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Spring game out, Darius in
Darius Rucker and USC go hand in hand. | Photo by Chris Owyoung via Gamecock Athletics | CHRIS OWYOUNG
Instead of a spring football game this year, USC Athletics is launching the Garnet & Black Spring Fest on Saturday, April 11.
The event features a concert at Colonial Life Arena headlined by Darius Rucker and Lauren Alaina, along with a free block party in Foundation Square outside the arena.
Why no spring game?
Ongoing construction at Williams-Brice Stadium made hosting the annual spring game challenging, as the university prioritized preparing the stadium for its Saturday, Sept. 5 home opener against Kent State. The Spring Fest was created to give fans an opportunity to get together and meet Gamecock football players.
What to expect
The free block party begins at 1 p.m. in Foundation Square at the corner of Lincoln and Greene streets. It will include autographs from Gamecock football players, food and drinks for sale, inflatables for the kids, and more live music. A detailed schedule is scheduled to be released later.
Sponsored by Aflac, each themed week explores astronomy, art, S.T.E.A.M., robotics and more — while building confidence, perseverance and problem-solving skills in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Pro tip: Spots are filling quickly. Parents are encouraged to register online and take advantage of member discounts.
Stacked has opened in the former Sully’s Steamers spot on Devine Street, serving up bagels and wraps. I ate there on Tuesday and only noticed the name change on my way out.
Coming Soon
Puttin’ Around, a new indoor mini-golf facility, is planned for the former HobbyTown space on St. Andrews Road. The 18-hole course is targeting an April opening. (The State)
Sports
The USC Rugby community will host the inaugural BIG E Memorial Invitational on Saturday, March 28, featuring a multi-team collegiate tournament and an evening fundraiser at Runway 728. Proceeds will support cancer-related causes and youth rugby initiatives in honor of former player Erik “Big E” Elken.
Concert
Rain, rain, stay away — EarleJam is back Saturday, March 21, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Earlewood Amphitheatre after last fall’s event was rained out. The free festival features locals Sweetheart City, Sherwood’s Florist, H3RO, Flower Shopping, and EZ Shakes, plus food and drinks for purchase.
Arts
Richland Library Main will open Journey of the Stitched Soul, a solo quilt exhibition by LaToya Thompson, with a reception tomorrow, Feb. 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., including a live performance by 843 Symphony. The exhibition will remain on view through Friday, March 20.
Try This
Brush up on your soft dink and your drop shot — Paddle at the Park: Greenview Park Pickleball Clinic is happening Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Greenview Gymnasium. The family-friendly clinic will cover the basics and have guided play for all skill levels.
Drink
If you’re reaching for fewer sodas or cocktails, Bruusta gives you a fizzy option on tap in your fridge: fresh, low-sugar kombucha, brewed at home with almost no effort. Join the flexible Brew Plan and get 50% off to start your wellness-minded beverage journey.*
SOCO Gather can be seen in the background here on the second floor of Gather COLA. | Photo by City Social Co.
SOCO — voted Best Coworking Locationby you — is opening its new 9,500-sqft workspace inside Gather COLA today, February 26.
Called SOCO Gather, the new location features 24 private offices, three coworking areas, three meeting rooms, and about 1,000 sqft of outdoor workspace on the second floor of the new food hall.
It’s the locally owned company’s third Midlands location, joining its two existing Columbia-area spaces and expanding its ~200-member network.
“People deserve to do work that is meaningful, with people that support them in incredible places,” cofounder Greg Hilton said.
SOCO members have 24/7 access, high-speed internet, and shared amenities, with Gather’s restaurants and bars located on-site. Membership information and tour scheduling are available through SOCO.
The Buy
Merit’s Signature Lip Blush, aka the lipstick we want to live every day in. This lightweight, sheer-matte formula applies with the comfort of a nourishing balm, leaving a soft, blurred wash of color that feels like nothing on the lips. Choose your favorite shade — from warm sheer nude Vendôme to brick red September.
Market on Main got boo’d up with Gamecock women’s basketball heading into the SEC Tournament and March Madness. Before postseason play tips off, catch the regular-season finale with fellow fams on Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m. as the Gamecocks take on Kentucky.
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