Know before you go: SC State football returns to Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Saturday

Tickets, parking, security screening and stadium policies for the Bulldogs' 2026 season opener

ORANGEBURG, S.C. - South Carolina State University football returns to Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 29, as the reigning 2025 HBCU national champions open the 2026 season against Savannah State.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. SC State is calling for a stadium whiteout, with Bulldog fans encouraged to wear white and help pack Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

Safety first:

• Each person, including all vehicle passengers, must have a ticket to enter the campus.
• Please have your ID ready for security screening at the gate.
• SC State is a gun-free, smoke-free and drug-free campus.

Game-day tickets and parking

Fans may purchase tickets in advance through SC State's online ticketing portal:

Online Ticket Portal

Game-day ticket sales and parking passes will be available at Gate 2.

Football gates for parking zones are:

• Gate 1 - Buckley and Russell streets: Nix, Felton and Kennel.
• Gate 2 - Buckley Street: Crawford-Zimmerman general public parking.
• Gate 3 - Magnolia and Geathers streets: Faculty and staff Mays parking area.
• Gate 4 - Goff and Buckley streets: Mason and Wilkinson.
• Gate 5 - Chestnut Street and Wilkinson Boulevard: S-H-M and Staley.

Stadium bag policy

Guests may carry the following bags, packages or containers into the venue:

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, such as Ziploc bags or similar.
• Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, with or without a handle or strap. Clutch bags may be carried with one of the approved clear plastic bags.
• Medically necessary items after proper inspection.

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to, purses larger than a clutch bag, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage, nonapproved seat cushions or seatbacks, computer bags, diaper bags, binocular cases and camera bags.

Guests may continue to enjoy tailgate activities in the parking lots. Items permitted inside the venue include binoculars, cameras and smartphones.

Golf cart access

Golf carts are subject to all university game-day access times and restrictions.

No patron golf cart entry is permitted before the authorized parking opening time.

Golf carts are permitted one-time ingress only. Once a golf cart exits the controlled game-day area, re-entry and game-day deliveries are not permitted.

Pedestrian access

Authorized football game-day pedestrian access points are:

• Gate 1 - Buckley and Russell streets.
• Gate 4 - Buckley and Goff streets.
• Pedestrian Bridge adjacent to Gate 5.
• Felton entrance at Naylor Street.
• Felton entrance at Geathers Street.

Additional pedestrian access is available through the Felton entrances at Naylor and Geathers streets.

Pet-free campus

For the safety and comfort of guests, South Carolina State University is a pet-free campus. Pets are not permitted on campus during game day.

Service animals, as defined by applicable law, are permitted.

Fourth-quarter stadium access

Beginning at the start of the fourth quarter, the controlled stadium footprint will transition to egress only. Entry into the stadium footprint will no longer be permitted.

The egress-only restriction will remain in effect until two hours after the conclusion of the game.

Bulldog Walk

Fans can meet Coach Chennis Berry and the Bulldogs at the corner of the Ticket Office at 3:35 p.m. and cheer on the team as it makes its way into Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

Fans are encouraged to bring the energy and show their Bulldog pride as the team prepares for the season opener.

Orangeburg County is the game sponsor.