BREAKING: University of South Carolina and Blanchard Machinery Announce Historic Partnership to Transform Williams‑Brice Stadium

In a move poised to reshape the landscape of South Carolina athletics for years to come, the University of South Carolina and Blanchard Machinery have announced a landmark partnership that brings with it a wave of investment, innovation, and long-term impact. The collaboration was unveiled during a highly anticipated press conference held at the Cockaboose Club inside Williams-Brice Stadium on Monday, August 11, and has been described as one of the most significant agreements in the program’s storied history.

University of South Carolina Director of Athletics Jeremiah Donati, Blanchard Machinery President and CEO Boyd Blanchard, and Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Rozier Blanchard stood side by side to reveal the details of this historic alliance, one that will directly fuel the future of Gamecock athletics and the continued enhancement of one of college football’s most iconic venues.

At the heart of the announcement was the introduction of the first-ever on-field corporate logos in South Carolina football history. Blanchard Machinery’s CAT and Blanchard Rental logos will now be prominently featured on both 25-yard lines at Williams-Brice Stadium, symbolizing not only the company’s strong South Carolina roots but also its commitment to helping shape the next chapter of Gamecock athletics.

Yet this partnership is about far more than logos. It represents a significant financial investment aimed at supporting the ongoing and future renovation plans for Williams-Brice Stadium. As South Carolina continues to modernize its athletic facilities to match the expectations of SEC competition and the evolving fan experience, Blanchard’s involvement ensures those plans will be executed with vision and impact.

Jeremiah Donati emphasized the transformational nature of the agreement, stating that this partnership will serve as a foundational pillar in the university’s athletic ambitions. While financial details were not publicly disclosed, Donati confirmed this marks the largest single private investment in the athletics department’s history—a resounding endorsement of the direction the program is headed.

The stadium enhancements supported by this partnership include renovations to the east and west seating areas, the development of new premium seating options, improvements to fan amenities, and a greater emphasis on technology and experience-based design. These upgrades are part of South Carolina’s broader strategic push to create one of the most engaging and competitive home environments in all of college football.

For Blanchard Machinery, a company founded and built in South Carolina, the partnership is deeply personal. Both Boyd and Rozier Blanchard are proud University of South Carolina alumni, and their leadership of the company reflects a long-standing dedication to community investment, education, and state pride. Their decision to align the Blanchard brand with Gamecock athletics is not just a corporate decision—it’s a heartfelt contribution to the future of the university they love.

Rozier Blanchard described the moment as an opportunity to make a lasting difference, not just for the football program but for every student-athlete who wears garnet and black. He spoke about legacy, responsibility, and the company’s commitment to helping build a stronger South Carolina—values that align perfectly with the mission and culture of Gamecock athletics.

A particularly compelling element of the partnership is its focus on student-athlete development. Beyond the field and the stadium, Blanchard Machinery will play a direct role in helping Gamecock athletes prepare for life beyond sports. This includes internship opportunities, job placements, and professional mentorship as part of the university’s growing career development efforts within athletics.

South Carolina’s “Beyond Sports” initiative, which emphasizes leadership, personal growth, and career readiness, will be significantly bolstered by this alliance. For student-athletes balancing the demands of SEC competition with future aspirations, the resources and relationships provided through Blanchard’s involvement could be life-changing.

From a branding standpoint, the visibility that comes with the on-field logos is a reflection of the evolving relationship between collegiate athletics and corporate partnerships. South Carolina becomes one of the few SEC programs to place corporate marks on its football field, a strategic move that not only supports long-term facility goals but also signals a willingness to embrace innovative revenue models in a competitive athletic landscape.

This approach mirrors a national trend in college sports, where partnerships of this magnitude are helping universities compete at the highest levels—on the field, in recruiting, in facilities, and in support services for athletes. But at South Carolina, the relationship with Blanchard Machinery stands apart because of its authenticity, local roots, and holistic vision.

The timing of the announcement is also critical. With Gamecock football entering the 2025 season riding momentum and national expectations, the energy surrounding the program has never been higher. The team’s return to the preseason AP Top 25 for the first time since 2014 has galvanized fans, and the university is leaning into that momentum to show it is serious about competing for championships.

The enhancements at Williams-Brice, now backed by private investment, are designed to elevate every aspect of the game-day experience—from sightlines and hospitality to technological integration and crowd energy. The changes will be rolled out in phases, with key milestones expected over the next two seasons, leading to a fully modernized stadium environment by 2027.

In the weeks and months ahead, fans will begin to see physical changes take shape. But perhaps more importantly, they’ll see a new energy around the program—a confidence that comes from knowing the university is not only preserving its football tradition but investing in a bold future.

From the players on the field to the fans in the stands and the businesses across the state, this partnership represents a collective step forward. South Carolina is not just building for the next Saturday. It’s building for the next generation. The bond between the Gamecocks and Blanchard Machinery is built on shared values, long-term vision, and an unshakable belief in the power of sport to bring people together and create lasting change.

In the end, this partnership is about more than dollars or logos. It’s about what happens when two South Carolina institutions—one academic, one industrial—join forces with a shared purpose. Together, they’re building something that goes far beyond brick and mortar. They’re building a legacy. And for Gamecock Nation, the future just got a whole lot brighter.