Dawn Staley is set to release her new autobiography, “Uncommon Favor,” on May 20. | Photo by COLAtoday
Hundreds gathered in the shadow of the State House on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the unveiling of the new Dawn Staley statue. The statue celebrates her championship legacy and now sits on Senate + Lincoln streets, next to the Pastides Alumni Center.
Coach Staley’s accomplishments
Since taking over the women’s basketball program in 2008, Coach Staley has led the Gamecocks to:
Three NCAA National Championships
Nine SEC Tournament titles
Has won 475 times with a record of 475-110; ~300 of those games were won at home
Held the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll for 86 total weeks, including 38 consecutive weeks
Four 16-0 seasons — making USC the only SEC program to achieve this
Coach Staley has also been named SEC Coach of the Year seven times, including a streak of three consecutive honors in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
None of these very few mentioned accolades even touch on her career as a player, Hall of Fame achievements, Olympic medals, or her advocacy efforts off the court for equity + inclusivity.
Mission Lexington’s Rockin’ with a Mission Concert | 6-9 p.m. | Lexington Icehouse Amphitheater, Lexington | $15 | Grab your favorite Hawaiian shirt for an unforgettable evening with the premier Jimmy Buffett tribute band, Captain Mike & the Shipwrecked.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Hickory Crawdads | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Military Appreciation Night: Join the Fireflies as they honor all veterans and all those currently serving in the military.*
Saturday, May 3
2nd Annual Open Car, Truck, & Motorcycle Show | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Swansea Library, Swansea | Free | Cars, trucks, and motorcycles, oh my! Browse cool automobiles to live music, and participate in raffles.
Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month Storytime | 10-11 a.m. | Richland Library Cooper | Free | Join Richland Library Cooper for special stories, songs, and a craft to honor Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month.
Watch the Kentucky Derby | 4-9 p.m. | Top Dawg Tavern | Free | Watch the greatest two minutes in sports and sip on $8 Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps.
Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour | 8 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $62+ | Get tickets to see this stand-up comedian, who uses sharp humor and a satirical style to discuss social and cultural issues.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Hickory Crawdads | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | Bluey at the Ballpark: Join the Fireflies as they welcome Bluey and Bingo to Segra Park with a post-game fireworks show.*
Sunday, May 4
Speed and Beauty Concours d’Elegance | 12-4 p.m. | Historic Columbia Speedway, Cayce | $5+ | Join fellow car enthusiasts in celebrating the beauty and speed of the coolest cars.
Interest Group Meetup: Lit-erary Club | 2 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | Bring your current read or pick up something new in-store, and enjoy a cozy “sip and read” afternoon.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Hickory Crawdads | 5:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | May the Force be with you: Join the Fireflies as they battle the Dark Side on Star Wars Night.*
The Fireflies are gearing up for a monumental weekend
Presented by Columbia Fireflies
Calling all parents: Bluey (and Bingo) will be at Segra Park this weekend — and that’s not all. | Photo provided by the Columbia Fireflies
The Columbia Fireflies are hosting one of their biggest weekends of the season, facing off against the Hickory Crawdads Thursday-Sunday and offering affordable fun for all.
One of the most anticipated nights of the season? Saturday, May 3, when Bluey and Bingo will make their way to Segra Park to meet + take pictures with fans. Pro tip: Stick around for fireworks after the game.
Sunday, it’s Star Wars Night and Sunday Funday. Kids can run the bases after the game and get autographs on the field, followed by fireworks.
Bodyworks Technologies, LLC — a wellness clinic offering massage therapy, wellness coaching, and spa services — is hosting a grand opening today at 12 p.m. across the street from Holland Avenue Baptist Church. This local business was founded by Cola native, Tecoria Jones.
Closing
Ratio, the popular tapas restaurant located off of Spears Creek Church Road, announced it will be closing, and the last day to enjoy the restaurant as-is is Saturday, June 28. Chef Javier said, “Ratio will continue to live on in new ways — maybe as a new location, a fresh concept, or something entirely unexpected. Time will tell.”
Tech
The first of its kind. City Roots Farm is housing a bitcoin mining tenant in a shipping container on its farm. The mine will be solar-powered + contribute to the greenhouse temperature control system. The Post and Courier has the scoop.
Number
$12 million — that’s the amount Homeless No More secured to reimagine the Suburban Studios hotel on Bush River Road, a project coined “St. Andrews Village,” — a 31 housing project ideal for those transitioning out of homelessness. Renovations + units are set to be available in 18 months. (The State)
Read
We love a local collab. Hosted at the Piecewise location in Cayce, join All Good Books on Thursday, May 29, from 6-7 p.m. to share your thoughts on “The Thursday Murder Club.” Get 10% off your copy of book club picks from All Good Books. Pro tip: Join the Fable book club app to meet fellow members ahead of the meeting.
Sports
100 college football players vs. a gorilla: Who wins? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Arts
The City of West Columbia invites you to the seventh annual Art on State, happening Friday, May 9, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Watch live mural painting, shop last-minute Mother’s Day gifts, and enjoy live music by Seven Til Sunrise and High Society Band at this free event. More details this way.*
Wellness
Struggling to shed pounds?Simple is a science-backed app that helps users lose weight with habit trackers, fasting schedules, and personal coaching. Join millions who’ve already lost weight without medication, sustainably. Take the quiz to start your journey and get 50% off.*
Shop
Tired of smells that linger? This plug-in air purifier boasts a 99.99% deodorization rate that conquers unpleasant pet, toilet, and kitchen odors.*
Category
City Guide
✈️ CAE is pretty fly
Did you know — It’s SC Aviation Week, a statewide celebration of aviation’s role in our state’s economy. In 2024, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) saw a record-setting ~1.36 million passengers travel through the airport, surpassing 2019’s record passenger count.
The latest on our local airport
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) added two new nonstop routes to Florida thanks to one of the largest service expansions in Allegiant Air’s history. On May 15, the nonstop service to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) will begin. The following week, on May 22, the nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) will begin.
Don’t forget: The deadline to obtain a REAL ID is coming up on Wednesday, May 7. You’ll need the REAL ID (or a different federally approved identification, such as a passport) if you plan to fly domestically or enter secure federal or military facilities. Here’s how and where to get one locally.
Bookmark our airport guide + read how to make your flying process plane and simple at the button below.
The Buy
A soft short-sleeve tee that’s great for spring weather and easy to pair with leggings, shorts, or jeans.
More coffee + book news — Richland Library shared that Curiosity Coffee Bar’s brews + pastries are now being served in the Café at Richland Library’s Main location. Pro tip: you can order online, and vegan options are available.
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