Gamecocks Join TheLinkU Invitational in Charleston
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball will face College of Charleston as the marquee matchup of an exhibition tripleheader in Charleston, S.C., on Sun., Sept. 27. TheLinkU Invitational features two men’s games before closing with the Gamecocks in Credit One Stadium’s inaugural college basketball weekend, which features a number of fan engagement opportunities throughout the weekend in addition to the games at one of the country’s most unique outdoor venues.
“Every season we are looking to work with groups committed to growing women’s basketball, and we’ve found them in this event,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said. “A unique venue for basketball and VIP experience packages that provide opportunities to enjoy the best that Charleston has to offer – what more could fans ask for? For our Charleston FAMS, it will be great to visit them for a game to repay them for all their drives to Columbia throughout the season.”
Organized by Beemok Sports & Entertainment, TheLinkU Invitational’s addition of the South Carolina vs. College of Charleston game builds upon the organization’s longstanding commitment to elevating women’s sports. The event will transform Credit One Stadium into a distinctive college basketball destination, combining the elite competition with hospitality, entertainment and fan programming throughout the weekend.
“Dawn Staley is one of the most influential coaches in all of sports, and South Carolina has become the gold standard in women’s college basketball,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “The opportunity to welcome a program of this caliber to Credit One Stadium is incredibly special. TheLinkU Invitational creates a college basketball weekend unlike anything else in the country and reinforces Charleston’s place as a premier destination for innovative sporting events.”
South Carolina fans can choose from a variety of ticket packages to include events throughout the weekend. Friday evening’s Chalk Talk will open the weekend, bringing together participating teams, partners and invited guests while featuring coaches and players to offer fans an inside look at the teams and matchups before Sunday’s games. On Saturday, fans can watch the team’s practice in Charleston before Uptown Social hosts a watch party for the Gamecocks’ football game against Alabama. Before Sunday’s opening tip, Credit One Stadium transforms into a pregame destination with curated food and beverage, family-friendly entertainment and a gameday atmosphere.
“From the beginning, our goal was to create more than a basketball event,” said Austin Elrod, Founder & CEO of TheLinkU. “We wanted to build a weekend that celebrates college basketball and gives fans experiences they can’t find anywhere else. With Chalk Talk on Friday night and three incredible games on Sunday, this has become a true destination weekend for fans and student-athletes alike.”
The other games at TheLinkU Invitational will be men’s basketball matchups between Virginia and Vanderbilt, which tips off at noon, and College of Charleston vs. The Citadel. South Carolina’s game is scheduled to tip off at 4 p.m.
With the addition of South Carolina, TheLinkU Invitational has tapped GS Global Sports to manage game and facility operations.
“We sincerely appreciate TheLinkU for inviting GS Global Sports to be part of TheLinkU Invitational,” Glenn Smith, CEO of GS Global Sports, said. “It is a privilege to support this outstanding event and to provide comprehensive game and facility operations for the participating universities.”
Fans can purchase tickets or VIP packages through the tournament organizers. For ticket purchases, use code SCWBB. For VIP packages, select South Carolina Women’s Basketball when purchasing. The Gamecocks’ bench will be nearest to Section 103.
Continue to check GamecocksOnline.com and the team’s social media accounts (@GamecockWBB) for the most up-to-date information on South Carolina women’s basketball.
