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by Ian Kayanja
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Basketball is coming to Credit One Stadium.
The Daniel Island complex, typically home to tennis and music, will now feature the LinkU Invitational — an outdoor college basketball doubleheader. On Sunday, Sept. 27, the University of Virginia vs. Vanderbilt University and College of Charleston vs. The Citadel in a day-long celebration of college basketball, community and fan experiences. The Cougars and Bulldogs will face off at 3 p.m. on center court in an exhibition.
"College basketball has passionate fan bases, rich traditions and a unique ability to bring communities together," said Bob Moran, the 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."
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Tickets for The LinkU Invitational start at $25, with premium courtside seating also available. Making the event alluring is that it pairs nationally recognized programs from the ACC and SEC with one of the Lowcountry's oldest rivalries, transforming Credit One Stadium into a one-day celebration of college basketball.
"The LinkU is thrilled to host a special experience at Credit One Stadium in a true one-of-one event," said Austin Elrod, the founder and chief executive officer 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."
As the event was announced, reactions from coaches poured in.
"We are thrilled to be a part of this unique and exciting event," The Citadel head coach Ed Conroy said. "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."
College of Charleston's newly minted head coach, John Groce, echoed a familiar sentiment.
"We are beyond excited to participate in the LinkU Invitational at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island," said Cougars head coach John Groce. "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!"
Virginia head coach Ryan Odom expressed excitement over the setting while also being eager to see his team compete against Vanderbilt.
“We are so excited to be part of this unique event and really appreciate everyone involved in putting this together,” 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.
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Mark Byington, the head coach at Vanderbilt, said he is eager to see his team compete in the ever-evolving world of college basketball.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Vanderbilt to be part of a truly unique event that reflects the evolving landscape of college basketball,” Byington said. “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.”
The matchup between Vanderbilt and Virginia will top off the exhibition at 1 p.m.
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