Williams-Brice is gonna be rockin’: USC football players react to new LED lights

Less than a month from the season opener, Gamecock football fans are anticipating a first look at the team — but also, it will be a first look at a popular stadium renovation.

In June, videos circulated on social media showing off the new LED lights in Williams-Brice Stadium, garnering interest from South Carolina fans. The installation began in May.

The lights will be used first at at the 7 p.m. Sept. 3 opener against Georgia State. They will flash garnet and white and cover the stands and the field.

The videos that circulated the internet showed flashy patterns of movement from the LED lights, with the colors moving throughout the bulbs. This added to the anticipation of seeing them live.

For USC quarterback Luke Doty, the true impact won’t be felt until game time.

“A video is one thing, but I think once 80,000 fans are in there and we’re under the lights, it’s a great atmosphere,” Doty said at USC’s media day. “I think it’s just going to be amplified.”

A few of the players spoke of their excitement for the upgrade, citing the marketability of the stadium with the new lights.

“I think it will help a lot, especially with the recruiting aspect,” graduate tight end Nate Adkins said. “And the fan environment. It’s all about the new experience with the fans.”

Adkins, who transferred in from East Tennessee State, added that he’s yet to see the lights in person.

Freshman quarterback Tanner Bailey joked that head coach Shane Beamer might have gotten an exclusive look at them, but also added that he’s ready to see them on game day. He mentioned that schools across the country are “upgrading, upgrading, upgrading” their facilities to bring excitement to their programs.

The lights are part of a larger series of renovations being made to Williams-Brice Stadium that include new ribbon boards and an expansion to the west main concourse.

Cornerback Cam Smith noticed the hype the videos were receiving online, saying that it helps bring public attention to the team ahead of Week 1.

“During a game, that joint’s gonna be lit,” Smith said. “They’re gonna have that joint rocking.”