Outdoor Opener Sets New Tone for Gamecocks
South Carolina's women's basketball team will step onto a tennis court at Credit One Stadium in Charleston on September 27 for an unprecedented outdoor preseason matchup, marking the first time the Gamecocks have staged a public exhibition under the open sky as part of the LinkU Invitational.
The event, curated by Coach Dawn Staley, is designed to spotlight the growth of women's basketball and to offer fans a VIP experience that blends Charleston's historic charm with modern amenities. Staley highlighted the initiative's role in building community interest ahead of a demanding non‑conference slate.
Leading up to the women's contest, two men's games will be played earlier in the day, featuring Virginia against Vanderbilt and The Citadel versus College of Charleston, providing a full slate of basketball action for attendees.
A Global Road Trip Awaits
The Gamecocks' upcoming schedule reads like a world tour: after the Charleston showcase, the team travels to Paris to face Maryland on November 2, then heads to Charlotte for a showdown with North Carolina on November 8, before returning home to take on Clemson on November 12. Additional road tests include a meeting with Southern California in Greenville on November 15, a Christmas Eve clash with UConn in Uncasville, and later contests against Duke, UCLA and Notre Dame in Las Vegas.
A long‑standing rivalry with College of Charleston adds extra intrigue. South Carolina holds a 17‑9 edge over the Cougars, having won the last ten meetings, including four victories under Staley's leadership, underscoring the program's sustained dominance.
Beyond the wins, the series of high‑profile matchups reflects a strategic push to broaden the Gamecocks' reach, attract new audiences, and cement South Carolina's position as a catalyst for the future of women's college basketball.