Demolition of the University Inn at Assembly and Greene streets in Columbia | Photo via Richland Library Digital Archive
On this day in 1986, demolition began on the old University Inn to make way for the new Ira and Nancy Koger Center for the Arts — the $15 million performance center funded by USC, the City of Columbia, Richland County, and the Kogers.
University president at the time, James Holderman, said, “Focusing especially on the performing arts with its unique design concepts, the center will provide the entire state a facility of unmatched quality for music, dance, and theater.”
Columbia waited decades for a performing arts center like the Koger Center for the Arts. | Photo via Richland Library Digital Archives
The 138,000-sqft space opened in January 1989 with a performance by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Today, the Koger Center hosts everything from jazz and Nashville Nights in the lobby to outdoor concerts, Broadway musicals, and ballets. See what’s coming up this fall.
Asked
Asked
Which of these have you noticed most in the past year?
A. 🏡 More homes being built or sold B. 💼 New jobs or companies moving in C. 🚙 Increased traffic or commute times D. 🛍️ More restaurants, stores, or services E. 💸 Rising rents or home prices F. Other
Comedy + Beer | 7-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub, Lexington | $15 | Laugh along with rising comedians from the Southeast and get there early to order pre-show food.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Hickory Crawdads | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | CVETS Dog Days of Summer: Treat your furry friend to a night out at Segra Park and enjoy $5 White Claws on White Claw Wednesday.*
Thursday, Aug. 28
Spritz Mix Happy Hour | 4-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free to attend | This relaxed drop-in series includes a build-your-own spritz bar + one-of-a-kind art activities.
Blythewood Cigar and Wine Festival | 6 p.m. | Thursday, Aug. 28-Friday, Aug. 29 | Blythewood Cigar & Wine | $34 | Meet fellow enthusiasts and experts in the industry while savoring the rich tastes of premium cigars and wines.
Friday, Aug. 29
Summer Spotlight Talk | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | Free with admission | Hear the history, art, astronomy, and natural history curators give short talks and answer questions.
Raising the curtain on Town Theatre’s 2025-26 season
Presented by Town Theatre
“Anything Goes” tapped across Town Theatre’s stage in its 105th season. | Photo by Ashley Epperson / The Carters Creative
We’re making a new (school) year’s resolution: Make it to more local plays and musicals.
Want to join us? Let’s start with Columbia’s — make that the country’s — oldest continuously operating community theatre. Town Theatre, located right downtown at 1012 Sumter St., has planned its 106th season with audiences of all ages in mind.
Transfer running back Rahsul Faison has been cleared to play for USC. Faison, who played at Utah State last season, is expected to be a key part of the Gamecocks’ offense. USC opens the season at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31 vs. Virginia Tech in the Aflac Kickoff Game.
Award
Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. topped the 2025 Best Places to Work in SC list, announced Monday at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Hosted by SC Biz News, the rock-n-roll-themed event honored 107 employers statewide.
Travel
Southern Living named Columbia one of seven Southern towns that make the perfect home base for a national park adventure. The magazine highlights Congaree National Park, food tours like Nibbles & Narrative, and cultural stops including the SC State Museum and Columbia Museum of Art.
Edu
Richland Two may redraw attendance zones for 12 elementary schools, including Polo Road, Windsor, and Catawba Trail, to address growth and avoid overcrowding. Parents can weigh in through an online survey or at public meetings, with the next session set for Wednesday, Sept. 3 at Polo Road Elementary. (WLTX)
A free community baby shower, “It’s a Baby Story,” is happening Saturday, Aug. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center. Hosted by nonprofit I Serve With Joy, the event offers baby essentials, resources, and giveaways for expectant + new parents.
Try This
Mahjong is all the rage. Join open play at Emily Douglas Park every Thursday from 6:15 to 8 p.m. Bring your own tiles and cards if you have them, enjoy snacks and drinks, and meet fellow players. All skill levels are welcome.
Real Estate
A 177-acre hunting property at Morris Creek Crossing is for sale, just 35 minutes from downtown. With ATV trails, food plots, timber, and a year-round creek, it’s ideal for hunting, outdoor adventures, or investment opportunities, with space for cabins or homesites. Take a look.*
Eat
Looking for dinner inspo? This tasty, wholesome bowl with spicy chipotle chicken, quinoa, and fresh veggies is perfect for a quick, heart-smart meal.*
Finance
Scammers are getting smarter — don’t get caught off guard. From robocalls and phony texts to romance and job scams, fraudsters are everywhere. Learn how to spot the red flags and protect your money and personal info.*
Featured Deal
Experience full-body fitness from the comfort of your home with Hydrow. This Labor Day, save $575 on the Hydrow Pro or $275 on the Hydrow Wave with code NOTES. Dive into immersive workouts that engage 86% of your muscles. Stronger starts here — explore more stunning waterways today.*
Each year, Gamecock women’s basketball takes the court with a theme — from “Sacrifice” in 2012-13 to “Uncommon” last season. This year, Dawn Staley’s squad will play under “Beyond Measure,” a nod to impact that goes deeper than stats or trophies and celebrates the program’s legacy and community.
The Buy
Self-care isn’t all spa days and forest bathing — although we do love a nice hot stone massage. More often than not, it’s the simple things like prioritizing rest, practicing good hygiene, and practicing mindfulness. Elevate your self-care rituals with these five products:
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.
In case you missed the news, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged. I’m not a “Swiftie” level fan, but I did get to catch her live at Colonial Life Arena in 2014. If you or someone you know is looking to tie the knot, we’ve got a list of some local spots fit for a pop star or an all-star athlete.
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