Final details of Gamecock Central Kickoff Party emerge

The second annual Gamecock Central Kickoff Party at Steel Hands Brewing – presented by 1801 Venture Club – is set for Saturday, August 20 and details of this year’s event have emerged.

The event will feature live music, special guests, coach appearances, and more. The on-stage portion of the party is free but VIP tickets will feature included food, drink vouchers, and an opportunity to meet some of our featured guests.

“Steel Hands and Gamecock Central teamed up last season to throw one of the best preseason parties in Carolina football history and we can’t wait for you to join us as we try to top it this year!” Gamecock Central’s Wes Mitchell said. “There will be even more drinks, even more guests, even more music and even more fun this year at our second annual kickoff party! South Carolina fans everywhere are welcomed to come out and celebrate with us as we get ready for one of the most highly anticipated football seasons in recent memory!”

The event will feature live music from Camden native and University of South Carolina graduate Patrick Davis and His Midnight Choir plus appearances from former football players, Gamecock-related giveaways and maybe even a few special guest appearances!

A portion of the proceeds from event sponsorships and VIP tickets will benefit the Hayden Hurst Family Foundation. The Foundation’s mission focuses on helping youth, military, and others in need regarding their health, education, and wellness

“We can’t wait to host this event and welcome a wave of garnet back to the taproom. This event is not only cause for celebration with football season just a few short months away but offers the opportunity to bring mental health awareness to the big stage, Steel Hands Brewing Marketing Director Ashley Lambert said. “Hayden’s story is extremely powerful, and we look forward to supporting the Hayden Hurst Family Foundation’s mission to come together to break the stigma on mental health.”

Parking

Parking is first-come, first-served.  Once on-site parking fills up, there will be parking along Foreman Street and there will be (2) satellite lots available to park at: Corner of Frink & Foreman Street and at 1775 12^th Street Extension.  Our shuttle will be running back and forth to these satellite lots and can take guests to and from until the end of the event.  We expect parking to fill up quickly and recommend taking Uber or Lyft. A parking map is attached for reference.

Event Schedule

The “Pregame” 1-4 pm (VIP Tent Opens)

1-2 – Meet and Greet with the Gamecock Central staff in VIP Area

2-2:30 – Meet and Greet with South Carolina football players

MarShawn Lloyd

Dakereon Joyner

Jovaughn Gwyn

3-4:00 – Meet and Greet with athletes from men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s soccer and baseball

GG Jackson
Chico Carter
Will Sanders
James Hicks
Cat Barry
Raven Johnson
Olivia Thompson

On-Stage Event Begins – 4 p.m.

Emcee – Gamecock Central’s Wes Mitchell

Segments

South Carolina women’s soccer coach Shelley Smith

GG Jackson Q&A with Gamecock Central’s Collyn Taylor

Autographed prizes giveaway

Hayden Hurst Family Foundation Presentation

Phil Petty Memorial

INTERMISSION

South Carolina Senior Deputy Athletics Director Chance Miller

South Carolina baseball coach Mark Kingston

South Carolina former football player roundtable hosted by 107.5 The Game’s Preston Thorne

Live Music Begins – 6:30

6:30 – Michael Haney

7:00 – Blake Weinbach

7:30 – Lauren Jenkins

8:30 – Patrick Davis and his Midnight Choir!

VIP Access

The VIP Tent will be located adjacent to the Main Outdoor Stage located in Steel Hands Brewing’s grassy area. We do recommend comfortable footwear as a portion of the VIP area is situated on grass.

VIP Tent Opens at 1pm. Please bring a printed or digital copy of your purchased VIP tickets to check-in.

Light appetizers are served under the tent from 6-8pm.

Tables and seating in the VIP area is first-come, first-served. This is a sold out ticket, and expect our VIP tented area to be full.

VIP access includes (4) Craft Beer Tickets + (1) Specialty Cocktail from our Whiskey Jam Whiskey Tent.

All current player meet-and-greet times subject to change.

Where to stay for the Gamecock Central Kickoff Party

Looking for a place to stay for the party – or for 2022 Gamecock football home games? Check out special rates at our sponsor locations – The SpringHill Suites Columbia Downtown/The Vista and the Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC! Lock in your special rates today by booking!

Check out our sponsors!

1801 Venture Club

Experience Columbia

Signarama

107.5 The Game

Lexington County Gamecock Club

The SpringHill Suites Columbia Downtown/The Vista and the Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC! Lock in your special rates today by booking!