Gamecock Traditions
Freshmen gather on the historic Horseshoe for this event, where they participate in their first official Gamecock chant
What is Cocky’s Call?
You'd better keep this university ID handy because students use it to enter most USC athletic events.
What is your CarolinaCard?
This beloved bird has served as USC's mascot since 1980.
Who is Cocky?
Cocky is hungry, wants to meet up with friends, and heard there might be a student organization event happening upstairs.
What is Russell House?
What is University 101?
Each fall, students gather to watch this enormous representation of USC's biggest rival go up in flames.
What is Tiger Burn?
If you hear this techno song start playing at a football game, prepare to grab your rally towel and jump.
What is "Sandstorm"?
Gamecock football calls this stadium home.
What is Williams-Brice Stadium?
Cocky is ready to work off all those Chicken Finger Wednesdays. He can swim, climb the rock wall, play basketball, or hit the gym at this enormous student recreation facility.
What is the Strom Thurmond?
The night before classes starts this unofficial pep rally includes fireworks, live music, and Sandstorm all night long.
What is First Night Carolina?
This weekly dining tradition has become as much about getting together with friends as it is about what's being served.
What is Chicken Finger Wednesday?
This historic area of campus is simultaneously a beautiful place to relax and a place where uneven bricks might test your balance.
What is the Horseshoe?
The annual football matchup between South Carolina and Clemson is known by this name.
What is the Palmetto Bowl?
Cocky wants to get outside without going far from campus. He heads toward the river for walking and running trails, views of the Columbia skyline, and plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors
What is the Three Rivers Greenway?
When the Gamecock women’s basketball team wins a national championship, students have celebrated by rushing into this campus landmark.
What is the Thomas Cooper Library reflecting pool/pond?
Students become eligible to earn this piece of Carolina tradition after completing at least this many undergraduate credit hours.
What is 60 credit hours? (For the official University Ring.)
Want escape rooms, zoo trips and other activities without spending your own money? This Gamecock Entertainment series offers free events when classes are in session.
What is Thursdays After Dark?
South Carolina and Clemson first met on the football field in this year—and Carolina won.
What is 1896?
Cocky wants to find caffeine, a chill spot to study, and doesn't mind being underground.
What is Thomas Cooper Library?
Most students who portray Cocky keep their identities secret. But there's one very special occasion when graduating Cockys reveal themselves to their classmates by wearing these with their caps and gowns.
What are Cocky's feet?
During the Alma Mater, Gamecocks traditionally make this gesture when singing "Here's a health, Carolina!"
What is raising your right hand with your fingers cupped as though making a toast?
Attending more Gamecock athletic events can improve your chances of receiving one of these highly coveted items
What are student football tickets? (USC uses a reward-point system.)
Before the rivalry game began alternating campuses, the Carolina-Clemson matchup was traditionally played in Columbia during the State Fair and was known by this name.
What is Big Thursday?
Cocky isn’t headed to class today. Instead, he’s found a spot in the heart of campus where Gamecocks gather for outdoor events, student activities, celebrations, and just hanging out between classes. Located right beside Russell House,.
What is Davis Field?
This end of the school year tradition includes getting served bacon and eggs by the USC President.
What is Midnight Breakfast?