Credit One Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina, will host a unique outdoor college basketball doubleheader on September 27, bringing together four programs from the ACC and SEC in a celebration of the sport and the local community.
A Doubleheader Steeped in Tradition
The first game will pit the University of Virginia Cavaliers against Vanderbilt Commodores at 1 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. showdown between the College of Charleston Cougars and The Citadel Bulldogs on the stadium’s center court. Both matchups are part of a day‑long festival that blends basketball, music, food vendors and fan activities.
Organizers say the event is designed to highlight the historic rivalry between the Cougars and Bulldogs while giving fans a chance to experience a college basketball atmosphere under the open sky. “We’re thrilled to bring together these storied programs in a setting that feels both intimate and grand,” said Bob Moran, president of Beemok Sports & Entertainment, the company behind the LinkU Invitational.
Austin Elrod, founder and CEO of LinkU, added that the tournament represents a “unique experience” that leverages the venue’s outdoor tennis courts to create a fresh, community‑focused environment. “It’s more than a game; it’s a gathering that showcases the spirit of Charleston and the passion of college basketball fans,” he said.
Ticket sales begin at $25, with premium courtside seats available for those seeking a closer view of the action. The pricing strategy aims to make the event accessible while still offering an elevated experience for dedicated fans.
Coaches from all four institutions — Ed Conroy of the College of Charleston, Ryan Odom of The Citadel, John Groce of the University of Virginia, and Mark Byington of Vanderbilt — have publicly expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to play in such a distinctive setting. Each has emphasized the importance of community engagement and the chance to test their teams against non‑conference opponents early in the season.
The LinkU Invitational is being positioned as a marquee event that underscores the growing trend of outdoor, fan‑centric sports experiences in the United States. By pairing nationally recognized programs with a historic regional rivalry, organizers hope to create a template for future editions in different cities.