CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Credit One Stadium is set to host a pair of basketball exhibition games this September it was announced on Thursday.
The Stadium, home to the Credit One Charleston Open and also used as a concert venue, will welcome The Citadel to take on the College of Charleston as well as Vanderbilt against Virginia on September 27th as part of the LinkU Invitational.
“We are beyond excited to participate in the LinkU Invitational at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island,” CofC head coach John Groce in a statement. “The opportunity to partner with The Citadel, Vanderbilt and Virginia to create a unique outdoor entertainment experience for spectators and fans is special. I cannot think of a better way to tip-off the 2026-27 college basketball season. Go Cougs!”
“We are thrilled to be a part of this unique and exciting event,” The Citadel head coach Ed Conroy said in a statement. “It will be a terrific experience for our team to compete at Credit One Stadium as we prepare for the 2026-27 season. I know our fans will enjoy the weekend and certainly appreciate being part of this experience with Vanderbilt, UVA and College of Charleston.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for Vanderbilt to be part of a truly unique event that reflects the evolving landscape of college basketball,” said Mark Byington, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Vanderbilt University and former CofC assistant. “We are proud to partner with Virginia, Charleston and The Citadel to create an experience that showcases our student-athletes on a national stage while providing meaningful NIL opportunities. Being part of what we believe will be the earliest Division I men’s basketball game ever played makes this event even more special. We appreciate the collaboration and look forward to an unforgettable experience for our team and our fans.”
“We are so excited to be part of this unique event and really appreciate everyone involved in putting this together,” Virginia Dean and Markel Families Men’s Head Basketball Coach Ryan Odom said. “This is an opportunity to create a memorable experience for our student-athletes while bringing together four fantastic programs in an incredible setting. Charleston is home to a great basketball community, and we’re looking forward to competing against Vanderbilt in what should be a great atmosphere. We’re grateful for the partnership with the College of Charleston, The Citadel and Vanderbilt, as well as The LinkU and Beemok Sports and Entertainment. We are confident that this weekend will be a special experience for our team and fans.”
Tickets for The LinkU Invitational start at $25, with premium courtside seating also available.
On Saturday, fans are invited to open practice sessions with all four programs before an exclusive Chalk Talk event at The Rivera Theater with coaches and players, offering a rare look inside the game before it begins.
“College basketball has passionate fan bases, rich traditions and a unique ability to bring communities together,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “From the longstanding rivalry between the College of Charleston and The Citadel to welcoming Virginia and Vanderbilt to Charleston, this event brings together outstanding programs unlike any other. It’s a reflection of our commitment to creating experiences that go beyond the game while showcasing Charleston as a premier destination for sports fans.”
“The LinkU is thrilled to host a special experience at Credit One Stadium in a true one-of-one event,” said Austin Elrod, Founder & CEO of LinkU. “Bringing together two powerhouse programs and two historic Charleston rivals for an unforgettable night in an outdoor tennis venue is something that’s never been done before. We’re excited to create this unique experience for fans while also activating meaningful opportunities for these outstanding student-athletes during their time in Charleston with a weekend full of festivities.”
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