When Island Vibes announced the giveaway for two tickets to the Palmetto Bowl featuring Carolina vs. Clemson, one lucky reader never imagined they’d be getting a phone call. We’ve since crowned our winner and they’ve got two end-zone seats on Thanksgiving weekend.
“I was honestly in complete shock when I found out I had won the tickets,” admitted Isle of Palms resident William Hall.
Hall was hanging out at Smuggler’s on Isle of Palms when a friend suggested that he scan the QR code for the contest. He thought, “Heck, why not?” A couple months later, a confirmation email appeared while he was checking for a business-related message. He couldn’t believe it. He showed his wife immediately.
A lifelong Carolina fan, Hall is an owner and partner at Towne Centre Market LLC on U.S. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant. He is also the owner of an Eggs Up Grill in Savannah, Georgia.
Reflecting on last year’s matchup, Hall recalled how special it was to end the season with a win, noting, “Bragging rights are everything in this state.” The rivalry’s intensity is amplified by divided family and friend groups, which makes the game even more fun.
This year, Hall is taking a very special guest: his mother, who has always been a Carolina fan at heart. “This will be her first game at Willy B (Williams-Brice Stadium) and there’s no better one to take her to.”
Both teams may not be having their best seasons, but in a rivalry like this, it won’t make a difference once they spot the ball. “Both teams will leave it all on the field to take home the trophy and bragging rights for the next year,” Hall added.
This year marks the 122nd Palmetto Bowl meeting between Clemson and South Carolina dating back to 1896. In terms of overall wins and losses, Clemson has dominated the series with 73 wins compared to USC’s 44. There have also been four ties. But the most important number is the final on the scoreboard.
For this Carolina fan, the thrill of the game isn’t just about who wins — it’s about the school pride and pageantry that make it more than the Palmetto State’s greatest college football rivalry.
By Staff Report
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