South Carolina prepares for record heat during Kent State football opener

South Carolina hosts Kent State at Williams-Brice Stadium for a 12:45 p.m. kickoff this Saturday, September 5. With a projected high of 98 degrees, the athletic department expects this to be the hottest home game in school history. Officials are implementing a heat management plan that includes additional cooling stations and new air-conditioned food marketplaces. Fans are permitted to bring personal fans without lithium batteries and one clear plastic water bottle each into the stadium. Players are also following a hydration protocol managed by director of performance nutrition Yimy Queipo Rodriguez to prepare for the extreme temperatures. The team plans to continue its standard hydration practices leading up to the game to ensure athlete safety and performance during the sellout contest.

• 9:07 AMYahoo Sports — South Carolina football opener could be hottest home game ever. What fans need to know