A concept rendering shows planned upgrades to Williams-Brice Stadium, including expanded premium seating on the west side and new videoboards in the south end zone. | Rendering via Populous
When the Gamecocks take the field for their home opener against SC State on Saturday, Sept. 6, Williams-Brice Stadium will feature its first-ever on-field sponsored logo — Blanchard Machinery’s mark at both 25-yard lines.
The Columbia-based company announced a five-year partnership with Gamecock Athletics that will help fund stadium upgrades. As part of the deal, the Blanchard CAT and Blanchard Rental logos will debut at the 2025 home opener.
“We are incredibly proud to join forces with Blanchard in this truly unique partnership,” said USC Director of Athletics Jeremiah Donati. “The addition of the Blanchard logos on the field at Williams-Brice Stadium is a symbol of the progress we can achieve when our community, alumni, and partners work together.”
As part of the agreement, Blanchard will also participate in USC’s Student-Athlete Development Program, offering internships, post-graduate jobs, and career-development workshops, while continuing sponsorships across multiple sports.
Songwriters Night | 7-9 p.m. | Bill’s Music Shop, West Columbia | Donation suggested | Come hear local songwriters workshop new tunes.
Beginner Shag Group Class | 7 p.m. | Blue Moon Ballroom | $0+ | Try your hand (and feet) at SC’s official state dance in this free beginner-friendly class.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Prisma Health Night: Join the Fireflies as they swing for the fences and celebrate our healthcare heroes.*
Wednesday, Aug. 13
Beyond the Bot: Real Estate Powered by AI | 10-11:30 a.m. | Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands | Free | Join this live AI workshop for real estate agents to boost productivity, generate leads + stand out from the crowd.
Social Scene: Fun Over Fifty | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Chapin Branch Library | Free | Get connected with this program designed specifically for older adults, including workshops, crafts, games, and more.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Project Victory Gardens | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Farm Bureau Insurance, Cayce | $29 | Join a community where veterans heal, grow, and find purpose through agriculture.
Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $40+ | See the Grammy-nominated comedian bring his clean, deadpan humor on his latest stand-up tour.
Friday, Aug. 15
Summer Nights at the Museum | 9 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $10 | The museum will stay open late on select Fridays through the summer season.
Presented by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
The large turnout showcased the community’s enthusiasm for both the hunt and the cause it supports. | Photo provided by Still Hopes
The Keenan Events Center was buzzing as Still Hopes’ 25th Annual Rummage Sale drew bargain hunters and community members eager to uncover hidden gems.
From furniture and curtains to sparkling costume jewelry, the tables were stacked with treasures — all donated by the Still Hopes community. With 20+ resident volunteers making the magic happen, the event raised $7,200 for the Resident Assistance Fund, turning every purchase into support for residents who have outlived their resources.
Gamecock Football landed at No. 13 in the AP Preseason Top 25 — their first preseason ranking since 2014. Carolina opens their season on Sunday, Aug. 31, vs. Virginia Tech in Atlanta at 3 p.m. on ESPN and will play six ranked opponents on the 2025 schedule.
Opening
Bailey’s, a new bar replacing Carolina Western Pub in the Vista, will open today. Most décor from the former western-themed spot will remain the same, but tables will replace the dance floor. (Free Times)
Sports
The Serve First Open, Sumter’s first ATP Challenger 125 tournament, is underway at the Palmetto Tennis Center. Featuring top-110 players, the week-long event will air on Tennis Channel. All matches are free and run daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (WLTX)
Health
Lexington Medical Center has rebranded as Lexington Health, reflecting its growth into a network of a 607-bed hospital, six medical centers, more than 80 practices, and 9,000 staff. The hospital retains the Lexington Medical Center name, while other facilities transition over the next two years.
Community
The City of Columbia is looking for volunteers for pedestrian and bicyclist counts at 33 sites from Saturday, Sept. 20, through Saturday, Oct. 4. The data supports planning for safer walking and biking.
Cause
Looking to get rid of an old car? Animal Mission SC accepts most vehicles — running or not — and covers towing and removal. Proceeds help fund spay/neuter services and shelter support projects in the Midlands.
Try This
You don’t have to go through the hiring process alone. Through our Job Board, you can now get your job listing in front of thousands of our readers to find your dream hire. See for yourself, it’s free.
Wellness
Apothekary’s Rescue Bloat™ is a fast-acting herbal tincture that eases mild discomfort and heaviness associated with bloating. Get 15% off your first $45+ order with code HERBAL15.‡*
Post of the Day
If Cola’s recent “false fall” has you craving warm apple donuts and cider, you’re in luck. Windy Hill Orchard and Cidery in York opens for its fall season this week, welcoming visitors Thursday through Sunday for apple picking, fresh-pressed cider, and treats from the Cider Bar. Pro tip: If it’s too warm outside for cider, grab a cider slush.
The family-owned orchard also offers hayrides, a farm stand featuring “everything apples”, and live music on select weekends. Looking for an apple-picking road trip? Check out our guide to drivable spots.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
ColaJazz received funding from the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Connected Communities Grant for its new Invigorate Cayce Project. The plan is to clean up the Art Lot, Kelly Jones Park, and the building at 2010 State St., then bring each space to life with free, all-ages jazz concerts — one in December and two more in February. The goal is to connect neighbors, draw visitors, and reimagine Cayce’s riverfront.
‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent any disease.
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