College basketball doubleheader to be played outdoors at Credit One Stadium
It has been home to some memorable events in 25 years, including concerts ranging from a Funk Fest in its early days to Elton John’s farewell tour in 2023.
It also hosted a Davis Cup showdown in September 2004 when the U.S. played Belarus in a men’s tourney that is considered the "World Cup of Tennis."
And it was the home of the AVP volleyball’s Charleston Open for two years, beginning in 2007.
Now, Credit One Stadium, home to one of the WTA’s biggest events, The Charleston Open, will host an outdoor college basketball doubleheader on Sept. 27, the LinkU Invitational. The exhibition showcase will feature the University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University, The Citadel, and College of Charleston.
The one-day basketball experience is being described as a “first-of-its-kind” outdoor college basketball doubleheader as the green clay court of Credit One Stadium will be converted into a hardwood court.
The hoops fest will feature the Cavaliers from the ACC and the Commodores from the SEC and should be a slam dunk when it comes to fan interest.
"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 first game will feature UVA vs. Vanderbilt at 1 p.m., and the day culminates with the Cougars and Bulldogs in a crosstown showdown, slated for 3 p.m.
But the LinkU Invitational will be more than a couple of games on the marquee. It will also offer fans an immersive weekend focused on the teams and will include fans having access to the kind of up-close, behind-the-scenes experiences that a traditional game-day ticket does not offer.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, fans can attend practice sessions for all four teams, and later that day The Riviera Theater, in downtown Charleston, will host an exclusive Chalk Talk with coaches and players.
On gameday, Credit One Stadium will offer its typical family-friendly entertainment and a gameday atmosphere before Vanderbilt and Virginia tip off at 1 p.m. followed by the College of Charleston and The Citadel.
“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 day in an outdoor tennis venue is something that’s never been done before.”
The announcement of the hoops doubleheader came just days after Credit One Stadium hosted a World Cup watch party when the U.S. team played Belgium. About 4,000 fans attended as Credit One Stadium had one of the biggest watch parties in the country along with Portland, Oregon; Kansas City, Missouri; San Diego and San Jose, California; and Washington, D.C.