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AT&T Stadium-style glass tunnel in plans for Williams-Brice Stadium

The University of South Carolina’s athletics department has been granted approval for the second phase of its $22.5m (£17.3m/€20m) renovation plan for Williams-Brice Stadium.

The university’s Board of Trustees gave Phase II approval to the project, which was first unveiled in September.

The redevelopment plans include the 2001 Club, which is a glass corridor that will offer a field-level view of the Gamecocks entering the game, reminiscent of the Dallas Cowboys’ entrance at AT&T Stadium.

The project also includes renovations of the first floor of the Crews Building to host recruits and their families on game days and boost South Carolina’s recruiting efforts.

Athletics director Ray Tanner said: “We are really proud of this project. Continuing to make improvements to our football game-day experience has been something we remain passionate about. We have to provide an experience that makes our fans proud and keeps them coming back.

“Over the years, we’ve continued to make operational improvements to the stadium while tackling some huge projects like Gamecock Park and Springs-Brooks Plaza, or the Spurrier Indoor and the Long Center. This project makes so many areas of our stadium better and should really help our fans enjoy their Saturdays in the fall for years to come.”

Williams-Brice Stadium will also see the addition of 9,000 sq. ft. of climate-controlled club space, new restrooms, concessions and renovated club area of fans.

South Carolina has also commissioned a partnership with sales and hospitality firm Legends for a long-range study for future improvements to the stadium.

Work is scheduled to begin at the close of the 2019 home schedule, with a completion target prior to the 2020 season.

The 80,250-capacity won’t change much with the renovations, but fans whose seats will be affected will be notified in the “near future” about changes in ticket pricing.

Image: University of South Carolina