Carolina won five out of the seven home games this year and fans enjoyed the new stadium lights. | Photo by COLAtoday team
And with that,the 2022 Gamecock football regular season comes to an end, but the party is just getting started in Columbia after the Gamecock’s 8-4 record. We’re kicking off this morning with the season’s highlights and discussing the future of the program.
Season highlights
The Gamecocks defeated its archrival, Clemson,on Saturday 31-30 in Death Valley. The win over the Tigers marked the end of Clemson’s 40-game at-home winning streak, their seven-year Palmetto Bowl winning streak over Carolina, and dissolved the Tiger’s chances of getting into the College Football Playoffs.
Last week, Carolina ended their home games for the season by defeating Tennessee, making AP Poll Era history by scoring the most points against a top-five team as an unranked opponent. They also made school history by defeating top-10 teams back-to-back. Fans (sand)stormed the field in celebration of their win, costing the university $100,000.
After defeating two ranked teams — Tennessee (then No. 5) and Clemson (then No. 8) — Carolina is currently ranked No. 20 in the AP Top 25 College Football Poll. This isn’t the only time the Gamecocks were ranked this season. Carolina was ranked No. 25 after their first-ever, week nine win over Texas A&M.
Marcus Satterfield, the former offensive coordinator, is leaving USC to join Nebraska and likely be the team’s new offensive coordinator. He will be greeted by Nebraska’s new head coach Matt Rhule(who is formally the Carolina Panthers’ head coach.)
Bowl game, anyone? The Gamecocks won’t know their bowl destination and opponent until this coming Sunday. But until then, check out this season’s stats and relive the season through Gamecock Football’s Instagram — y’all’s media team rocks.
We Care Christmas Drive | Tuesday, Nov. 29-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 7 a.m.-10 p.m. | Chophouse of Chapin or Bakon Southern Eatery, 105 Ellett Rd, Chapin | From Friday, Nov. 25 to Sat., Dec. 31 bring in items to donate and receive 10% fff any entrée at Bakon.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 4D debut | Tuesday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Jan. 1 | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St, Columbia | $11.95-$13.95 | The classic animation shines in an all-new, immersive 4-D Experience® (think: chilling air blasts, snow + more) at the South Carolina State Museum for the holidays.*
Thursday, Dec. 1
Ribbon Cutting: 5th and Sloan | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 4 p.m. | Columbia | Free | Celebrate this ribbon-cutting for the new 5th and Sloan apartments.
Christmas Craft Fair - Town of Lexington | Thursday, Dec. 1-Friday, Dec. 2 | 4-8 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater Pavilion, Lexington | Visitors can experience fresh produce, unique gifts, local vendors, food, and more
Aquarium Aglow at the South Carolina Aquarium | Thursday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston | $26.95-$29.95 | The wonder of the season comes alive at Aquarium Aglow, elegant evenings of holiday celebration in the heart of downtown Charleston.*
First Thursday on Main | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 6-10 p.m. | Columbia | Celebrate beloved bygone dive bar The Whig with live music from Say Brother and The Moustache Brothers at this free event on Main Street.
Friday, Dec. 2
Carols Along the River | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Cayce Riverwalk - N Ave Entrance, 201 N Ave., Cayce | Stroll along the Riverwalk with hot chocolate while listening to holiday music during this local caroling event
Town of Lexington Christmas Carolighting Ceremony | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St., Lexington | Join the Town of Lexington as they sing Christmas carols, light the tree, and take pictures with Santa at Icehouse Amphitheater.
City of West Columbia Tree Lighting Ceremony | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | City of West Columbia City Hall, 200 12th St., West, Columbia | Let the Christmas fun begin in the City of West Columbia as the Mayor and Council light the City’s Christmas Tree at Town Hall.
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.
The project to make South Main Street more pedestrian-friendlyis making progress. Construction is slated to begin spring of 2023. By the end of 2024, we can expect to have green space, wider sidewalks, and more bike lanes between Pendleton and Blossom Streets. 🚲 (The State)
Drink
This December, The Venue will transform into a holiday pop-up bar. Beginning Thurs., Dec. 1, stop by 1626 Main St. for festive decorations and a holiday cocktail list — making the bartenders’ favorites a little more jolly. 🥂
Seasonal
Columbia is tied with Portland, OR for the longest-running Krampus Festival in the US. On Mon., Dec. 5, don your costumes and meet outside the SC State House at 7 p.m. to keep Krampusnacht alive by visiting bars, taking pictures, and bringing revelry to The Vista. Let’s show Portland how it’s done — sorry, PDXtoday.
‘Tis the season for entertaining, COLA. Looking to impress your dinner guests (with less prep + more merriment)? Enter: Lowes Foods. From Pick & Prep to pre-made entertainment trays, here are six hacks to take advantage of duringthis busy season.*
Try this
What’s more festive than Christmas music? Christmas jazz by candlelight. Head to the Arts Center of Kershaw County (810 Lyttleton St.) for Mark Rapp’s Christmas by Candlelight on Sat., Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. 🕯
Shop
Midlands Clay Arts Society has announced its first-ever Saturday Pop-Up event happening on Sat., Dec. 3 to follow its 21st Annual Holiday Sale at Stormwater Studios (413 Pendleton St.) beginning Thurs., Dec. 1 from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Shop all weekend long for unique gifts that are handcrafted by local artists.
Job
On the hunt for a new career?Richland Library has experienced career coaches offering courses on how to land your next job. Get interview practice on Wed., Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. or refine your resume on Wed., Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. 💼
Today Is
Giving Tuesday. Soda Citizens can help lower poverty + crime while providing brighter futures for children by supporting nonprofits like the Midland Fatherhood Coalition. Make a donation to help Midland Fatherhood Coalition reach its goal of $10,000 to support fathers and families in the Midlands.*
Health
Open enrollment for individual and family health insurance is now. Enrollment events are happening this week at Mega Insurance at 1004 Cermack St. in Columbia on Fri., Dec. 2 from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. and HealthMarkets at The Flight Deck Shoppes at 109 Old Chapin Rd in Lexington on Sat., Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.*
Development
The first phase ofColumbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)’s new in-line baggage system project was recently unveiled. So what does that mean for travelers flying out of CAE soon? The sleeker + more modern system makes the check-in process even easier (read: less travel stress). ✈️ *
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Become a member today to start enjoying special benefits. | Graphic by 6AM City
Happy Giving Tuesday, everyone. We’re excited to announce that we’re launching new benefitsfor ourmembership program.
To support Columbia we will donate 10% of all new COLAtoday membership contributions to Feeding America and COLAtoday will match 100% of the donated amount.
COLAtoday membership is the gift that keeps on giving.
Editor’s pick: I don’t know about you guys, but I was so nervous about Saturday after the Florida game. The fumble recovery at the end had me running outside and screaming about Carolina’s win. I’m looking forward to a bowl game and rumor has it that it may be the Citrus Bowl. 👀
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See six party prep tips from Lowes Foods, here.
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