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THESTATE.COM
02/16/2008 USC adds concert to spring football festivities
University one of several schools around the nation to add live music to football spring game weekend
By JOSEPH PERSON - jperson@thestate.com
USC fans and rock ‘n’ rollers should get their fill during a spring-game weekend that will blend live music, tailgating and football.
The Black Crowes will play at Williams-Brice Stadium on April 18 as part of the Gridiron Bash, a combination of fan events and rock concerts held in conjunction with the spring games of about 20 Division I schools.
The festivities start at 7 p.m. on April 18 with a pep rally and interactive fan events outside the stadium, USC marketing director Jeff Crane said Friday. The Black Crowes, a multiplatinum, blues-rock band fronted by Chris Robinson, are scheduled to go on at 8 p.m.
The starting time for the April 19 spring game has not been set.
Crane said USC would receive a $300,000 guarantee from MSL Sports and Entertainment, with a bonus if the Gamecocks draw more than 50,000 fans.
Musical acts that have been booked include Fergie at Penn State, the Goo Goo Dolls at Kansas State and ZZ Top at Texas A&M. Tennessee, Kentucky, Iowa, Colorado and Rutgers are among the other participating schools.
The school with the best attendance — a figure that will include fans who call or text their votes — will win a $1 million contribution to their general scholarship fund in a contest sponsored by USA Today.
“I think the Gamecock Nation will be excited to participate in Gridiron Bash,” USC coach Steve Spurrier said in a release. “I know we will show that we have the best fans in the country.”
Tickets for the Gridiron Bash cost $38 and go on sale Monday at the Colonial Center ticket office. They also can be purchased at gamecocksonline.com, by phone at (866) 4SC-TIXX, or at other Columbia-area businesses.
Admission to the spring game will be free, although USC officials hope fans will turn out for the Friday night concert and pep rally, as well.
“We feel like the loyalty of the Gamecock fans, this is their opportunity to really shine and show the rest of the country that they are the best in the country,” Crane said.
This is the second consecutive year the Gamecocks’ spring game will include a musical act. Hootie and the Blowfish played pregame and halftime performances last year.
Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.
http://www.thestate.com/sports/story/318776.html
