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Loudest SEC Stadium Environment - SEC official Matt Austin
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:01 am
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:01 am
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“You can’t beat a night game at LSU,” he said. “That’s just a wonderful venue. The atmosphere is electric, the fans are tuned into the game. They make a lot of noise.”
But Tiger Stadium is not the answer to the question that he’s often faced with, “What’s the noisiest stadium I’ve ever been in?” Austin said people are often surprised about his answer.
“I tell people the truth, and they get really surprised, and it’s South Carolina,” he said.
He recalled the first SEC Network game, which was Texas A&M against the Gamecocks in 2014, and he said, “It was so loud, I couldn’t hear myself talk at the coin toss.”
Having been to a number of SEC games over the years I wouldn't say Williams Brice is the loudest in the conference, I'd actually give the nod to LSU and Auburn based on my experiences there. I do think the environment at SC is significantly underrated in the conference and would definitely place it in the Top 5.
“You can’t beat a night game at LSU,” he said. “That’s just a wonderful venue. The atmosphere is electric, the fans are tuned into the game. They make a lot of noise.”
But Tiger Stadium is not the answer to the question that he’s often faced with, “What’s the noisiest stadium I’ve ever been in?” Austin said people are often surprised about his answer.
“I tell people the truth, and they get really surprised, and it’s South Carolina,” he said.
He recalled the first SEC Network game, which was Texas A&M against the Gamecocks in 2014, and he said, “It was so loud, I couldn’t hear myself talk at the coin toss.”
Having been to a number of SEC games over the years I wouldn't say Williams Brice is the loudest in the conference, I'd actually give the nod to LSU and Auburn based on my experiences there. I do think the environment at SC is significantly underrated in the conference and would definitely place it in the Top 5.
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Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:04 am to gamecockman12
quote:
“It was so loud, I couldn’t hear myself talk at the coin toss.”
Ironically the coin toss was about the last loud moment for SC fans that game.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:04 am to RoscoeHarper
Kenny Trill TYFYS
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:04 am to gamecockman12
quote:
which was Texas A&M against the Gamecocks in 2014, and he said, “It was so loud, I couldn’t hear myself talk at the coin toss.”
Let’s not talk about the rest of the game
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:06 am to gamecockman12
Anyone who has been to huge games in multiple stadiums in this conference and thinks they can distinguish the noise levels is a moron. They all sound the same, really loud.
The more distinguishing thing for me is games where it's loud all the time, not just on third downs or after big plays.
The more distinguishing thing for me is games where it's loud all the time, not just on third downs or after big plays.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:06 am to RoscoeHarper
quote:
Ironically the coin toss was about the last loud moment for SC fans that game
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:10 am to gamecockman12
Don't forget - according to Chiefs fans, Burrow had never been anywhere as loud as Arrowhead Stadium. 
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:13 am to gamecockman12
I wonder if he's referring to the fans or Sandstorm.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:19 am to RandySavage
quote:
Anyone who has been to huge games in multiple stadiums in this conference and thinks they can distinguish the noise levels is a moron
I think you’re probably pretty spot on about this regarding games in general, but there are certainly memorable moments that can’t be replicated in smaller venues.
For example, give this a listen for a few seconds and tell me what you think. (YouTube)
Admittedly, BDS is not consistently loud, but it certainly can be at times.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:24 am to paperwasp
Since saban went to alabama you can hear a difference in the crowd. Winning creates it. I do agree if USCe was winning that stadium would be up there
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:31 am to gamecockman12
I've been to Willy B for a game and was really impressed. They have some great fans. I wouldn't say it was the loudest stadium I e ever been in, but it was a great college football atmosphere inside the stadium.
JHS and Tiger Stadium are head and shoulders above everywhere I've ever been to a game. Ive been in JH before and it was so loud it sounded quiet in my head. It was like my brain turned down the volume so it wouldn't be subjected to that noise level. Was weird.
JHS and Tiger Stadium are head and shoulders above everywhere I've ever been to a game. Ive been in JH before and it was so loud it sounded quiet in my head. It was like my brain turned down the volume so it wouldn't be subjected to that noise level. Was weird.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:34 am to IAmNERD
JHS was may favorite away game. Everyone was nice and weather was perfect. Haven't been to kentucky mizzou or south carolina yet. And arky was in little rock. Would like to see one in fayetteville while they are on the up
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:35 am to IAmNERD
quote:
JHS and Tiger Stadium are head and shoulders above everywhere I've ever been to a game. Ive been in JH before and it was so loud it sounded quiet in my head. It was like my brain turned down the volume so it wouldn't be subjected to that noise level. Was weird.
I've been to Jordan Hare before as well and it definitely wasn't head and shoulders above Williams Brice. I might give it a slight edge, but it's close.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:41 am to gamecockman12
quote:
I've been to Jordan Hare before as well and it definitely wasn't head and shoulders above Williams Brice. I might give it a slight edge, but it's close.
This is probably true, but I can only speak to the games I've attended. I went in 2011 and 2021 to WB. There just isn't a whole lot of history to the two teams. I'm sure the place is bonkers for Clemson or UGA. But my visits couldn't compare to some of my trips to Baton Rouge in the early 2000s. Or 2001 Florida in JHS. Not even close.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:46 am to IAmNERD
quote:
I've been to Willy B for a game and was really impressed. They have some great fans. I wouldn't say it was the loudest stadium I e ever been in, but it was a great college football atmosphere inside the stadium.
Because there just isn't that much history between AU and SC. Bring UGA, Clemson or Tennessee into that stadium and it's a different story.
The 2012 UGA game and the 2009 Ole Miss games are universally regarded as the loudest games ever at Willy B.
The 2009 Game was the first time SC had beaten a top 5 team at home and the "Birth of Sandstorm"
The 2012 UGA game was a night game and meeting of top 10 teams (#5 vs #6) and the lead in the SEC east. SC pulled this one off before the game Surprise Military Family Welcome Home at South Carolina Football Game (jump to 2:15) and when Ace Sanders ripped a 70 yard TD to put the Gamecock up 21 - 0 there is a consensus among gamecock fans that it's the loudest Willy B has ever been. I can't find it now, but somewhere there's a transcript of the ESPN off air radio about every camera position in the stadium shaking. The on field reporters couldn't hear the booth or control truck talking to them.
This post was edited on 8/23/22 at 8:54 am
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:47 am to IAmNERD
quote:
Ive been in JH before and it was so loud it sounded quiet in my head. It was like my brain turned down the volume so it wouldn't be subjected to that noise level. Was weird.
I think you're just thinking about the second half against the Pirate last year.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:48 am to IAmNERD
quote:that's when you know -
Ive been in JH before and it was so loud it sounded quiet in my head. It was like my brain turned down the volume so it wouldn't be subjected to that noise level. Was weird.
Ace Sanders' punt return TD 2012/UGA in W-B did the same even in the upper levels. when he crossed the 50 with a clear path down the sideline it went from explosively loud to a weird silent pressure shooting up to the night sky.
Williams-Brice has a different vibe than any other SEC stadium when Gamecock fans and our team lock in together. as far as decibels our open North EZ won't hold the same sound as about 5 other SEC stadiums will - but there's no denying the pure unrelenting violent noise we unleash. UK in 2007 and Ole Miss in 2009 - both on Thursday nights with only about 75K fans were loud for 60 minutes. same for Bama 2001 & 2010. those 4 stand out.
Matt Austin was treated to the 3rd loudest 2001/pregame at W-B vs A&M. Spurrier had USC on an 18 game home win streak and even for a Thursday season opener the full house was in full voice. 2001 vs UF & 2012 vs UGA "2001's" were more raucous and loud, though.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:51 am to gamecockman12
One of the few SEC venues we have not visited yet. Looking forward to it in the near future.... 
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:52 am to Lonnie Utah
I live in Columbia, SC. This place is is so STARVED for a winner. People really love the gamecocks here, and they are so sick of dealing with Clemson people from upstate and bandwagon fans (mostly annoying children/teenagers). They are already losing their mind over Beamer after an overachieving 6-6 season.
USC still has a great gameday even with crap teams for a decade. The stadium is also designed well for fans to affect the game.
If they ever go on a run into the top 10 and end up in a big home game again, it will be a sight to see.
USC still has a great gameday even with crap teams for a decade. The stadium is also designed well for fans to affect the game.
If they ever go on a run into the top 10 and end up in a big home game again, it will be a sight to see.
Posted on 8/23/22 at 8:53 am to gamecockman12
I will admit that the 2009 OM vs South Carolina game was crazy. That was the first time I saw the sandstorm and it was a mad house.
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