameday which was at the Horseshoe (about a mile or two from our hotel). The Horseshoe (at least i think that is what it is called) is USC's version of the quad. It was a very nice looking open area surrounded by university buildings. Overall, we enjoyed the town and the area a lot.
The stadium - This is the part that wasn't so great. We had to drive to the basketball arena, and from there we hopped on a shuttle bus to take us to the stadium. After the shuttle bus dropped us off, we had to walk all the way around the outside of the fairgrounds. It was about a mile walk. Not a big deal for me but my wife was pregnant at the time. Also the stadium is in an industrial type area. Honestly, the stadium reminded me of legion field with a fresh coat of paint. Same type of area and the stadium seemed really run down. There were actually quite a few porta-potties inside the stadium because there weren't enough restrooms. And inside the stadium, they play that mortal combat theme song CONSTANTLY. If if ever hear it again it will be too soon.
The fans - I have to hand it to the gamecock fans. They are LOUD, they wave their towels, and they cheer the entire game. Most of the fans we met were classy but of course there were a few yahoos.
Overall it was a good trip, but the stadium was certainly disappointing to me. You should plan to visit the horseshoe the morning before the game and definitely plan to take the shuttle bus to the game as parking seemed pretty limited around the stadium. Hope the info helps and feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.
I hesitated to respond because the only experience i had with Williams Brice Stadium was last year. And that game was miserable, so understand that my thoughts are going to be very biased.
The trip - I drove from Birmingham and the trip wasn't bad at all. Interstate pretty much the entire way and it only took about four hours.
The town - The town was pretty nice. We (wife and I) stayed at the Spring Hill Suites downtown. It was pretty new and within walking distance to many restaurants. We ate at the Ruth's Chris the friday night before the game. Very good meal. We did have to drive to go to ESPN gameday which was at the Horseshoe (about a mile or two from our hotel). The Horseshoe (at least i think that is what it is called) is USC's version of the quad. It was a very nice looking open area surrounded by university buildings. Overall, we enjoyed the town and the area a lot.
The stadium - This is the part that wasn't so great. We had to drive to the basketball arena, and from there we hopped on a shuttle bus to take us to the stadium. After the shuttle bus dropped us off, we had to walk all the way around the outside of the fairgrounds. It was about a mile walk. Not a big deal for me but my wife was pregnant at the time. Also the stadium is in an industrial type area. Honestly, the stadium reminded me of legion field with a fresh coat of paint. Same type of area and the stadium seemed really run down. There were actually quite a few porta-potties inside the stadium because there weren't enough restrooms. And inside the stadium, they play that mortal combat theme song CONSTANTLY. If if ever hear it again it will be too soon.
The fans - I have to hand it to the gamecock fans. They are LOUD, they wave their towels, and they cheer the entire game. Most of the fans we met were classy but of course there were a few yahoos.
Overall it was a good trip, but the stadium was certainly disappointing to me. You should plan to visit the horseshoe the morning before the game and definitely plan to take the shuttle bus to the game as parking seemed pretty limited around the stadium. Hope the info helps and feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
I haven't been to SC in years so I don't know so much about the hotels, etc. But you absolutely must eat at Lizard's Thicket restaurant. There are several in the greater Columbia/West Columbia/Lexington area. As I remember, they are a family (meat+3) restaurant with some of the best home cooking you'll ever taste. Their desserts aren't bad either. :smile:
I haven't been to SC in years so I don't know so much about the hotels, etc. But you absolutely must eat at Lizard's Thicket restaurant. There are several in the greater Columbia/West Columbia/Lexington area. As I remember, they are a family (meat+3) restaurant with some of the best home cooking you'll ever taste. Their desserts aren't bad either. :smile:
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
I went to the game at Williams-Brice last year. I can't help much about places to stay or restaurants because we drove in for the game from our house in Pawleys Island, SC. Because Game Day was there, some roads were closed around campus and didn't get to see much of that either.
The stadium is actually on the state fairgrounds, so it's quite a ways away from campus and the city. Not much out near the stadium except some booths selling hot dogs, funnel cakes, etc.--the usual fair-type food offerings. Parking and traffic near the stadium is terrible.
For the most part, the fans were ok, but for others, it was obvious that they were not used to winning big games. It was the first time they had ever beaten a #1 ranked team and didn't know how to handle it with any class.
Sorry I can't help you with any more info.
ROLL TIDE!!
I went to the game at Williams-Brice last year. I can't help much about places to stay or restaurants because we drove in for the game from our house in Pawleys Island, SC. Because Game Day was there, some roads were closed around campus and didn't get to see much of that either.
The stadium is actually on the state fairgrounds, so it's quite a ways away from campus and the city. Not much out near the stadium except some booths selling hot dogs, funnel cakes, etc.--the usual fair-type food offerings. Parking and traffic near the stadium is terrible.
For the most part, the fans were ok, but for others, it was obvious that they were not used to winning big games. It was the first time they had ever beaten a #1 ranked team and didn't know how to handle it with any class.
Sorry I can't help you with any more info.
ROLL TIDE!!
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
Thanks with the info Tide fans...Keep it comming it all helps...Roll TIDE..And by the way,i will be decked out in my crimson gear this game pulling for the little tigers to lose...
Thanks with the info Tide fans...Keep it comming it all helps...Roll TIDE..And by the way,i will be decked out in my crimson gear this game pulling for the little tigers to lose...
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
I went to the game last year too. I have nothing good to say about the town, stadium, or fans. In fact, I couldn't get out of there fast enough. If I were you I wouldn't waste my time or money. I will NEVER go back.
I went to the game last year too. I have nothing good to say about the town, stadium, or fans. In fact, I couldn't get out of there fast enough. If I were you I wouldn't waste my time or money. I will NEVER go back.
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
I have been there the last two times the Tide played there. Last year Gameday was there and they had a shuttle that would take you to the campus from the stadium and back. There is a little bar on the corner about a block or two north of the stadium that has a couple of TVs and hamburgers and beer. We spent a couple of hours there watching the early game.
I have been there the last two times the Tide played there. Last year Gameday was there and they had a shuttle that would take you to the campus from the stadium and back. There is a little bar on the corner about a block or two north of the stadium that has a couple of TVs and hamburgers and beer. We spent a couple of hours there watching the early game.
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
Well your car must be fueled with jet fuel. From B`ham to Columbia SC takes about 7 or 8 hours driving a car. I was stationed at Fort Jackson SC and made that trip a few times. The fort is right next to Columbia.
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
How long ago was that? It only takes me about four and a half hours from Hueytown.
How long ago was that? It only takes me about four and a half hours from Hueytown.
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
With that said, parts of Columbia are pretty nice. If you are more into eating than drinking try a place called Hudson's Smokehouse. Pretty good grub. I came down to the game from Kentucky-stayed in the Irmo area of Columbia-nice neighborhood.
I was there, too. The stadium is loud for a big game. The fans are, for the most part, morons. That is one of the more classless fanbases that I have been around. It is bad when you walk to a shuttle with a stadium employee who is apologizing for their fans. My impression, for what it is worth, is a bunch of rednecks who have obviously "never been there before" when it comes to winning. If the cow college loses, and I hope they do, leave the stadium early...
With that said, parts of Columbia are pretty nice. If you are more into eating than drinking try a place called Hudson's Smokehouse. Pretty good grub. I came down to the game from Kentucky-stayed in the Irmo area of Columbia-nice neighborhood.
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
Maybe it took a little longer, like five hours. Its been a year and I've honestly tried to wipe the whole weekend out of my memory. But it definitely did not take 7 or 8 hours.
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
i made a couple trips to SCar with clemson fans. they dogged out everything about columbia and SCar. i figured they were just dogging their rivals but then i saw it for my own eyes. I remember driving up to some fairgrounds (it looked like something that would hold a chicken farm, state fair, or flea market... i guess it held all three now that i think about it). really it wasnt much to look at. i got to the stadium, and sure enough, it looked like a dead cockroach. very ugly stadium. once inside, i was treated to the absolute lamest noise i have ever heard. it was their horrifying, mechanical sounding rooster call from the scoreboard. they played it about 700 times during the game. it was laughable if it wasnt so annoying. it sounded more like jim rome doing his squawk call rather than some intimidating noise from a chicken.
typically columbia is also absurdly hot. some hippy or geologist or something was telling me it sits on miles of clay and the topography basically kills off any breeze so it truly is the closest you will ever be to sitting inside an oven.
it should be a terrible trip.... hope you enjoy it.
i made a couple trips to SCar with clemson fans. they dogged out everything about columbia and SCar. i figured they were just dogging their rivals but then i saw it for my own eyes. I remember driving up to some fairgrounds (it looked like something that would hold a chicken farm, state fair, or flea market... i guess it held all three now that i think about it). really it wasnt much to look at. i got to the stadium, and sure enough, it looked like a dead cockroach. very ugly stadium. once inside, i was treated to the absolute lamest noise i have ever heard. it was their horrifying, mechanical sounding rooster call from the scoreboard. they played it about 700 times during the game. it was laughable if it wasnt so annoying. it sounded more like jim rome doing his squawk call rather than some intimidating noise from a chicken.
typically columbia is also absurdly hot. some hippy or geologist or something was telling me it sits on miles of clay and the topography basically kills off any breeze so it truly is the closest you will ever be to sitting inside an oven.
it should be a terrible trip.... hope you enjoy it.
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
Sorry to add to the horror that others have already expressed, but don't go there dreaming of candy canes and lollipops. Maybe with this much negative you will be more impressed than the rest of us. lol
We were there last year as well. We like to have NEVER found a parking space. Stuck in traffic over an hour and we were there 3 hours before the game (is that too late). We were on the west side of the stadium so it may have been better on the other side(s).
It was HOT as heck that October afternoon, when you'd think it would be cooler in SC. They are LOUD for sure and the non-stop noise is unreal. It seemed to me they didn't realize they were suppose to be quiet when they had the ball.
I guess my biggest disappointment was, like others have said, the stadium being in a business district and there was actually a fair setting up or they had shut down for the day.
My husband will never go back and has moved them right in front of the barn on his most hated list.
Sorry to add to the horror that others have already expressed, but don't go there dreaming of candy canes and lollipops. Maybe with this much negative you will be more impressed than the rest of us. lol
We were there last year as well. We like to have NEVER found a parking space. Stuck in traffic over an hour and we were there 3 hours before the game (is that too late). We were on the west side of the stadium so it may have been better on the other side(s).
It was HOT as heck that October afternoon, when you'd think it would be cooler in SC. They are LOUD for sure and the non-stop noise is unreal. It seemed to me they didn't realize they were suppose to be quiet when they had the ball.
I guess my biggest disappointment was, like others have said, the stadium being in a business district and there was actually a fair setting up or they had shut down for the day.
My husband will never go back and has moved them right in front of the barn on his most hated list.
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
Thanks guys for the info...Sounds like we may be in for a long day...Sure they wont treat me well in my bama gear....
Thanks guys for the info...Sounds like we may be in for a long day...Sure they wont treat me well in my bama gear....
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
The stadium location is really unfortunate, but it appears that I'm in the minority: Downtown Columbia is a cool and improving place. Five Points is a lot of fun, and there is no shortage of places to eat, drink and hang -- once you've fought your way in and out of the fairgrounds.
The stadium location is really unfortunate, but it appears that I'm in the minority: Downtown Columbia is a cool and improving place. Five Points is a lot of fun, and there is no shortage of places to eat, drink and hang -- once you've fought your way in and out of the fairgrounds.
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
Agree with most people here that Columbia basically sucks, but there are some decent areas. Around downtown, there's an area called the Vista, which basically runs from the state capitol to the Congaree river along Gervais street. All kinds of bars, restaurants, and shops in that area. There's a few hotels in that area too. The college bar/hangout area is called Five Points, which is basically where Devine and Harden streets meet. Parking at the Vista is tight, but manageable as there are some parking decks downtown. For Five Points, expect to park a long way away, especially after a ball game. Five Points has also had some pretty bad crime issues lately, but Columbia has increased cameras and police presence there. If you're over 25-30, I'd highly recommend the Vista over Five Points.
There are ways in/out of Williams-Brice that should save time. Off I-126, go down Huger, turn right on Olympia, which turns into Bluff road, which runs right by the stadium. You can usually a parking spot within a half mile of the stadium if you get there about 3 hours early. This route will take you through some of the more, uh, interesting areas of the city.
Agree with most people here that Columbia basically sucks, but there are some decent areas. Around downtown, there's an area called the Vista, which basically runs from the state capitol to the Congaree river along Gervais street. All kinds of bars, restaurants, and shops in that area. There's a few hotels in that area too. The college bar/hangout area is called Five Points, which is basically where Devine and Harden streets meet. Parking at the Vista is tight, but manageable as there are some parking decks downtown. For Five Points, expect to park a long way away, especially after a ball game. Five Points has also had some pretty bad crime issues lately, but Columbia has increased cameras and police presence there. If you're over 25-30, I'd highly recommend the Vista over Five Points.
There are ways in/out of Williams-Brice that should save time. Off I-126, go down Huger, turn right on Olympia, which turns into Bluff road, which runs right by the stadium. You can usually a parking spot within a half mile of the stadium if you get there about 3 hours early. This route will take you through some of the more, uh, interesting areas of the city.
Last edited:
Re: Need help from Tide fans about Williams brice stadium in South Carolina...
I live in South Carolina and go to school up the road at Wofford. I went to the game last year and I guess it might just have to do with me being around Carolina fans but they weren't that bad at the stadium actually my roommate who is a Carolina fan is more annoying than most of them haha. They are the cockiest fan base that has never won anything. I think that is what annoys me the most. They aren't too too bad if you just look at them as an SEC school. I mean they are a lot nicer than LSU and Auburn fans. If you can stand to sit with an Auburn fan I don't think the South Carolina fans will seem rude. You can park right by the stadium for ten bucks if you look but if you don't look you will probably pay twenty. I found a lot not too far from the stadium and it was ten bucks right by lots that were twenty. So just drive a little bit and look. It is alot of fun to go to the games but it is a completely different place from Tuscaloosa. There really isn't much to do around the stadium unless you know people that are tailgating other than that they don't have much going on. The stadium is tiny and if you are in the upper deck it is the worst stadium ever built. They have an extra set of stairs once you get to the upper deck and it will bottleneck. At half time it will take you more half an hour to just run to the bathroom. They really needed some help from Clemson in building the stadium. They have a lot of places to eat in Downtown where the school is so I would eat there before the game or you can eat in another part of Columbia.
I live in South Carolina and go to school up the road at Wofford. I went to the game last year and I guess it might just have to do with me being around Carolina fans but they weren't that bad at the stadium actually my roommate who is a Carolina fan is more annoying than most of them haha. They are the cockiest fan base that has never won anything. I think that is what annoys me the most. They aren't too too bad if you just look at them as an SEC school. I mean they are a lot nicer than LSU and Auburn fans. If you can stand to sit with an Auburn fan I don't think the South Carolina fans will seem rude. You can park right by the stadium for ten bucks if you look but if you don't look you will probably pay twenty. I found a lot not too far from the stadium and it was ten bucks right by lots that were twenty. So just drive a little bit and look. It is alot of fun to go to the games but it is a completely different place from Tuscaloosa. There really isn't much to do around the stadium unless you know people that are tailgating other than that they don't have much going on. The stadium is tiny and if you are in the upper deck it is the worst stadium ever built. They have an extra set of stairs once you get to the upper deck and it will bottleneck. At half time it will take you more half an hour to just run to the bathroom. They really needed some help from Clemson in building the stadium. They have a lot of places to eat in Downtown where the school is so I would eat there before the game or you can eat in another part of Columbia.
Amazon Deals for TideFans!
Purchases may result in a commission being paid to TideFans.
Latest threads
-
Kentucky Looking to Turn It’s Athletic Department into a LLC- Started by BamaBoySince89
- Replies: 0
-
-
-
No. 18 Alabama Erases Five-Run Deficit, Wins 7-5 over Missouri on Thursday- Started by Diamond Tide
- Replies: 1
-
