• The Gamecocks kick off the 2024 season at Williams-Brice Stadium against Old Dominion on Saturday, Aug. 31, marking their first-ever matchup.
• Key home games include the LSU Tigers visiting on Saturday, Sept. 14 for the first time since 2008 along with Ole Miss (Saturday, Oct. 5), Texas A&M (Saturday, Nov. 2), and Missouri (Saturday, Nov. 16).
• The team also hosts Akron (Saturday, Sept. 21) and Wofford (Saturday, Nov. 23), with the Wofford game featuring Senior Night + a “Salute the Troops” halftime tribute.

• A challenging early away game at Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 7, opens SEC play, with the Gamecocks leading the all-time series 20-14-1
• The Gamecocks face Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 12, a team they haven’t visited since 2009, with Alabama leading the series 13-3
• A historic first meeting with the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, Oct. 19, as Oklahoma joins the SEC in 2024
• The season concludes with the Palmetto Bowl rivalry against Clemson on Saturday, Nov. 30, a return match after USC’s victory at Memorial Stadium in 2022

• Jayden McGowan, a receiver from Vanderbilt, returns to his home state with impressive stats.
• Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, a star running back from Arkansas, promises to boost the ground game.
• Oscar Adaway III from North Texas adds depth to the running back position.
• Defensive addition DeAndre Jules from Pitt bulks up the defensive line.

• Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Hampton-Preston Manion, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia | $18 | Tour guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th century.
• Holiday Weekend Market | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy this three-day holiday market full of local vendors, delicious food, hot chocolate, spirits, live music and entertainment, and all of the holiday cheer you can imagine, including visits and photos with Santa.
• Winter Wonderland | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | 1600 Block of Main Street, 1621 Main St., Columbia | Free | Watch out for snowfall every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December on the 1600 Block of Main Street.

• Santa Saturdays | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $6.95-$8.95 | Meet Santa at the South Carolina State Museum, see holiday shows, explore four floors of exhibitions and shop in the museum store every Saturday leading up to Christmas.
• Gamecocks Women’s Basketball vs. Presbyterian Blue Hose | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $25-$35 | Stay for the doubleheader and watch the men’s team play at six.
• Gamecocks Men’s Basketball vs. Charleston Southern Buccaneers | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $10-$45 | Download the Forever Garnet app for free concessions.
• Holiday Meeting Street Artisan Market | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St., West Columbia | Free | Stroll through a wonderland of artisan booths showcasing handcrafted jewelry, art pieces, and homemade treats — it’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artists.*

• Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 12-6 p.m. | Bierkeller Columbia, 600 Canalside St., Columbia | Free | Delight in the charm of a traditional German Christmas market along the Congaree River.
• Nutcracker | Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $35-$60 | Columbia City Ballet brings this beloved classic to life with a captivating twist and new custom backdrops.

• Young Leaders Society Oyster Roast | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6-9 p.m. | City Market, 705 Gervais St., Columbia | $25-$40 | The YLS Oyster Roast is the Young Leaders Society’s annual event to kick off the beginning of the new year with ways to give back and have a good time with live music, a silent auction + tasty eats.*

• The City of Columbia is consolidating its police headquarters, municipal court, and emergency services into a new center at 400 Laurel St., formerly occupied by Aflac. The move, planned for 2024, opens downtown properties for development and aims to boost tax revenue. (The Post and Courier)

• The Gamecocks baseball team announced its full schedule, featuring two neutral-site games and the much-anticipated USC vs. Clemson rivalry series happening March 1-3. The season kicks off with a 10-game homestand, starting Friday, Feb. 16 against Miami (Ohio) at Founders Park. (The State)

• e-VAC Magnetics announced its first US facility will be in Sumter County, promising a $500 million + investment and 300 jobs. The facility, focusing on rare earth magnets, boosts the supply chain in the automotive, defense, and renewable energy sectors. Operations begin in late 2025. (WIS TV)

• D & Tea Dessert and Bubble Tea opened its second Columbia location at 1320 Bower Pkwy., at Columbiana Station. Offering cheesecakes, mochi, and a variety of teas, it’s nestled near Poke Bros and Regal Cinemas at Harbison. (The State)

• Jazz maestro Mark Rapp is hosting “Swing, Santa, Swing,” a festive concert on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m. at the Columbia Museum of Art. Enjoy classic Christmas tunes from the quintet with a jazz twist, beer, wine, and holiday drinks.

• W.J. Keenan High School’s Animal Science II students are hosting a holiday pet grooming event on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 361 Pisgah Church Rd. Offering baths, nail trims, and more for $20, proceeds support their FFA chapter. No appointment is needed. (Cola Daily)

• We’re hiring a Branded Copywriter to support the strategy, creation, and placement of branded content campaigns for 6AM City’s clients. From creating dynamic content (including written articles and social) within the 6AM tone and style to closely following the process of how we fulfill advertiser contracts — see details and apply.

• This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*

• Planning for personal growth and emotional well-being in 2024? Connect with a licensed therapist on BetterHelp in just 48 hours + get 25% off your first month.*

Nature parks

• Harbison State Forest is a 2,177-acre forest offering hiking, biking trails, and fishing. The park also features picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a great place for families to spend the day.

Family parks

• Located in Irmo, this 400-acre park offers hiking trails, river access, picnic areas, and Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground.

Dog parks

• The 1.75-acre dog park is fenced in and open to dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Sports parks

• Located near Owens Field Airport, Owens Field Park includes a disc golf course, skate park, dog park, and several baseball + soccer fields.