Get ready to wave those white towels, Gamecock fans. | Photo by @jacobreevescreative
College football season is here, and hopes are high for the Gamecock squad, who enter the season ranked No. 13 in the country. Today, we’re diving into key players, top matchups, and what’s new on gameday at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Dylan Stewart | This highly touted defensive lineman can get after the quarterback and is expected to be one of the SEC’s and the nation’s top pass rushers.
Jalon Kilgore | Tied for the SEC lead in interceptions last year, the junior defensive back from Georgia already appears in 2026 NFL Draft projections.
Williams-Brice updates
Fans will see several upgrades at Williams-Brice this fall. New perks include limited-edition YETI tumblers with free refills, streamlined alcohol sales, two new bookstore locations, nursing pods, and sensory-inclusive certification through KultureCity.
Friday Yoga Class at Saluda Riverwalk | 9-10 a.m. | Saluda Riverwalk | Free | Join instructors from the Drew Wellness Center for calming Friday morning yoga sessions in nature’s beauty.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Hickory Crawdads | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | Calling all Deadheads: Join the Fireflies as they celebrate the legendary band on Grateful Dead Night, featuring a Grateful Dead T-Shirt giveaway to the first 1,000 fans in attendance.*
Saturday, Aug. 30
Adventures in Jazz | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | The Joint | Free | Keep it cool as trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader Mark Rapp performs two sets of jazz tunes.
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, Aug. 31
Axe Throws for Rhinos | 6-8 p.m. | Craft Axe Throwing | Free | Throw your support behind Riverbanks Zoo’s rhino conservation efforts at this annual fundraiser that will also feature a raffle and silent auction.
Sensory Sunday at Surge Adventure Park | Surge Adventure Park | $8 | Those young and young at heart can experience the adventure park with quieter music, no flashing lights, and smaller crowds.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Hickory Crawdads | 5:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Fan Appreciation Night: Join the Fireflies as they close out the season by showing appreciation to their incredible fans.*
The community is already generating buzz by offering future residents the chance to claim their ideal space before doors officially open. | Photo provided by Brookland Commons
Did you know?Retirement in the Midlands is evolving, and a new community rising near West Columbia’s River District is leading the way. Brookland Commons, a project from Still Hopes, is designed for older adults who want more than a place to live — they want a lifestyle rooted in health, purpose, and connection.
Set to open in winter 2028, Brookland Commons blends modern living with opportunities to stay active and engaged. Think: vibrant gathering spaces, wellness programming, and a neighborhood that feels connected to the energy of the city while offering the ease of community living.
The best part? Future residents can get in early. Pre-reservation deposits are now open, giving priority access to apartments before doors officially open. For those ready to write their next chapter, Brookland Commons offers a fresh vision of retirement — one that looks less like slowing down and more like leveling up.
Improvements will come in three phases, one after each upcoming season. | Photo via Populous and Gamecock Athletics
Development
Williams-Brice Stadium is getting a multi-year upgrade starting after this season. Upgrades include 43 new suites, a student club, improved restrooms, better stadium circulation, upgraded team spaces, and a ramp allowing field access for concerts. Seating changes won’t begin until 2027. (Gamecocks Online)
Arts
The SC State Museum will celebrate the reopening of the Lipscomb Art Gallery with “Artist Homecoming 2025" on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 25-26. The two-day event features a new exhibition of art with SC connections, live performances, behind-the-scenes tours, and conversations with artists and curators.
Civic
SCDOT wants to hear from you. The agency is accepting public comment through Tuesday, Sept. 17 on proposed transit projects to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The updates would amend the 2024-2033 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan.
Biz
The S.P.O.R.T.S. The Relationship Conference is coming to Columbia from Monday to Thursday, Sept. 8–11, bringing 200+ sports event planners and vendors to town. The national conference includes meetings, keynotes, and evening events at the Convention Center, Williams-Brice Stadium, and other venues.
Community
The Town of Irmo will host a community celebration for its four Little League World Series teams on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Friarsgate Park. Expect food, games, bounce houses, and a foam party.
Concert
The Field and Stream Music Fest, originally planned for October at Carolina Adventure World in Fairfield County, has been canceled. Organizers cited circumstances beyond their control and said full refunds — including tickets, parking, and upgrades — will be issued.
Featured Deal
Best-selling activewear and everyday apparel up to 60% off? Athleta’s taking an extra 30% off sale items now through Monday, September 1. Shop the sale.*
Category
Events
Jammin’ in the streets
The streets are blocked off around the fountain for the annual celebration. | Photo by Heather McDonald
The sounds of the Grateful Dead will once again ripple through Five Points on Sunday, Oct. 5, when JerryFest returns for its 23rd year. Running from 12 to 8 p.m., the free outdoor festival will mark 60 years of the Dead’s legacy with two stages of live music, food, art, and family fun near the fountain.
This year’s lineup features The Grateful Brothers, Grass Is Dead, Cosmic Charlie, Stillhouse, and Ten Mile Ride — bands sure to keep fans truckin’ all afternoon with their jam-infused spins on the Dead’s catalog. Other festival highlights include a communal art piece, artisanal vendors, and Lil’ Hippie Corner featuring tie-dye and face painting.
Started 20 years ago by Loose Lucy’s and now hosted by the Five Points Association, JerryFest has grown from a gathering of 500 into one of Cola’s signature fall events, drawing thousands. Admission is free, but sorry, pets can’t join the jam.
The Buy
Meridian’s original hair trimmer, now 40% off for Labor Day. This unisex shaver was built for beards, chest, legs, and bikini lines, is 100% waterproof, and was top rated by Elle, Esquire, GQ, and Forbes. Psst — Shop tons of great markdowns like this one while Labor Day sales last.
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.
This afternoon, I’m flying out of CAE direct to New York City for the US Open and the Oasis concert on Monday night. While I’m there, I plan to visit Central Park and see the Sherman Memorial at Grand Army Plaza, which features a statue modeled by Harriette “Hettie” Eugenia Anderson, who grew up on Arsenal Hill.
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