A how-to guide for building a local tailgate in Columbia
Fried chicken from Zesto. | Photo by @lafoodiefrancaise_
College football is back + tailgating traditions run deep at UofSC. SC has been ranked by 247 Sports(No. 2), USA Today (No. 4), Bleacher Report(No. 9), and Stadium Talk(No. 11) as having one of the best tailgating experiences in college football.
16,000 — the number of fans that come to Gamecock football games just to tailgate.
~$10 million — the revenue game days bring to the local economy
Pull out your coolers + calendars and gear for Saturdays in South Carolina by reading these pro tips on how to prepare the tastiest tailgate between Bluff Road and George Rogers Blvd.
At this point, can we just consider Bojangles local? We would debate that this chain has mastered game day boxes.Grab a Gamecock branded Big Bo Box, filled with fried chicken, fixin’s, and a buttery biscuit.
Known for its pimento cheese + any kind of salad you can think of, we recommend taking a look at DiPrato’s catering menu to pick up authentic New York deli-style food with Italianinfluence and Southern flare. Pro tip: You’re missing out if you don’t order a dessert with your meal.
Order the Tailgate Special + choose between an eight-piece, 15-piece, or 20-piece chicken meal, outfit with a tray of fries, a pint of slaw, and rolls.
Grab a Tub Of Chicken — 12 pieces including three breasts, three wings, three thighs, and three legs. Pro tip: you can order the tub of chicken with white meat (seven breasts + five wings.)
Use the links below to share this free newsletter with family and friends who love a good, chicken-filled tailgate.
Storytime in the Garden | Thurs., Sept. 8 | Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, 1615 Blanding St. | Free | Participate in stories, songs, and activities with Richland Library and Historic Columbia staff in the Hampton-Preston Gardens. 📖
Columbia Fireflies: Budweiser Thirsty Thursday™ | Thurs., Sept. 8 | Segra Park | 7:05 p.m. | $5+ | Enjoy a St. Pats-themed game with half-priced draft beer and fountain sodas, $2 Bud Light pints, and Rhythm 54 at the Budweiser Bowtie Bar. 🍀 *
Friday
2022 Tunnel-Towers 5k Run and Walk | Fri., Sept. 9 | 7 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St. | $15+ | Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries forward a legacy of courage and heroism. 🇺🇸
The Music Man at Town Theatre | Fri., Sept. 9 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St. | $15-25 | When a con man tries to swindle an entire town out of their money to start a boys’ band, it leads to an old-fashioned love story. 🎭
Saturday
AT THE HEART OF IT ALL | Sat., Sept. 10 | 8 p.m. | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St. | Free | Trustus Theatre is proud to bring 39 years of supporters and performers together for a two-night-only performance in honor of our founders, Jim and Kay Thigpen.
PARAMORE TRIBUTE DRAG SHOW | Sat., Sept. 10 | 7-11:30 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St. | $10 | This event is for adults 18+ and will start at 8:30 p.m. 🎶
Sunday
Second Sunday Stroll - University Hill | Sun., Sept. 11 | 2-3 p.m. | University of South Carolina, 1244 Blossom St.| $5-10 | Established between 1885 and 1950, the University Hill neighborhood features homes with a mix of architectural styles and designs from prominent regional and local architects. 👟
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
South Carolina men’s basketball’s 2023 SEC schedulewas announced. The Gamecocks will kick off the season by playing Vanderbilt on Tues., Jan. 3 + host its SEC home-opener against Tennessee on Sat., Jan. 7. Grab season tickets to the nine home games here. 🏀 (Gamecocks Online)
Number
$7 million. The amount United Way of the Midlands invested in community organizations over the last year. The organization also gave $2 million in grants and this year’s grants will be divided up between 28 programs throughout the Midlands, focusing on programs that meet immediate needs and help people build pathways to success. 💰
Health
The Department of Defense is transitioning to a new medical records system called, Genesis, which will affect Fort Jackson + Shaw Air Force Base. The transition will happen on Sat., Sept. 24 and the new portal will allow patients faster communication with medical professionals and access to their records. 💻 (WLTX)
Community
Richland Library Main is hosting an Ask an Attorney event, offering library cardholders free,one on one legal advice tomorrowfrom 1-4 p.m. Register for a 15 min. slot and receive advice on where to begin with legal endeavors. (Cola Daily)
Meeting Street Artisan Market - Night Edition is happening tonight and will fall on every second Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at 425 Meeting St., inside of the Interactive Art Park. Shop and peruse over 20 vendors at the new West Columbia market to shop + support local businesses.
Active
Columbia Girls Who Walk released its September calendar. In addition to its weekly walks, it’ll also host a few Sunday walks, a Mom-only walk, and a private yoga class on Mon., Sept. 26. The local club is looking for volunteers to lead walks this month. Find more details here. 🗓
Soda Citizen
Leah Nadorff won an HGTV Smart Home 2022 sweepstakes — cough — a $1.2 million prize, including a brand new 3,000 sqft house + a 2021 Mercedes-Benz SUV. Over 104 million people entered this sweepstake. Congratulations, Leah! 🎉 (The State)
Plan Ahead
Plan ahead for Curiosity’s Coffee Cocktail Competition (benefiting Cola Town Bike Collective)happening on Sun., Sept. 18. from 4-7 p.m. Local restaurants will use Curiosity’s new nitro cans to create signature cocktails. Soda Citizens can buy a wristband for $20 to taste drinks, eat,and jam with DJ Liv. 🍹
Stat
Twin pregnancies have risen by 76% over the last three decades. Find out why — and learn about the risks associated with carrying twins. 🤰*
Family
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) plans to build an airside sensory play area to keep kids entertained while families wait for their flight. See more about the new project meant to make traveling more enjoyable for both parents + children. ✈️ *
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City
New rapid shelter development
City of Columbia introduced Rapid Shelter Columbia
An example of the Pallet housing units coming to Columbia. | Photo by ColumbiaSC.gov
The former Inclement Weather Center located at 191 Calhoun St. will be flipped into temporary housing units.
~50 newPallet sleeping cabins will be built alongside the already existing sleeping quarters (which will still be used for overflow.)
Those living in the temporary housing will have access to local professionals who plan to help these individuals find permanent housing.
The new shelter will have 24-hour security and the city plans on hiring several staff members to manage the new site.
Construction will begin this month and is expected to be complete by November. The project will cost ~$800,000, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act + allocated funds to manage the existing facility.
Editor’s pick: September is library card sign-up month. Visit any Richland Library location or click here to get a card today. Psst, you can get more at the library than just books. Take a look. 👀
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See how you can support COLAtoday, here.
Editorial: Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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