Beamer announces tentative spring football dates for Gamecocks

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A year ago, spring football wasn’t really a possibility due to COVID-19 for South Carolina or just about any other school around the country.

The virus forced several conferences to shut down practices and other athletic activities. That also meant spring football games were canceled in several places across the nation.

This year, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer hopes the Gamecocks will be able to get to have spring practice and host the Garnet and Black Game.

“I’m planning and proceeding full speed ahead with spring practice like normal until somebody tells me otherwise,” Beamer said. “All my conversations have been that we’re full speed ahead.”

On Tuesday during his press conference, Beamer told reporters that spring practice is tentatively scheduled to begin on March 20. Also, he added that this year’s Garnet and Black Game is scheduled to take place at Williams-Brice Stadium on April 24.

Last year, Southeastern Conference activities were suspended in March. Football and basketball players were not allowed to return to campus until June.

The Gamecocks officially began their offseason program Tuesday morning.