The South Carolina Gamecocks have been fined $250,000 by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for fans storming the field following their 44-20 victory over Texas A&M on November 2, 2024.

This incident marks the second violation of the SEC's policy on field access in 2024, with the first occurring in January when fans rushed the court after a men's basketball win over Kentucky. The fine will be paid to Texas A&M, as per SEC policy.

The SEC's policy, which was last amended in 2023, mandates that only athletes, coaches, officials, and authorized support personnel have access to competition areas to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators. The Gamecocks' fans violated this policy by climbing out of the stands and through hedges to celebrate with the team on the field. This behavior poses significant safety risks and disrupts the orderly conduct of the game.

As a result of this second offense, South Carolina now faces increased scrutiny and potential penalties from the SEC. The policy stipulates that a subsequent violation would result in a fine of $500,000. This serves as a strong deterrent to prevent future occurrences and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe and controlled environment during sporting events.

The Gamecocks' administration has expressed regret over the incident and has committed to taking measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. They have also reminded fans of the importance of following stadium policies and respecting the safety protocols put in place by the SEC.