CHARLOTTE – The Big South Conference enjoyed a busy week with new membership, announcing the addition of both USC Upstate and Hampton University as full members.

The USC Upstate announcement came on Wednesday, with the Spartans beginning competition in 2018-2019. The league announced that Hampton would join the league on Thursday morning, with the Pirates raising the Big South's membership to 12 schools beginning next fall.

Hampton's football program will begin Big South Conference association no later than 2019.

"The Big South Conference is dramatically strengthening with the additions of USC Upstate and Hampton University, and this is tremendously beneficial for Gardner-Webb, our student-athletes, and our entire athletic program," said Gardner-Webb president Dr. Frank Bonner. "Having been directly involved in the review of both USC Upstate and Hampton University, I can attest that both are quality additions to our conference.

"From a marketing standpoint, this also brings Gardner-Webb significant presence in the tremendously important markets of Greenville-Spartanburg and Hampton Roads. Both USC Upstate and Hampton will bring with them exciting athletic rivalries with Gardner-Webb as well."

Gardner-Webb has been a full member of the Big South Conference since the 2008-2009 season. The Runnin' Bulldogs started play as an associate member for football in 2002.