Aug. 29, 2005

Columbia, S.C. –
The Columbia Regional Sports Council is gearing up for this year’s first Gamecock Rally to be held on Wednesday, August 31 at the intersection of Lincoln and Lady Streets, adjacent to Senor Willy’s Cantina, in the Historic Congaree Vista.

FREE and open to the public, the rally will start at 6:00 pm with headlining band The Embers.

In 1958, a couple of enterprising high school boys in Raleigh, North Carolina answered the Soviet challenge of Sputnik by forming a band called The Satellites. The name soon changed to The Embers, but the timeless Rhythm and Blues music they still play remains as popular now as it was back in the late fifties and early sixties. Rhythm and Blues laid the foundation for Soul and the Motown sound, but throughout The Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Alabama, Rhythm and Blues means Beach Music, and that means The Embers. Don’t just picture The Embers playing on a beach, however. With numerous albums, 45 years and a busy tour schedule, The Embers are one of the most popular and active groups in the country.

At 7:00, the USC Cheerleaders, Cocky and the Dance Team will get your spirits up, then at 7:30 pm The Embers will take the stage once again until 8:30 pm. Attendees may purchase food and beverages, visit exhibitors and purchase Gamecock merchandise. The outdoor, five-event series schedule is as follows:

2005 Gamecock Rally Schedule:
Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 – USC vs. Central Florida (Entertainment by: The Embers)
Friday, Sept. 16, 2005 – USC vs. Alabama (Entertainment by: The Maxx)
Friday, Sept. 23, 2005 – USC vs. Troy (Entertainment by: Rob Crosby & Friends)
Friday, Oct. 7, 2005 – USC vs. Kentucky (Entertainment by: Men of Distinction)
Friday, Oct. 21, 2005 – USC vs. Vanderbilt (Homecoming/Cockfest – No Rally)
Friday, Nov. 11, 2005 – USC vs. Florida (Entertainment by: The Swingin’ Medallions)
Friday, Nov. 18, 2005 – USC vs. Clemson (Tigerburn – No Rally)

This concert series and pep rally is sponsored by Budweiser of Columbia, Coca-Cola, Nexsen Pruet, First Citizens, Centerplate and Carolina Care Plan. Proceeds from beverage sales will benefit Scholarships for City of Columbia, Richland & Lexington County After School Youth Recreation Programs, The Columbia Regional Sports Council Scholarship Fund, The USC College of Hospitality, Retail & Sports Management Scholarship Fund, and The USC Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

This event is hosted by The Columbia Regional Sports Council with the support of the Congaree Vista Guild and our event partners Senor Willy’s Cantina, B106.7 FM and WIS-TV.

The Columbia Regional Sports Council is a non-profit organization committed to serving as the central clearinghouse for information regarding the sponsorship, promotion, and coordination of sporting events, facilities and associations in the Columbia region. If you would like additional information on the Columbia Regional Sports Council, please visit our website at www.columbiasportscouncil.com