2011 Membership Guide
Dear Gamecock Nation, As I travel around the world to compete on the LPGA Tour, the Gamecocks are always in my heart. My time at South Carolina helped make my dream of becoming a professional golfer come true. As a former student-athlete, I am thrilled to be a part of the Gamecock Club. This is my chance to make future student-athletes’ dreams realities and help them uncover a family they never knew they had. While enrolled at South Carolina nearly nine years ago, I was fortunate to have success that included two SEC championship titles and SEC Player of the Year honors. None of that would have been possible without true Gamecock fans investing in me. You may not realize the impact you’ve had on my life, but I am thankful to each and every one of you for making my dreams possible.
Hunter Martin/Getty Images/Courtesy LPGA
This is why I am so confident in the Gamecock Club and proud to serve as this year’s Annual Fund co-chair. I know for a fact that being a member will make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes. South Carolina is a great program that is continuously improving. However, we can only get better with the support of loyal Gamecocks. Together, we can provide life-changing opportunities. Thank you for joining me as we invest in the future of South Carolina Athletics.
Go Gamecocks! Kristy McPherson Annual Fund Co-chair
Kristy McPherson
It’s making dreams come true ... It’s winning championships ... It’s investing in the future ...
Dear Gamecock Nation, Having grown up right outside of Columbia, I loved the University of South Carolina even before I put on the No. 3 jersey. The memories I made and the people I met at South Carolina are incomparable. I am fortunate that I was able to excel on the court and in the classroom during my time as a student-athlete. It was the support and generous contributions from loyal Gamecock Club members that made this amazing opportunity possible for me. There’s no better way to show appreciation to my alma mater than to support the Gamecock Club. The need for devoted supporters matters now more than ever. I understand this need and am honored to serve as Annual Fund co-chair. I look forward to giving back and helping studentathletes achieve their dreams. I am excited to once again have a part in leading my team to victory. Together our contributions will enable our beloved South Carolina to be the best in the SEC. I know we can provide our student-athletes with the support they need to become better Gamecocks and better people. I hope that you, too, will be a part of our family and invest in our future.
Go Gamecocks! BJ McKie Annual Fund Co-chair
BJ McKie
It’s growing up a Gamecock ... It’s showing appreciation to my alma mater ... It’s always being part of the team ...
A Message From Eric Hyman Dear Gamecock Nation, As we move into one of the most important phases that South Carolina Athletics has ever experienced, I want to pause and take a moment to thank you for the support you provide our studentathletes. Your contributions allow our young men and women to earn a valuable education while competing in the Southeastern Conference. For them to excel both in the classroom and in competition, we need to provide our student-athletes with the proper academic and athletic resources. The Master Plan for Athletics Facilities will address these resources and elevate our status across the conference and the country, which will in turn help us attract the best and brightest recruits. Your support is paramount to the success of South Carolina Athletics and Gamecock student-athletes. I am proud to have such a passionate and enthusiastic fan base behind us as we battle for championships. Thank you again for demonstrating your commitment through your Gamecock Club membership.
Go Gamecocks! Eric Hyman Director of Athletics
Table of Contents 7 Benefits Chart 8 Explanation of Benefits 10 Ticket Priority Chart 11 Priority Points Information 13 Ticket Office Information 14 Seating Diagram for Williams-Brice Stadium 16 Seating Diagram for Colonial Life Arena 18 Seating Diagram for Carolina Stadium 20 Parking Information 21 Gamecock Club Chapter Information 22 Junior and Student Gamecock Clubs 23 Ways to Give 24 Master Plan for Athletics Facilities 26 Frequently Asked Questions 27 2010 Important Dates
5
6
Benefits Chart
$30 ,00 0
$15 ,00 0 Dia
mo nd
Spu r
Spu r
Pla ti
nS pur lde Go
num
$10 ,00 0
000 $7, tS pur rne Ga
rS pur
$3, 300
$1, 500 ars hip lS cho l Ful
Sil ve
$72 5 ars hip lf S cho l Ha
hou und Ro
$16 ur y Cen t
Ro
ost
$55
5
se $38 5
All benefits are contracted annually and may be subject to change.
Car decals Membership cards The Inside Spur e-newsletter Opportunity to purchase football parking* Spurs & Feathers Calendars (desk and pocket) Elevator access at Williams-Brice Stadium Scholarship Lounge access at Williams-Brice Stadium Media guides (football/basketball) Opportunity to purchase premium seats Invitation to Signing Day South Carolina Opportunity to name beneficiary Access to McGuire Club at Colonial Life Arena Student-athlete scholarship assignment Complimentary away trip (football or basketball) *Based on priority points ranking
All contributions are nonrefundable.
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Explanation of Benefits Membership Cards Use your Gamecock Club membership card to gain admission to events available exclusively to Gamecock Club members. Half Scholarship and above members may, in addition, access the scholarship lounges at Williams-Brice Stadium during pregame and halftime, as well as the elevators at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Inside Spur The Inside Spur is the official monthly e-newsletter of the Gamecock Club. With club event news, donor spotlights, and the latest ticket information, The Inside Spur is the inside scoop to Gamecock Athletics. Signing Day South Carolina Garnet Spur and above members are invited to the annual Signing Day South Carolina. The February event is hosted by the Gamecock Club and the football office, and it offers donors an exclusive opportunity to learn about the newest Gamecock football recruits firsthand from the football staff.
Opportunity to Name Beneficiary Golden Spur members and above have the option to name a beneficiary for their Gamecock Club membership.* This recipient is entitled to the benefits of the membership, without losing priority point or ticket privileges. Student-Athlete Scholarship Assignment Platinum and Diamond Spur members are assigned a Gamecock student-athlete to correspond with during the year. The donors and student-athletes meet at the annual Gamecock Gala, held in April. Complimentary Away Trip Diamond Spur members are invited on an annual away football or basketball trip. These trips include the option to travel with the team, book hotel accommodations, and purchase game tickets.** Premium Seating Silver Spur members and above have the opportunity to purchase premium seating for football, basketball, and baseball. The option to purchase premium seating is based on availability. *The named beneficiary must be a relative within one generation of the original donor. No corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, etc. may be named a beneficiary. All membership levels pass to the member’s spouse as long as the spouse continues at the same level or increases his/her level of giving. **Based on availability
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9
Ticket Priority
10
Level
First Priority Football
Second Priority Football
Century
2
Roundhouse
First Priority Basketball
Second Priority Basketball
First Priority Baseball
Away Games Football Priority
2
4
2
4
2
4
2
Half Scholarship
4
2
4
4
2
Full Scholarship
4
4
4
6
2
Silver Spur
4
4
4
6
4
Garnet Spur
4
4
4
6
4
Golden Spur
6
2
4
2
8
6
Platinum Spur
6
2
4
2
8
6
Diamond Spur
8
2
4
2
10
8
Priority Points Information
In an effort to equitably serve Gamecock Club members, a priority point system was developed to determine rankings for season ticket assignments, away and postseason game ticket distribution, parking pass assignments, and other special events. The current system was voted on and approved by the Gamecock Club Board of Directors on Feb. 27, 2006. Point Accumulation Gamecock Club members can accumulate points through the following methods: • one point for every $100 donated to the Gamecock Club • one point for every $100 donated to an individual sport or to The Garnet Way Capital Campaign • two points for each consecutive year a donation is made to the Gamecock Club • one point for each season ticket purchased in football, baseball, and men’s/women’s basketball.
Season Ticket Rank For the assignment of season tickets for home events, Gamecock Club members are ranked by membership level first and then points within their specific levels. The table below provides season ticket rankings as of Dec. 31, 2009. Membership Level
No. of Donors*
Lifetime Members
227
Diamond Spur
10
Platinum Spur
34
Golden Spur
128
Garnet Spur
90
Silver Spur
1,297
Full Scholarship
2,508
Half Scholarship
2,443
Roundhouse
1,946
Century
2,700
Roost
968
Away Game/Parking Rank For the allocation of away game tickets and home parking passes, Gamecock Club members are ranked by points only. The table below provides away game/parking rankings as of Dec. 31, 2009. Membership Rank
No. of Points
250th
2,333
500th
846
1,000th
598
2,500th
348
5,000th
198
7,500th
124
10,000th
40
11
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Ticket Office Information The South Carolina Athletics Ticket Office is located in Colonial Life Arena at the corner of Lincoln and Greene streets. Regular business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ticket office may be reached by calling 803-777-4274 or, toll-free, 800-4SC-FANS. The fax number is 803-777-7971. Ticket applications or other mail may be sent to South Carolina Athletics Ticket Office, 801 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Tickets may also be purchased online at www. gamecocksonline.com. For further assistance online, e-mail the ticket office at gamecocktickets@sc.edu. All season tickets are assigned by giving level and then by points within each giving level. Season parking passes and away game tickets are assigned strictly by priority points. Donors wishing to request a change in their basketball or baseball seating should note their requests on the appropriate ticket application. Donors wishing to request a change in their football seating will be given the option to select new seats online. Seat selection times are assigned based on season ticket rank and are printed on football ticket applications. The ticket office and Gamecock Club work together to accommodate as many requests as possible following the ticket application deadline for each sport.
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Williams-Brice Stadium 2010 South Carolina Gamecock Football Schedule
West Stands
Home games in bold
606605 604 603
308
309
208
209
108
109
Thursday, Sept. 2 Southern Miss 601
Saturday, Sept. 11 Georgia
307
306
305
304
303
207
206
205
204
203
107
106
105
104
103
7
8
9
602
6
5
4
3
Saturday, Sept. 18 Furman
302
301
202
201
102 2
Saturday, Sept. 25 at Auburn Saturday, Oct. 9 Alabama
101
Saturday, Oct. 16 at Kentucky
1
Saturday, Oct. 23 at Vanderbilt
901 901 902 902
804 903
904
904
805 806
905
808 809
906
906
907
907 908
908
810 811 812
32 12 31
13
Saturday, Nov. 20 Troy Saturday, Nov. 27 at Clemson
30 14
29 28
15 27
16 17 401 402
501
403
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
419 418 417 404 405 415 416 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414
502
503
504
505 East Stands
14
Saturday, Nov. 13 at Florida
33
11
807 905
Saturday, Nov. 6 Arkansas
34
10
North Stands
South Stands
903
Saturday, Oct. 30 Tennessee
801 802 803
Saturday, Oct. 2 Bye
506
507
508
509
Garnet $395 Red $325 Grey $260 Blue $200 Green $145 Yellow $95 Black $50 White—Premium Seating (See “Premium Seating” on page 8)
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Colonial Life Arena
206
207
208
209
210 211
205
212
204
213
203
104
105
106
103
107
102
202
108
214
109
101
215
201 118
228
110
117
216
111 116
112 115
114
113
217
227 218 226 Garnet Blue Black
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Upper Level Seating Lower Level Seating Suites
219
225 224
223
222
221
220
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Carolina Stadium
Suite Suite Third Base 5 Club 4
Suite 3 Press Box
Suite 1
First Base Club
14
13 12
Suite 2
5
4
11 2
9
1
20
21
22 23
24
28
5
4
3 2 1
18
19
7
—– Perch 3
—– Perch 1
18
27
—– Perch 5
—– Perch 2
17
8
—– Perch 7
—– Perch 4
7
16
26
6
—– Perch 6
6
15
25
3
10
Grey Green Blue Gold Garnet Black
Outfield Bleachers
$1,500 $1,000 $115 $75 $50 $25
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Parking Information Q. How is parking assigned? A. Parking for football, basketball, and baseball is assigned based on Gamecock Club priority point rankings (see page 11). Q. When will I receive my football parking application? A. Football parking applications are mailed in March, along with football ticket applications. Q. Will I receive a basketball parking application? A. No. Parking for basketball is assigned based on priority point rankings and is offered to Full Scholarship donors and above who purchase season basketball tickets. Basketball parking passes are mailed in November, separately from basketball tickets. Q. When will I receive my baseball parking application? A. Baseball parking applications are mailed in December, separately from baseball ticket applications. Q. Is handicapped parking available? A. Yes. Handicapped parking is available at all of the University’s sports venues on a per-season basis. When completing your parking application, please indicate your need for handicapped parking and include a photocopy of your handicapped placard or other documentation to verify your request. Q. Who should I contact if I have questions about my parking? A. Please contact Jim Petrus, director of parking, at 803-777-9302. The athletics parking office is located in the Colonial Life Arena at 801 Lincoln Street. Q. How many parking passes may I order? A. All parking is based on availability, and parking policies are annually reviewable. For the 2010–2011 season, Gamecock Club members may purchase one football parking pass for every four season tickets purchased. One basketball parking pass will be available for all Full Scholarship and above members who purchase basketball season tickets. One baseball parking pass may be ordered by each Gamecock Club member who purchases baseball season tickets. Please note that all parking areas are subject to change on an annual basis based on availability and construction projects as determined by the Athletics Department.
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Gamecock Club Chapters In addition to being a part of Gamecock Nation, Gamecock Club membership provides the opportunity to connect with other Gamecock fans across the state. The Gamecock Club has local chapters throughout South Carolina and several other parts of the United States. Local chapters assist the Gamecock Club in growing the Gamecock family through events, including golf tournaments, game-viewing parties, and chapter meetings.
Cherokee
Greenville
York
Spartanburg
Pickens Oconee
Union
Lancaster
Chester
Chesterfield
Marlboro
Anderson
How to Contact Your Representative To get involved with a local chapter, please visit www.gamecockclub.org for a complete list of Gamecock Club chapters and chapter representatives. Please contact the Gamecock Club at 803-777-4276 for more information about starting a new chapter.
Laurens
Fairfield
Kershaw
Newberry
Abbeville
Darlington Lee
Greenwood Saluda
McCormick
Richland
Districts
Marion Florence
Sumter
Lexington
Dillon
Horry
Edgefield
Orangeburg, Calhoun, Dorchester Aiken, Barnwell, Bamberg Sumter, Lee, Clarendon, Williamsburg Dillon, Chesterfield, Darlington, Marlboro Richland, Kershaw Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster Spartanburg, Cherokee Abbeville, Laurens, Greenwood, Newberry Charleston, Berkeley Anderson, Oconee McCormick, Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington Florence, Marion Greenville, Pickens Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, Hampton, Allendale Horry, Georgetown York, Union
Calhoun
Clarendon
Aiken
Williamsburg
Orangeburg Barnwell
Bamberg
Dorchester
Georgetown Berkeley
Allendale Colleton Hampton Charleston Jasper
Beaufort
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Junior & Student Gamecock Clubs
• Official club T-shirt
Student Gamecock Club Led by students, the Student Gamecock Club (SGC) promotes and supports all facets of Gamecock Athletics. Involvement in the organization provides University of South Carolina students with an inside connection to their favorite teams and the opportunity to give back to the University. Membership costs $25 per student. Benefits of membership include:
• Special keepsake souvenir
•O fficial club T-shirt
• Exclusive Junior Gamecock Club parties and events
•S pecial invitations to team practices
• Opportunities to meet players and coaches
•A thletics facilities tours
• Consecutive years of membership will apply to future Gamecock Club memberships
•P articipation on SGC intramural sports teams
Junior Gamecock Club Cocky is calling all kids ages 13 and under to join the Junior Gamecock Club, the official University of South Carolina Athletics Department kids’ club! It’s great to be a Gamecock fan. Membership costs $25 per child. Here are a few benefits of joining:
• Junior Gamecock Birthday Club (visit www.gamecockclub.org for more details). Children between the ages of 14 and 18 can join at a regular Roost membership level for $55 to continue their consecutive years of membership. is the official sponsor of the Junior Gamecock Club.
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•C onsecutive years of membership will apply to future Gamecock Club memberships. Please call 803-777-4276 to join the Student Gamecock Club.
Ways to Give
How to Contribute Donations may be made by credit card or using a check made payable to the Gamecock Club. The University accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Money orders and cashier’s checks cannot be accepted. Payment for the membership must come from the donor listed on the account. Join the Gamecock Club by completing the membership application included in this guide and mailing it to Gift Processing, 1600 Hampton Street, Room 736, Columbia, SC 29208. The Gamecock Club staff is also available in person at the Rex Enright Athletic Center, located off Rosewood Drive, or by phone at 803-777-4276 (choose Option 1). The quickest and easiest way to join or renew membership is online at www.gamecockclub.org.
Matching Gift Information Many companies offer their employees matching gift donations. Please ask your benefits administrator if your company offers a matching gift program. The IRS only allows companies to match the tax-deductible portion of your membership. For more information about how to complete a matching gift, visit the matching gifts page on www.gamecockclub.org, or call the Gamecock Club at 803-777-4276 (choose option 1).
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Master Plan for Athletics Facilities Conceptual renderings for Williams-Brice Stadium and the Farmers Market
South Carolina Athletics has launched The Garnet Way Capital Campaign in an effort to raise $60 million in philanthropic gifts over five years to transform its athletics facilities. When we reach this goal, we will be able to take pride in the fact that we have dramatically impacted South Carolina Athletics and prepared ourselves to compete on a national stage. South Carolina Athletics’ goal is to battle for championships and become a nationally prominent program. There are four components needed to create a championship program: a great university committed to its athletics program, a vibrant community that can be proudly presented to recruits, excellent coaches, and outstanding facilities. We have a fantastic university environment with an energized and supportive community in Columbia and the state of South Carolina. We have tremendous coaches that blend hall-of-fame experience and exciting new perspectives that, together with our seasoned athletics staff, give us a competitive advantage in the recruiting battle. It is time to focus on providing outstanding facilities for our student-athletes and fans. We ask all Gamecocks to consider making a commitment to The Garnet Way Capital Campaign. That pledge of support will have a monumental impact on the University of South Carolina and Gamecock Athletics for years to come. Please visit www. thegarnetway.com for more information about the campaign.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Athletics Village at the Roost
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Frequently Asked Questions Q: Who may join the Gamecock Club? A. All supporters of South Carolina Athletics are encouraged to join the Gamecock Club. You do not have to be a graduate of the University of South Carolina or a former student-athlete to join. Q: How is my gift to the Gamecock Club used? A. Your gift is used to provide Gamecock student-athletes with scholarships and the necessary resources to be successful on the field of competition and in the classroom. Each dollar is vital to building a championshipcaliber program. Q: Is my contribution to the Gamecock Club tax-deductible? A. Yes. The Internal Revenue Service allows a full deduction if there is no tangible or intangible benefit to the donor. If a benefit is received, such as tickets, an 80 percent deduction may be allowed. Please consult your tax advisor for further information. Q: How many members are in the Gamecock Club? A. There are more than 12,000 active Gamecock Club members. Q: Is my donation to the Gamecock Club refundable? A. No. Donations received are used to provide scholarship funds to student-athletes. Q: May I pay for someone else’s membership? A. If you are purchasing a membership as a gift, you may pay for it for one year only. Parents are allowed to pay for a child’s membership until the child reaches 22 years of age.
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Q: Who may inherit my membership? A. Donors giving at the Golden Spur, Platinum Spur, and Diamond Spur levels may designate an heir other than their spouse.* The designated heir must maintain the same giving level (or higher) to keep all benefits associated with that membership. Only a spouse may inherit a membership at all other levels. Donors who were at the Silver Spur giving level in 2007 had the opportunity to designate an heir. Those designations will continue to be honored. Q: What forms of payment are accepted for membership? A. The Gamecock Club accepts cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Cashier’s checks or money orders will not be accepted. Q: Will my ticket assignment be affected if I lower my giving level? A. Yes. Members choosing to contribute at a lower level may have their tickets and parking reassigned. Q: How are tickets and parking assigned? A. Season tickets are assigned based on giving levels and then points within giving levels. Parking is assigned based only on points, as are all away game and postseason tickets. Q: When will payment for my 2011 Gamecock Club membership be due? A. You have until Jan. 31, 2011, to pay for your 2011 membership. *The named beneficiary must be a relative within one generation of the original donor. No corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, etc. may be named a beneficiary. All membership levels pass to the member’s spouse as long as the spouse continues at the same level or increases his/her level of giving.
2010 Important Dates January
Baseball tickets mailed
Baseball parking application deadline
February
Baseball parking passes mailed
Football ticket application mailed
March
Football parking application mailed
Gamecock Club membership cards mailed
April
Spring meetings
May
Spring meetings
Football ticket application deadline
Football parking application deadline
June
August
2009–2010 fiscal year ends (June 30) Football tickets mailed
Football parking passes mailed
September
Basketball ticket application mailed
October
Basketball ticket application deadline
Junior Gamecock Club Halloween party
November
Basketball tickets mailed
Basketball parking passes mailed
Baseball ticket application mailed
Gamecock Club 2011 car decals mailed
December
2011 Gamecock Club wall calendar mailed
Baseball ticket application deadline
Baseball parking application mailed
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www.gamecockclub.org
Due January 31, 2011 09746 University Publications 1/10
Gamecock Club 1300 Rosewood Drive Columbia, SC 29208 Phone: 803-777-4276 Fax: 803-777-4488
www.sunprintingusa.com 345 Dreher Road, W. Columbia, SC 29169 Proud Supporter of Gamecock Athletics