Whether you’re turning on your Liza Minelli or channeling Doja Cat to get in the mood to paint the town, brace yourself, the Heart of SC is ready to welcome soccer fans and paint the town RED.
The official destination partner, alongside TEG Sports, Manchester United and Liverpool Soccer Clubs are gracing Williams-Brice Stadium for a monumental match. On Saturday, August 3rd don your red apparel (no matter what team you’re rooting for) and watch the Rivals in Red duke it out. Whether you have tickets to the match, looking to get your tailgate on, or just want to witness the sea of red, come on down, stay awhile, and see why Columbia SC is the Heart of SC.
Thursday
Treat yourself to a long weekend away in Cola, you know you want to. And you’re going to want to come in early to get in on all the action. When you arrive on Thursday, unpack at one of the many hotels around the region and head over to the Main Street District. Listen to live music and grab a drink at First Thursday on Main. Get in the soccer spirit and join the Soccer Ball Scavenger Hunt, 20 one-of-a-kind soccer balls designed by local artists will be hidden around Main Street businesses for you to find. After the excitement relax with one of the many eateries on this bustling street alone, from cooking for yourself at Moa Korean BBQ to southwestern-Asian fusion dishes at Takosushi, there’s something to satisfy your whole crew within walking distance.
Friday
Early bird catches the worm! Stretch those legs after a travelling the day before with some coffee to go from one of our locally owned shops and a quick stroll on one of our riverwalks. Grab an Americano from Drip in Five Points or a quirky latte from Curiosity Coffee Bar in NoMa, the Columbia, Cayce, and West Columbia riverwalks await! Grab a late breakfast at Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits for their pimento cheese biscuit followed by some vintage shopping through the district. Or grab some brunch at Ruby Sunshine in Five Points and grab a summer read for the ride home at All Good Books. After you’ve had time to rest up it’s time to grab a brew or two. Drink like you’re at a watering hole at Brew at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens, and then listen to some good tunes with friends at Steel Hands’ Nashville Nights or kick it with friends at Kickin’ It in the Vista, a live concert with soccer games alongside.
Saturday
It’s time to caffeinate, it’s going to be a busy day. Even if you didn’t score tickets to the big game, there’s still plenty of ways to get in on the action. Starting with Soda City Market from 9:00AM to 1:00PM. If you didn’t grab coffee before you’ll be able to get any flavor combination you like at one of the many vendors selling that warm goodness. Before you freshen up back at your hotel, swing by the inaugural 803 Day Festival at Robert Mills House & Gardens to celebrate Columbia history with fun! Going into the game? You have to swing by the Fan Fest ahead of time for merch, live painting, live music, and the chance to meet club legends. If you didn’t score a ticket in time go see our friends over at Steel Hands for a Rivalry Red Watch Party accompanied with the Red Ale Beer and fish and chips of course. Or grab a Guinness and watch at British Bulldog Pub for that authentic England feel with dishes from across the pond.
Sunday
We hate to see you go AND we hate to see you leave, but every good trip must (sadly) come to an end. Before you book it home grab yourself a cinnamon roll to go to remember the good times and swing by Cinnamon Roll Deli.
We’ll be sure to save you a seat for our next once-in-a-lifetime sporting event, sound good?