Faces of the South: Mary Kennon Bivens

Every Friday we will feature a new face of the South. If you would like to be featured on Faces of the South please contact us at frontporchfootball@gmail.com .

Name: Mary Kennon Bivens

Place You Call Home: Charlotte, NC

College Team: South Carolina Gamecocks

Occupation: Business Development Manager – Coca Cola Consolidated

Q: How long have you been a fan of South Carolina?

A: I’ve been a fan ever since I was a little girl. My mom and dad used to dress me up in cheerleading outfits for the tailgates. Although I don’t wear that uniform anymore, I still root for my team! I guess you can say I became a true fan when I sat in the student section for my first home game as a freshman.

Q: Favorite place to tailgate?

A: Carolina Park in Columbia, SC. It has prime location, fireplaces, live music, covered area for the rain, and friendly faces offering tailgate food and beer. What else could you ask for?

Q: Where is the coolest place you’ve been to?

A:Traveling for football – Nashville TN, for the Vanderbilt game with all our friends from USC. Broadway was something else. In general – Rome, Italy to visit some friends that were living there for a semester.

Q: Favorite Gameday tradition?

A: Cliché and Will Armstrong may roll his eyes, but 2001 playing at the beginning of each football game along with the hype video. I think my brothers would agree with me. Without fail, I get goosebumps every time.

Q: Who was your favorite prom date?

A:It would have to be the one and only Brendan Paschal. He was my knight in shining armor amongst the high school drama revolving around my junior year prom.  If you know you know.

Q: Who was the most influential person in turning you into a South Carolina fan?

A:I don’t know if I ever had to be turned into a South Carolina fan because both of my parents went there, but I would have to say my dad’s friend, Joe Hallow. They introduced me to the “Party Bus” and tailgating was forever changed.

Q: Go to Karaoke song?

A:That Don’t Impress Me Much, Shania Twain.

Q: Is there anything you would change about South Carolina football games?

A:I would want to be able to leave during half time for some more tailgating, but word on the street is fans can now purchase beer inside William’s Brice. I guess I would have to say debatable… Gameday may be perfect now.

Q: Describe your perfect Saturday.

A:For a gameday in Columbia, I would have to say wake up and workout, brunch with our closest 30 friends, then head towards the stadium. The perfect tailgate would have buffalo dip, a chick-fil-a nugget platter, and jalapeno duck poppers to snack on with an ice-cold Michelob Ultra. Saturday’s in Columbia are hard to beat, so it looks like I’ll be venturing back and forth during fall weekends.

Q: Dinner with any celebrity – who you got?

A:Either Tim McGraw or Keith Urban. I don’t think there is a song that I don’t enjoy or one that doesn’t bring up an old memory. All their lyrics tell amazing stories, and everyone knows that stories are better when told in person.  Keith Urban’s accent or Tim McGraw’s classic cowboy hat would be the cherry on top.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about Columbia, SC?

A:Despite our sometimes lack of success in the stadium, everyone is always cheering their hearts out, tailgating hard for the games, and rallying for a post-game celebration.

Q: What would be your last meal if tomorrow was your last day?

A:Chive Blossom at Pawleys Island’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with lobster and corned smashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and dill cream. Dessert would be peach cobbler with an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream.