Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Saturday Gamecock fans came out early to get their first look at the new Gamecock Village tailgate park.
The grillswere fired up and sowere the fans as the USC faithful came out to support their team.
"I got my game face on so the player will be ready to play," said Tony Hill.
After the team's first 11 win season, this season started with some firsts for the fans: a new scoreboard and a renovated place to tailgate.
"We typically tailgate here at the farmers market and would be under the shed for years and year," said Gene Wadford.
And now with the $30 million upgrade to the old Farmers Market, Wadford is impressed with the results.
"Everything was good and fresh absolutely beautiful and we are just proud to be a Gamecock fan," said Wadford.
Tailgating is a big football tradition no matter your age.
"It's fun to throw the football and hang out," said Wesley Silas.
"I went to school here, love this school and have been coming out here ever since," said Hill.
"The camaraderie that we have and meeting new friends," said Wadford.
Some of those new friends were from ECU hoping that the game would not be a blowout.
"Oh God I just hope and pray that they don't tromp all over us," said Linda a ECU fan.
The new Gamecock Village also has a new tradition the Gamecock Walk where fans can welcome their favorite players to the stadium.
In the end tailgating no matter where you are is about having fun.
"Getting hyped up for the game and saying GO COCKS," said Hill.
