We are thrilled to present the Homecoming Tailgating presented by the USC Aiken Black Alumni Council. Homecoming 2023 is scheduled for Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the USC Aiken Convocation Center.

Please carefully read the guidelines for responsible Tailgating. The link for registration appears at the bottom of this page.

FEE: $50 per space (no more than two spaces). There are two options to pay.

1. Pay online by clicking this link: Direct Your Gift
   • In the Gift Detail section, please denote that this gift is for the 2023 Homecoming Tailgate.
2. Check - Make payable to "USCA Black Alumni Council."
   • On the memo line, please note the 2023 Homecoming Tailgate.
   • Include your name and contact information with your check.
   • Please mail your check to the address listed below:
     
     USC Aiken Alumni Association
     471 University Parkway
     Aiken, SC 29801

TIME: Tailgating will officially begin at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The Women’s Basketball Game will start at 1:30 pm, and the Men’s Basketball Game will start at 3:30 pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend each contest.

PARKING: Parking will be available in the Convocation Center parking spaces. If you have a gas grill, you can have one (1) vehicle in your tailgate area.

ACCESS: The tailgating area is located on the lawn adjacent to the Convocation Center.

This area will be occupied by registered tailgating hosts, alumni, community members, and students. All attendees should adhere to guidelines and directives.

SETUP: Homecoming Tailgating set-up will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Game Day – Saturday, February 18, 2023. No vehicles will be allowed to enter the tailgate area after 10:45 a.m.

DIRECTIONS TO TAILGATING AREA: The Tailgate will be held in the grassy lot in front of the USC Aiken Convocation Center. There will be signs directing you to the area. 

Coming from Georgia via I-20: Take I-20 to Exit 18 (the first Aiken exit, Hwy 19). Turn right onto Hwy 19 South and go 4.4 miles to the second traffic light at the intersection of Hwy 19 and Hwy 118. Turn right onto Hwy 118, or University Parkway. Follow Hwy 118 for 3.3 miles (you will go through one traffic light). At the second traffic light, go straight, and then the Convocation Center will be on your immediate right.

Coming from Columbia, Greenville, or Charlotte Areas via I-20: Take I-20 to Exit 18 (the second Aiken exit, Hwy 19). Turn left onto Hwy 19 South and go 4.4 miles to the second traffic light at the intersection of Hwy 19 and Hwy 118. Turn right onto Hwy 118, or University Parkway. Follow Hwy 118 for 3.3 miles (you will go through one traffic light). At the second traffic light, go straight, and then the Convocation Center will be on your immediate right.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Office of Alumni Relations at 803-641-3408.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: Alcohol consumption is permitted by guests 21 and older. No one under 21 is allowed to serve or consume alcohol. No open alcohol containers are permitted on public streets, sidewalks, or outside of the Homecoming tailgating area. Alcohol is allowed inside the tailgating area and can be served inside the reserved tailgating space. Kegs of any size will not be permitted.

We will distribute wristbands to legal-age tailgating hosts and guests to enter the tailgating area. Homecoming tailgating hosts and their guests will be asked to provide valid photo identification to verify their legal drinking age. Anyone found providing alcohol to minors will be asked to leave, University Police will be alerted, and an official police report could result in further legal action. 

BEVERAGE CONTAINERS: All beverages must be contained within a plastic cup. Drinking from glass, bottles, and/or cans will not be permitted. You should bring plastic cups to transfer beverages into.

CLEANUP: We will have trash cans placed in the tailgating area. Tailgaters are asked to dispose of all trash responsibly. Tailgaters should properly extinguish grills; both gas and charcoal grills are permitted. Tailgate hosts are responsible for managing the clean-up of their registered area. Homecoming Tailgate spaces must be cleaned and cleared no later than 3:00 pm on game day.

SPACE: Each space will be 15’ x 17’. Your tent may be no larger than 10’ x 10’  You may have one vehicle in your space. One table will be provided per space.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITY:

•  No drinking games
•  No consumption of illegal controlled substances
•  No open alcoholic beverages are allowed outside the tailgating area
•  No alcohol consumption by persons under the age of 21
•  Do not provide or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21

FIRE SAFETY/GRILL SAFETY:

• Before Grilling – make sure your grill is clean and functions properly.
• During Grilling - do NOT leave your grill unattended.
• Your grill should NOT be under your tent.

In case of a fire:

• Turn off the burners and if you can safely reach the tank valve, shut it off.
•  Do NOT attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water.
•  Call Campus Police for assistance at 803-648-4011