Williams-Brice Stadium - If IT Ain't Swayin', We Ain't Playin'

If It Ain't Swayin', We Ain't Playin'

The new east upper deck created some controversy during the 1983 season. Fans reported it was noticeably swaying—as much as a foot by some accounts. The swaying was especially pronounced during a game in which the Gamecocks routed Southern Cal 38–14. Joe Morrison was subsequently quoted as saying, "If it ain't swayin', we ain't playin'"—a phrase that eventually made it onto bumper stickers and other items, and is still a popular saying today. Giant shock absorbers were installed under the east upper deck for the 1987 season, however, during the 1988 season, many spectators reported seeing a ripple effect across the east upper deck when the marching band played the song "Louie Louie." The university indicated that the sway or ripple was safe. To this day, the east upper deck still sways when fans jump up and down. A similar effect has been noticed at Texas A&M's Kyle Field. In addition, several parts of the stadium have been known to vibrate due to the decibel levels generated during a typical game.