Gamecocks Celebrate Top Seed with Exclusive Watch Party

0:00On March 16th, the South Carolina Game Cots women's basketball team celebrated landing a number one seed in the NCAA tournament at an upscale watch, party in the Columbia Museum of Art. This continues their streak of 14 straight tournament appearances and six prior years as a top seed. They'll host the winner of a first four match-up between Southern and Sanford this Saturday at Colonial Life Arena. Organizers switched from the usual free arena gatherings to a ticketed event starting at $50 per entry. VIP options went up to $250, offering private dinners with players, half-off merchandise, and exclusive shirts. Fans loved the more intimate vibe compared to past crowded events. Season ticket holders shared meals with stars like Joyce Edwards and Mariam Douda, snap selfies with coach Don Staley and players such as Raven, Johnson, and called it worth every penny for the personal connections. The gathering came from a partnership with Ray Rose Media, a company focused on women's sports and name, image, and likeness deals for athletes.

1:03Proceeds support the team's enhancement fund, highlighting shifts in how programs engage supporters. With another deep tournament run ahead, this fresh approach shows college basketball blending tradition with new fan experiences.