Due to COVID-19, SEC stadiums are going to be at reduced capacity in 2020. On Thursday, South Carolina announced that Williams-Brice Stadium will be reduced to approximately 20,000 seats for Gamecocks home games.

South Carolina announced in a release that the Athletic Department’s plan was approved by the Department of Commerce.

“We are extremely grateful for the hard work of Governor McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for their confidence in this plan,” said Gamecock Athletics Director Ray Tanner.

As for other gameday measures, South Carolina says it will implement SEC fan safety guidelines, including the requirement of wearing face coverings within athletics venues, physical distancing and various safety measures throughout the venue. The release also states that all home Gamecock Athletics events will be mobile-only ticketing, allowing for reduced contact at points of entry and greater flexibility to make adjustments should scheduling changes arise. As for tailgating, the University is “discouraging” the activity and prohibiting the use of tents, according to the release.

Will Muschamp’s squad is set to open the 2020 season at home against Tennessee on Sept. 26.

In addition to football games at Williams-Brice, reduced capacity seating plans were also approved for Eugene E. Stone III Stadium for South Carolina men’s and women’s soccer at approximately 675 seats, as well as the Carolina Volleyball Center at approximately 200 seats.