re: South Carolina Tailgating

Bad news on tailgating. The Fair completely screws it up. With the late start of the game, there will be another 20,000 people there just for the fair.

One option for parking is to park in the fairgrounds. It is free . . . but you can only park there. The fair jams as many cars in as they can. They do not allow tents, grilles, cookers, tables or anything else.

What you are going to have to do is find a private lot and pay for a bunch of spaces. That is the only way you can set up an LSU-quality tailgate. They go for $10-20 a spot depending on how close to the stadium you are.

If I were you, I would get out there Saturday morning around 9:00 a.m. and scout the area. Fair traffic won't be too bad yet. Most of the private lots will be open because they also try to sell parking spots to fairgoers. When I say private lot, I don't mean the dedicated tailgating facilities. Those are pre-sold for big bucks. I mean the small businesses in the area.

You may want to consider parking in the Columbia Blowfish stadium lot. It is on Assembly Street north of the fairgrounds. It's a fairly long walk -- about a mile -- but you should not have any problem setting up a big tailgate and fitting in a lot of people. Scroll down for map of Blowfish Stadium location.

Allow yourself plenty of time to get into the stadium as pedestrian access ain't that great. The USC pregame is pretty good, so it is worth it to be in your seat 20 minutes before kickoff.

You will be fine drinking at your tailgate. You really shouldn't have much problem having a drink on the walk to the stadium unless you cause a disturbance or get into a fight . . . so maybe you want to tone down the "Tiger Baits!" The stadium is off-campus so you don't have campus police looking to bust students. Most of the police out there are state troopers directing traffic.

A lot of Gamecock fans don't even tailgate when the fair is in town. I lose my reserved spot in the fairgrounds because of the fair, so I just park there and go eat at the fair. You get in free with your game ticket.

What is this fair ya'll are talking about???

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South Carolina Tailgating

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You may want to consider parking in the Columbia Blowfish stadium lot. It is on Assembly Street north of the fairgrounds. It's a fairly long walk -- about a mile -- but you should not have any problem setting up a big tailgate and fitting in a lot of people. Scroll down for map of Blowfish Stadium location.




Thanks for this! This might not be a bad option. Do they charge for this place??

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I think about $10 per parking space.

We will be there with some friends as well, but are flying. We would be glad to help with $$$, alcohol or anything else. Always glad to throw down with a fellow former GBFTL member and friends!

By the way, don't we have to buy our booze at state-run liquor stores? Thought I remembered that from Myrtle Beach trips, but that was a few beers, er, years ago.

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We have to find a place to park...

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The offical lots will not allow cargo trailers so I hear. So I think this minor league stadium lot might be a good idea.

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If we could all park at this blowfish stadium we could have one big arse LSU tailgate.

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I'm all for it

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Does anyone know the open container laws in Columbia?

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Scroll up to the long post from the SCar fan in this thread. He said it won't be an issue.

Looks like we're gonna have a helluva crew in Columbia. Those Cocks won't know what hit em.

Sippy Cup..
We have a flat screen also (not built in like yours) and a sound system. We'll also have at least 1 beer pong table. We have 6 tables but some will be used for food, dj, tv's, etc. There are some private lots that I was told about along Bluff Rd. that we may be able to get in that are a little closer to the stadium.

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We will just need one spot for us. Same here we can graba as many spots as needed if we're first!

We definitely need to take over a bar Friday night

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Alright well if you get that place closer let me know. Jason has my cell # and email.

I won't be able to go out Friday night. I'll be at a funeral in Tampa on Friday, driving up after that.