Featured image credit: University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina has selected Populous to design a redevelopment of Williams-Brice Stadium, with the project set to progress after receiving state approval.
The State of South Carolina Legislature’s Joint Board Review Committee and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority have approved the university’s plans to “reimagine” the stadium.
The state approval is a standard procedure for major projects, and the university will return to the committees later this year to seek formal approval on the full scope and cost of the project.
Williams-Brice Stadium has a current capacity of 77,000 and serves as the home of the Gamecocks, the university’s American football team.
The next step in the planning process is the issuance of a request for qualifications for a construction manager for the project, which will be issued by the university in the weeks ahead.
A solicitation for architectural design firms was issued by the university in November, and it has now been confirmed that Populous has been selected to oversee the project. A formal engagement with Populous should be completed in the weeks ahead.
Jeremiah Donati, director of athletics at USC, said: “We were fortunate to have had several highly qualified international, national and state design firms express interest in the project and after deliberate consideration, we came to the conclusion that for such a monumental project that will transform the University of South Carolina, we needed the most experienced firm whose breadth of work speaks for itself and whose vision aligns with the scope of our project.
“Populous is known for its innovative and customised approach and it will be an excellent partner for the University of South Carolina.”
Jonathan Kelley, senior principal at Populous, added: “Populous is thrilled to be working alongside the University of South Carolina, building off the rich traditions at Williams-Brice Stadium and ushering in a new era of excellence at South Carolina and within the SEC.
“Preserving the Gamecock traditions while ensuring best-in-class enhancements will allow the institution to utilise Williams-Brice Stadium year-round for the benefit of the Department of Athletics, its athletic programs, the institution and the greater community.”
USC announced in October that its board of trustees had given its initial approval for renovation work being carried out at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The project will initially focus on the design of the West and East side of the stadium. Included in the initial plans are premium suites of varying sizes and the installation of club seats.
Construction work on the first phase of the stadium project is scheduled to conclude prior to the start of the 2027 college football season. Funding will come from capital gifts, suite and premium seating purchases, and related revenue streams.
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