The real USC 🐔

The University of South Carolina brand update

The University of South Carolina introduced new branding. | Graphic provided by USC

The University of South Carolina is officially sunsetting the “of” in “UofSC” which was introduced in a 2019 rebrand.

The university chose to simplify the branding marks, introduce a new USC spirit mark, and focus on the iconic tree-and-gates academic logo.

Why: “The actions announced today reflect our commitment to enhancing our iconic brand,” President Michael Amiridis said via press release. “In my short time back at the university, alumni and other stakeholders have told me how important it is to return the USC name back to the institution. We are initiating that change today.”

About the logo: The new block-letter USC spirit mark is simple, straightforward, and features the school’s founding year, 1801, below the block-letter logo.

The new logo also provides more versatility in promoting the university in a variety of settings. The university will now be referred to in editorial + marketing materials as University of South Carolina, USC, South Carolina, or Carolina.

When: The new logos and brand updates will officially take effect on Jan. 4, 2023, but many changes will take place immediately. We’re switching back to “USC” in this newsletter effective immediately. Signage around campus will be updated during routine maintenance.

Athletics: The classic “Block C” logo and other athletics logos are unaffected.

Reactions on USC’s social media channels have been overwhelmingly positive. What are your thoughts on the switch back to the new branding? Let us know.

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Thursday, October 27

Brodie Porterfield| Thu., Oct. 27 | 5-9 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St, Cayce | Brodie Porterfield is a songwriter, singer, and guitarist who has dedicated many decades to the pursuit of his craft.
Not-so-Spooky Halloween Stroll | Thu., Oct. 27 | 2-5 p.m. | Columbia | Not-so-Spooky Halloween Stroll | Free | Dress your family in their costumes and head downtown to celebrate Halloween with a trick-or-treat stroll through the library and beyond.
Southern Exposure New Music Series: Ocean Calling Trilogy | Thu., Oct. 27 | 7:30-9 p.m. | University of South Carolina, 1244 Blossom St, Columbia | Free | The long-awaited premiere of Columbia composer Meira Warshauer’s complete Ocean Calling trilogy, performed by acclaimed pianists Phillip Bush and Elizabeth Loparits.

Friday, October 28

Dracula: Ballet with a Bite | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sat., Oct. 29 | 7-10 p.m. | Columbia | Dracula: Ballet with a Bite | Columbia City Ballet original production combines dramatic scenes and dance with the classic tale of Count Dracula, as told by the classic Bram.
Fall Plant Sale | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sat., Oct. 29 | 8 a.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion, 1615 Blanding Street, Columbia | Attendees will be able to purchase and learn about a wide array of plants propagated from the living collections across all historic sites.
Paint the Town Garnet and Black Block Party | Fri., Oct. 28 | 5-10 p.m. | Five Points, 731 Harden Street, Columbia | Free | Gamecocks of past, present, and future are invited to Paint the Town Garnet & Black and celebrate this year’s Homecoming with a block party and pep rally.

Saturday, October 29

Emo Night Halloween Prom | Sat., Oct. 29 | 7 p.m. | The Senate, 1022 Senate Street, Columbia | $24.00 | Do the Monster Mash with other ghouls and goblins, emo-style.
Haunted Dinner | Sat., Oct. 29 | 7-10 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St, Columbia | Enjoy a delicious 3-course meal with wine and be prepared to scare and be scared all night.
USC Gamecocks Football vs. University of Missouri Tigers | Sat., Oct. 29 | 8 a.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium, 1174 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia | $70.00 - $130.00 | USC looks to extend their winning streak to five straight games against the team from the other Columbia.

We have a monthly 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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

73º | Mostly sunny | 2% chance of rain

Coming Soon

Ruby Sunshine is opening a location in Columbia next summer. The all-day brunch spot will sit at the corner of Harden and Devine Streets (the former home of Yesterday’s Restaurant & Tavern). It’ll serve up New Orleans-based eats like seasonal beignets and bayou shrimp eggs benedict, along with other brunch staples. 🥓

Number

45. That’s the number of fish team USA caught to finish first at the XVI Black Bass Fishing World Tournament last week on Lake Murray. The team’s big fish weighed just over 7.5 pounds. The South African Team that reeled in 39 fish came in second. 🐟

Sports

Congratulations to the Cardinal Newman volleyball team for winning their first SCISA 4A volleyball state championship. The squad swept Charleston area school Porter Gaud to win their fourth state championship, but first at the 4A level. 🏐 (The State)

Festival

Looking to dress up as a character from Yellowstone for Halloween? Put on your finest ranching gear and head to the Blythewood Fall Festival Rodeo (10433 Wilson Blvd.) in Blythewood on Fri. Oct. 28 + Sat., Oct., 29 at 7:30 p.m. to see top-ranked professional cowboys + cowgirls buck broncos and ride bulls. 🐄

Seasonal

Are you looking to lighten up for the holidays? The Congaree Vista Guild will host the 37th Annual Vista Lights on Thurs., Nov. 17 from 6-10 p.m. People of all ages are invited to enjoy live performances, shop and dine locally, meet Santa Claus + witness the Christmas tree lighting. 🎄

Plan Ahead

West Columbia’s 6th Annual Fall Back Fest will take place on Fri., Nov. 4 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Every year brings new opportunities, creating a unique experience for returning attendees. Local artists will be painting temporary murals on the street + local bands will perform live on the 100 block of State St., while you shop and dine.

Drink

Drip Coffee in Five Points is giving away a free coffee or espresso drink on Tues., Nov. 8, when you present your “I Voted” sticker. Head to the polls to vote for Governor, State Superintendent of Education, US Senate, and other local races. Early voting is now open. ☕

Shop

The annual Holiday Open House and Gift Shop Sale will be held on Tues., Nov. 15 at the Lake Murray Country Visitor’s Center (2184 N. Lake Dr.). Take up the opportunity to handpick items for your family and friends, like greeting cards, home decor, and local business merchandise.
Looking to relieve muscle soreness without dropping $150+ a month on a deep tissue massage? Enter: the RENPHO massage gun. It has 17,000+ five-star reviews and is on sale for $99 (down from $249) for a limited time.*

Giveaway

The Meeting Street Artisan Market’s vendors have collaborated with the City of West Columbia to give away an enchanting bundle of goodies valued at over $200. Enter on Instagram or Facebook by Fri., Oct. 28 (the winner will be drawn at 3 p.m. Friday).*

Stat

79% of people believe taking a vacation is important to their health + well-being. We couldn’t agree more. Consider this your sign to book that trip you’ve been putting off and fly out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). ✈️ *

Biz

How does one of the world’s largest makers of emergency medical equipment inspire the next generation of manufacturer workers? Host a week-long national event + invite students to attend a National Manufacturing Day celebration. See what all the buzz is about.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

See ya later 🐊

Wildlife along Columbia’s Riverwalk

unknown_312957500_1533317390466231_9009635213040258868_n.jpg — This alligator is a regular at the riverwalk and has been named Gary by some. | Photo by @sylviefsmith

You never know what kind of wildlife you’ll see when you take a stroll at Riverfront Park and Canal.

This gator was doing a little sunning on the bank.

Alligators are just one of many types of animals you may see on your walks along Columbia’s three rivers. Otters, turtles, snakes, deer, and many types of migrating birds are often seen on the banks and on the rocks in the river.

Some of our followers on Instagram were familiar with the alligator and even had a name for him. @les_savage_ calls the gator “Gary.” We think it’s a great fit.

Check out a few more pictures taken by @sylviefsmith of her sights around the canal.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by David.

Editor’s pick: I’ve never seen this alligator at the riverwalk, but I have seen a few while I was walking the trails at Congaree National Park. If you’re out kayaking and come close to a gator, don’t be too worried. Adventure Paddle Tours suggests you “not point your kayak directly at them and to utilize a smooth calm stroke.”

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read about 38 brunch spots around the Soda City, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Lindsey Rhinesmith| Advertise with us.

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