A New Venue for a New Era
On September 27, 2026, the University of South Carolina women's basketball team will stage an outdoor exhibition against the College of Charleston at Credit One Stadium, marking the first time a Gamecocks contest is held on a tennis‑court‑turned‑basketball surface. The game, part of TheLinkU Invitational triple‑header, will tip off at 5 p.m. and will be followed by two men's exhibitions, creating a full evening of college hoops in the Lowcountry.
Credit One Stadium, recently renovated to seat roughly 11,000 fans, will host the event despite being smaller than the nearby Colonial Life Arena. Organizers have built a temporary basketball court atop the stadium’s tennis courts, a logistical feat that underscores the event’s novelty. The unique setting is intended to draw new audiences and highlight the growing popularity of women's basketball.
Beyond the Game
The exhibition is part of a broader strategy by coach Dawn Staley to expand the Gamecocks' reach. In addition to ticket packages and a Friday Chalk Talk session, fans will be invited to watch practice on Saturday and join a watch party for the USC football showdown against Alabama. The 2026‑27 schedule also includes international stops such as a matchup with Maryland in Paris, home‑and‑home contests with Florida Gulf Coast, participation in the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas for 2026 and 2027, and a multi‑team HBCU women's tournament slated for November.
Staley emphasized that the event is as much about community as competition, offering VIP experiences that blend entertainment with the sport’s future. By placing the game earlier than usual — practice begins in late September and prior exhibitions are scheduled for late October — the team hopes to sustain momentum and inspire the next generation of players.