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🏟️ Take me out to the ballgame
The Gamecocks baseball players warming up in Founders Park. | Photo via Gamecocks Online
Baseball is back at Founders Park starting tomorrow, Feb. 13, as the Gamecocks baseball team opens a new season.
Due to expected weather, South Carolina will now face Northern Kentucky in a Friday doubleheader. Game 1 begins at 1 p.m., with Game 2 starting 45 minutes after the opener concludes. Saturday’s first pitch remains at 2 p.m.
When fans head through the gates, here’s what’s new around the ballpark:
This year, you can grab a beer bat. Beer selections are expanding, and a new draft cart on the concourse will serve pours in souvenir baseball bat cups.
Midweek games feature the Early Bird Special, which includes half off beer and seltzers, $2 hot dogs and snacks, and $7 standing-room tickets until first pitch beginning Tuesday, March 3.
A Flex Pass option offers 10 ticket vouchers for $99, so fans have more flexibility throughout the season.
Protective netting has been extended down both baselines to improve fan safety.
YLS Oyster Roast | 6-9 p.m. | Stone River, West Columbia | $55+ | Join United Way’s Young Leaders Society for their annual Oyster Roast — have fun while making a difference in the lives of local students.*
Experience the CMA collection through the sounds of The Congaree Trio. | Photo provided by Columbia Museum of Art
The Congaree Trio is bringing vibrant sounds to the Columbia Museum of Art on Thursday, Feb. 26. Come enjoy an evening of music that celebrates the CMA Collection — perfect for art and music lovers alike. Highlights include:
Dynamic performances by Claire Bryant, Phillip Bush, and Ari Streisfeld of The Congaree Trio
A unique blend of music inspired by the museum’s collection
A lively cultural outing that blends art and music
The Red Zone Sports Diner will celebrate its grand opening on Monday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. in the former Red Rooster Sports Bar and Grill location on Wilson Boulevard. The sports-themed restaurant offers all-day breakfast, a full bar, and a family-friendly game-day atmosphere.
Open
There’s a new spot for meat-and-three coming to Farrow Road near I-77. LeeBoy Kountry Kitchen is now open after expanding from a catering business into a dine-in restaurant. The menu features fried chicken, pork chops, veggies, and daily lunch specials. (Free Times)
Sports
Four Gamecock football players have been invited to the 2026 NFL Combine: Rahsul Faison, Nick Barrett, Brandon Cisse, and Jalon Kilgore. The event will take place Monday, Feb. 23, through Monday, March 2, in Indianapolis, with 319 prospects participating.
Development
Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits opened its 412,500-sqft distribution facility in West Columbia’s Saxe Gotha Industrial Park. The $80 million relocation includes storage systems with capacity for 1.39 million cases and room for future expansion. (WLTX)
Film
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a screening of “Ne Zha 2" at The Nickelodeon today, Feb. 12. A reception begins at 6:45 p.m. with a live dumpling-making demonstration from Chef Wang Di of Umami Lab, followed by the film at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets + watch the trailer.
Fun Fact
Your brain thrives on variety. Brown Health notes that mixing up mental exercises — like word games, strategy puzzles, and number challenges — strengthens different cognitive skills. Try them all on our games platform.
Biz
Georg Utz, Inc. selected Sumter County for its first SC operation, investing $40 million and creating 50 new jobs. The company plans to build a 90000-sqft manufacturing facility, with operations expected to begin in 2028.
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Ed’s Editions is back open in its new location at 410 Meeting St. After weeks of packing, shifting shelves, and settling into its new space next door, the longtime West Columbia bookstore is welcoming readers again. The move gave the longtime shop a chance to clear some things out and refresh while keeping the same cozy, treasure-hunt feel as before.
In the name of self-care, treat yourself to a little early Valentine’s Day gift. We think you’ll love these five picks, ordered by price.
💸 Under $15: This viral collagen face mask hydrates, evens skin tone, and improves elasticity.
💸 Under $30: A top-rated plush robe that makes every day feel like a spa day.
💸 Under $50: Moroccanoil’s hydrating hair mask leaves hair feeling noticeably softer + hydrated.
💸 Under $75: This pair of freshwater pearl earrings are perfect for every occasion.
💸 Under $150: A cozy cardigan by Barefoot Dreams that’s crafted from the brand’s famously soft yarn.
You’ll have to wait another week to try out some of the Midlands’ best chilis. The 12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff has been pushed to Sunday, Feb. 22, due to rain. It’ll still run from 12 to 5 p.m., and tickets already purchased will be honored.
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