With less than 24 hours notice almost 600 Gamecock fans made their way to Colonial Life Arena tonight for a free watch party for Game 2 vs. the Gators.
The best part about a big watch party is the feeling of camaraderie with your fellow fans, the loud collective cheering (instead of waking up your entire neighborhood!), and the big screen on the videoboard doesn't hurt!
Fans started to fill in an hour before the game started:
As they made their way in the door I asked a few fans what brought them out to CLA to watch the game tonight and about their favorite moments from the College World Series run thus far.
Married couple Jessica and Andy, two South Carolina alumni (classes of 2008 and 2005, respectively) from here in Columbia said they couldn't be in Omaha, but they wanted to make sure they were still around a lot of other Gamecock fans where they could all hang out and scream together. "We watched the game at home last night with a couple friends," said Andy. "We were kind of freaking out the dog!"
"My favorite part has been all the clutch moments," said Andy. Jessica added, "it has been great to see how the team acts like a family."
Frank and Pam Brewer of Prosperity decided to come out after Pam reported having a great time watching the SEC Championship Game there during football season.
"I thought the Virginia game was just awesome," said Frank. "Then they turned around and did it again last night. I'm excited to see what happens tonight and finish this thing out."
Pam added, "I like how they stay so cool under pressure. You look over there in the dugout and they're [miming] rowing!"
The Brewers were joined by Pam's parents, Ray and Betty Kyzer, of Newberry, at the watch party. While Betty said her favorite part is just the end of the game - "When they win!!", she said happily. Ray said he has really enjoyed the defensive play of Wingo et al and all the fantastic double plays, along with off-the-field stories such as the team's visit to the Children's Hospital in Omaha.
"It's good to see college students like these boys playing baseball take that much time with the kids like that and be hospitable," explained Ray.
Season ticket holder Shannon Derienzo of Lexington came with her children, Ryan (11) and Isabella (8).
"Next closest thing to being in Omaha," said Shannon. Regarding the season, Shannon said, "it just can't get any better. We just love it!"
Well, Shannon, it DID get better!!! The Gamecocks are the NATIONAL CHAMPIONS for the second consecutive year after a 5-2 win over Florida!!!
Go Gamecocks!!!
-Brittany
The best part about a big watch party is the feeling of camaraderie with your fellow fans, the loud collective cheering (instead of waking up your entire neighborhood!), and the big screen on the videoboard doesn't hurt!
Fans started to fill in an hour before the game started:
As they made their way in the door I asked a few fans what brought them out to CLA to watch the game tonight and about their favorite moments from the College World Series run thus far.
Married couple Jessica and Andy, two South Carolina alumni (classes of 2008 and 2005, respectively) from here in Columbia said they couldn't be in Omaha, but they wanted to make sure they were still around a lot of other Gamecock fans where they could all hang out and scream together. "We watched the game at home last night with a couple friends," said Andy. "We were kind of freaking out the dog!"
"My favorite part has been all the clutch moments," said Andy. Jessica added, "it has been great to see how the team acts like a family."
Frank and Pam Brewer of Prosperity decided to come out after Pam reported having a great time watching the SEC Championship Game there during football season.
"I thought the Virginia game was just awesome," said Frank. "Then they turned around and did it again last night. I'm excited to see what happens tonight and finish this thing out."
Pam added, "I like how they stay so cool under pressure. You look over there in the dugout and they're [miming] rowing!"
The Brewers were joined by Pam's parents, Ray and Betty Kyzer, of Newberry, at the watch party. While Betty said her favorite part is just the end of the game - "When they win!!", she said happily. Ray said he has really enjoyed the defensive play of Wingo et al and all the fantastic double plays, along with off-the-field stories such as the team's visit to the Children's Hospital in Omaha.
"It's good to see college students like these boys playing baseball take that much time with the kids like that and be hospitable," explained Ray.
Season ticket holder Shannon Derienzo of Lexington came with her children, Ryan (11) and Isabella (8).
"Next closest thing to being in Omaha," said Shannon. Regarding the season, Shannon said, "it just can't get any better. We just love it!"
Well, Shannon, it DID get better!!! The Gamecocks are the NATIONAL CHAMPIONS for the second consecutive year after a 5-2 win over Florida!!!
Go Gamecocks!!!
-Brittany
I am appreciate to watch TV USC Baseball games and Amazing to Praise USC Baseball Team and Coach and @ nd Time Championship year 2010 and 2011. WOW WOW Cocky 1. My name is Vickie Joyner is deaf Lady and My Daddy Boyd were support with our USC Gamecocks!! We were proud of our USC Team Baseball. COCKADOODLE-TWO. SHOUT COCKY 1!!!!!I love my Favorite USC SPORTS TEAM!!!!! PRAISE Micheal Roth Pitcher is very good USC Player Team!!