College football fans in the Carolinas, get ready—October 11, 2025, is shaping up as a date to remember. Coastal Carolina returns to the friendly confines of Brooks Stadium for a high-energy Sun Belt Conference showdown against ULM, while South Carolina embarks on a daunting road trip to face No. 11 LSU in Baton Rouge. With both programs at pivotal junctures, the weekend promises drama, spectacle, and more than a few storylines worth following.
For Coastal Carolina, Saturday's homecoming marks the end of a nearly month-long absence from Brooks Stadium. The anticipation has been building, and the university is pulling out all the stops to ensure fans experience a game day like never before. From the earliest hours of the afternoon, the campus will be buzzing. Parking lots swing open at 1:00 PM, with Teal Town—the ultimate pregame party—getting underway at 4:00 PM. The reimagined Chant Walk, now starting at the Chauncey statue in front of the TD Bank Sports Complex, kicks off at 4:30 PM, giving fans a closer, more electric view of the Chanticleers as they make their entrance. Gates open at 5:30 PM, and kickoff is set for 7:00 PM sharp.
Coastal Carolina is calling for a "White Out" at Brooks Stadium, urging every member of Teal Nation to don their brightest white gear and help create an intimidating sea of unity. The school is also introducing a host of fan-centric innovations for the 2025 season. Digital ticketing is now the standard, streamlining entry and making the process faster and safer. With just a few taps on the Chanticleer Mobile App, fans can access their tickets, stadium maps, and even free concession vouchers.
Yes, you read that right—free concessions are on the menu. Every fan can snag up to four items per concession stand visit from a selection of hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and fountain drinks. It's the university's way of saying "thank you" to some of the most passionate fans in college football. Specialty foods and alcoholic beverages remain available for purchase, but the basics are on the house at designated stands. Speaking of alcohol, there's a new policy in place: a maximum of two drinks per person per transaction, and only valid horizontal IDs will be accepted, reflecting recent changes to South Carolina law.
The game itself isn't the only show in town. Coastal Carolina will honor its George F. "Buddy" Sasser Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 during halftime. The new inductees include former Chanticleer standouts Chad Hamilton (football), Malene Hansen (women's golf), Annayka Legros (volleyball), and Nadeel Wildschutt (cross country/track). Legendary baseball coach Gary Gilmore and longtime director of athletics—and "Voice of the Chanticleers"—Matt Hogue will also be recognized, adding a dose of nostalgia and school pride to the festivities.
Brooks Stadium itself is sporting a fresh look for 2025. The iconic teal turf remains, but this year, it's accented by sleek black end zones for the first time. The new design isn't just a visual treat—it amplifies the home-field advantage, making every touchdown and tackle pop against the bold backdrop. The stadium will also feature expanded pyrotechnics, with fireworks displays lighting up the sky from kickoff to the final whistle.
For those seeking a premium experience, Brooks Stadium now offers Sun Cruiser South End Zone Cabanas and the South Atlantic Bank Party Zone. These new seating options come with all-inclusive food and beverage service, premium parking, and an up-close view of the action. It's a taste of the big time in Conway, and the response from fans has been enthusiastic.
Community engagement is also front and center. Through a partnership with Food Lion, Coastal Carolina is donating 1,000 meals to local organizations for every sack by the Chanticleer defense in regular season play, both home and away. Heading into the week of the ULM game, the tally stands at 2,000 meals—a testament to the team's impact off the field. Food Lion will also be present at future games with their "Forgot It, We Got It" golf cart, ready to supply fans with tailgate essentials.
As the sun sets over Conway, all eyes will be on Brooks Stadium. The Coastal Carolina Light Show, powered by the Chanticleer Mobile App, promises to be a highlight. Fans are encouraged to sync their phone flashlights with on-screen prompts before kickoff and at the start of the fourth quarter, creating a dazzling, unified display. It's just one more way the university is elevating the game day atmosphere.
Meanwhile, over in Columbia, the South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for what many analysts are calling the toughest remaining schedule in college football among teams with two losses or fewer. National voices like Chris Low of On3, Josh Pate, and ESPN's Dan Orlovsky have all spotlighted the Gamecocks' brutal seven-game stretch, which includes showdowns with five AP top-11 opponents before a season-ending clash with Coastal Carolina and the traditional Palmetto Bowl against Clemson.
The immediate challenge? A night game in Baton Rouge against No. 11 LSU, with kickoff set for 7:45 PM and national coverage on SEC Network and the ESPN app. The next four weeks don't get any easier, as South Carolina faces No. 6 Oklahoma, No. 8 Alabama, and No. 4 Ole Miss. After a bye, the Gamecocks head to No. 5 Texas A&M before finishing the regular season against Clemson, who, despite recent struggles, began the year ranked No. 4 in the preseason polls.
Head coach Shane Beamer isn't backing down from the gauntlet. As he told reporters, "If you don’t want to play that schedule, you chose the wrong school to come to. I mean, that’s just life in this league." He continued, "As a competitor, you love that opportunity to go compete. So, that’s been my message. Go freaking compete, because this is what y’all came here for." It's a rallying cry that resonates with the Gamecock faithful, who know that running the table—or even matching last season's 9-3 record—could put South Carolina squarely in the College Football Playoff conversation.
With so much at stake, both Coastal Carolina and South Carolina are poised for defining moments. For the Chanticleers, it's about defending home turf, celebrating tradition, and giving back to the community. For the Gamecocks, it's a test of mettle against the nation's best, with the promise of glory if they can weather the storm. Whether you're in the stands at Brooks Stadium or tuning in to SEC Network on Saturday night, one thing's for sure—Carolina football fans are in for an unforgettable weekend.
As Saturday approaches, the excitement is palpable. The lights, the fireworks, the roar of the crowd—everything is set for a showcase of college football at its finest. Whether the action unfolds in Conway or Baton Rouge, the spirit of competition and community will be on full display, reminding everyone why fall Saturdays in the South are simply unmatched.
