Fast facts

Some drivers of local tourism

• Since opening in 2004, the convention center has welcomed ~4 million visitors and hosted 8,000+ events, putting on ~40 events per year — think: Soda City Comic Con. To celebrate its 20 years, the convention center will be open to the public on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 4-6 p.m. for refreshments, tours, and prizes.

• Scott Powers, the Executive Director of Sports for Experience Columbia, said “Williams-Brice will continue to be an economic driver for the future,” after referring to the transformation Willy B went through to be converted into a soccer pitch.

Rivals in Red impact

• Morning Yoga on Boyd Plaza | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Begin your day with a gentle and restorative yoga session.
• 9/11 Memorial Workout | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 6 p.m. | SC State House | Free | Climb all 92 steps in honor of the 2,200 steps bravely ascended by firefighters.
• College Night | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | Times vary | Cantina 76 - Devine Street | Price of purchase | College night features $2 PBR cans, half off original house margs + house pitchers, and $10 Mi Campo Buckets.

• Concert in the Gardens | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 5-7 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens | $20 | Bring your own blanket or chairs, and pack a picnic if you’d like.

• Album Release Show | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7-10 p.m. | Indah Coffee | Free | Join Admiral Radio as they release their next album, “Good Things Take Time.”
• Centennial Celebration Concert: 100 Years of Music at Carolina | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $8+ | This concert features all of the large student ensembles on, around, and under both the Gonzalez Hall stage inside and the Plaza stage outdoors.
• Ask An Attorney | Friday, Sept. 13-Friday, Jan. 10 | Times vary | Richland Library Main | Free | Sit down one-on-one with a lawyer to ask for guidance and direction on legal issues — registration is required.
• Friday the 13th Comedy Party | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | $15 — bring your own chair and save $1 at the door | This event is the perfect way to kick off your weekend and chase away any bad luck vibes.

• Gamecock Football vs. LSU Tigers | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 12 p.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium | $130+ | Watch as the Gamecocks take on the LSU Tigers inside of Willy-B.

• The USC women’s basketball team visited the White House where they were honored by President Joe Biden for their 2024 National Championship. This is the first time the Gamecocks have been to the White House for a championship win. (WLTX)

• Historic Columbia will host the 46th Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21. The free outdoor festival features musicians, artisans, dancers, and storytellers that celebrate SC’s Black history and culture on the grounds of the Mann-Simons Site.

• Now through Tuesday, Oct. 8, grab discount admission tickets (currently $10) to the SC State Fair at participating Circle K locations or on its website. The annual fair will celebrate SC’s 46 counties and run from Wednesday, Oct. 9 to Sunday, Oct. 20.

• The time is set. The Gamecocks will face off against Akron at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Williams-Brice Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPNU. (Gamecocks Online)

• Wingstop, a chicken chain restaurant, is coming to the Town Square shopping center in Lexington where Cricket Wireless used to be. No opening date has been announced. (The State)

• No, it’s not time for the Carolina Panthers to bench Bryce Young. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
  

• Something delicious is brewing in the Vista. Steel Hands Vista Distilling and Brewing is opening a new 5,000 sqft space that will offer small-batch spirits, experimental craft beers + a full menu of tapas, apps, and select entrees. Stay tuned for the grand opening.*

• Did you know? Americans are living longer — we’re talking more people turning 85+ years old. So once you hit 65, it’s especially important to protect your body and mind. Discover how to stay vibrant and vital well into your golden years.*

• The Midlands recently received a $10 million donation from a famous novelist and philanthropist. Think you know the answer? Find out.*

• Did you know dropout rates have been rising in SC over the last five years? To help tackle this issue, Heron Virtual Academy has expanded to serve students in grades 8-12. This tuition-free online school offers personalized support to help students overcome academic challenges. Learn more + enroll.*

• Level up your fall wardrobe with this stylish and versatile men’s quarter zip sweater. Its sophisticated mock neck design makes it perfect for both casual and formal wear.*