We still must protect this house. | Photo by COLAtoday
Here comes the swoosh. Gamecock fans across social media reacted with excitement after The Post and Courier reported that USC will switch from Under Armour to Nike as its apparel provider beginning with the 2026-27 season. The decision is pending Board of Trustees approval, expected this morning.
For fans, that means new-look merch, a fresh feel on the field and court, and joining the ranks of top programs like Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Oregon. And yes — it opens the door for women’s basketball players to lace up in A’ja Wilson’s signature A’One Nike shoe.
Asked
Asked
Are you excited about the Gamecocks’ switch from Under Armour apparel to Nike?
Freedom Festival International Film Festival | Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Ambrosia Taverna | $10+ | Sit in on screenings and network with industry professionals at this fest highlighting women and veteran filmmakers.
Live Outside with Black Nerd Mafia | 5 p.m. | Koger Center Plaza Stage | Free | This Friday evening concert series features “The Cool Table,” a diverse group of independent creatives.
Harvesting Heritage: Changing Tides | 6-8:30 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $35+ | This series is dedicated to the past, present, and future of creativity, innovation, and artistry in Black foodways throughout SC.
An Evening of Soul: A Community Concert Celebrating Caregivers | 6-8 p.m. | Richland School District Two Performing Arts Center | Free | Enjoy an evening of powerful music, inspiration, and appreciation for those who care for others every day at this special concert experience, featuring Christopher Hopkins and the Soul Sessions Band.*
Saturday, Aug. 23
Soda City Comic Convention 2025 | Saturday, Aug. 23-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | $22+ | Attend the 10th anniversary of South Carolina’s premiere pop culture event with gaming, cosplay, and live entertainment.
Main Street Latin Festival | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Main Street (Downtown Columbia) | Free | Celebrate Latin culture with live music, dancing, food, and family fun along Main Street.
Columbia Punk Flea Market | Saturday, Aug. 23-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Jamil Shrine Temple | $10 | Shop vintage, vinyl, oddities, and art from dozens of DIY vendors at this indoor-outdoor punk market.
SC Philharmonic presents The Music of Studio Ghibli | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $37 | Experience the magic of Hayao Miyazaki’s films as iconic Joe Hisaishi scores are brought to life in a live orchestral performance.
After a magical week of walk-offs and rallies, Irmo’s Little League World Series journey ended last night with a 5-3 semifinal loss to Las Vegas. The Southeast champs were the first SC team to make it to Williamsport since 2015.
Coming Soon
Bessie’s Burgers & More — a new concept from the Bessie’s Sweet Delights food truck — is joining Gather COLA, the food hall opening this fall in the BullStreet District. Expect smashburgers and sweets at the permanent spot near Segra Park.
Development
A new RV park with 55 spaces and two cabins is under construction on Killian Road near the Walmart Supercenter in northeast Columbia. The site will feature access to a 10-acre pond for kayaking and fishing, and could open by November. (WLTX)
Number
7,829 — that’s how many freshmen are starting at USC this fall, including ~4,000 South Carolinians from all 46 counties. The university’s total enrollment now exceeds 40,000, according to preliminary figures, marking the highest in its history.
Read
The third edition of the Atlas of South Carolina comes out on Thursday, Aug. 28 via USC Press, featuring over 50 full-color maps that explore everything from barbecue sauce regions to tornado paths and civil rights landmarks. It’s a visual deep dive into the Palmetto State’s geography, culture, and history.
Civic
Columbia has approved a $2.8 million stormwater project to rebuild a defunct detention pond on Louisa Street. The plan will reduce flooding in the Smith Branch watershed, which runs through downtown and into the Broad River. Construction is expected to wrap up by fall 2027. (WLTX)
Try This
Help count pollinators at the Great Southeast Pollinator Census tomorrow from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Saluda Riverwalk demonstration garden. It only takes 15 minutes to participate — and you’ll bee contributing to regional conservation science.
Seasonal
Christmas in ... August? If you’re a local business with a product or service you’d like to share with our readers this holiday season, consider securing your promo now before we sellout. Our Holiday Shopping Spotlight Bundle includes three newsletter inclusions discounted by 20%.
The Buy
Psst. Is it too soon to say…boo? Look away, summer fans. If you’re ready for fall, read on for our top decor picks:
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.
Renovations are coming along at Finlay Park, set to open this fall. The City has shared some more overhead photos and is encouraging locals to share what Finlay Park means to you ahead of its opening. Take a look and offer up some of your favorite moments. Maybe it was the 1996 Hootie and the Blowfish concert that packed out the park.
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