The LinkU Invitational will introduce outdoor college basketball to Charleston with games held on an outdoor court at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island. Scheduled for September 27, this event marks the first college basketball games of the season on a tennis court, a concept that gained traction after the NCAA allowed schools to conduct three preseason games instead of two earlier this year.
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Credit One Stadium will host a tripleheader featuring the South Carolina women's team, College of Charleston, The Citadel, Vanderbilt, and Virginia. The schedule begins with Virginia facing Vanderbilt at noon, followed by College of Charleston versus The Citadel at 2 p.m., and concludes with South Carolina playing College of Charleston at 4 p.m.
Charles Howe, COO for Beemok Sports & Entertainment, expressed excitement about utilizing the venue creatively, which is otherwise known for hosting the Charleston Open tennis tournament and concerts. Past attempts at outdoor basketball, such as a game on the USS Yorktown, have been met with challenges, but utilizing Credit One Stadium was seen as a promising alternative.
During practices on September 26, coaches and players praised the court conditions. The Citadel's coach, Ed Conroy, noted the court was in excellent shape and urged players to treat it like any other court. Players acknowledged the unique outdoor experience, with factors like sunlight potentially impacting gameplay.
The idea for the invitational was inspired by a similar outdoor event in Ohio, leading Howe to propose hosting the event in Charleston, especially given local connections to the participating schools. Virginia's coach, Tony Bennett, and Vanderbilt's coach, Mark Byington, both recognized the event's significance and the value of playing in Charleston.
To prepare for the event, specific measures were taken to ensure the court's integrity, including turning off irrigation systems and using vapor barriers to manage moisture. The event will also feature a performance by comedian Nate Bargatze on the same court, adding to the logistical complexities.
Historically, Charleston has hosted outdoor basketball before, notably during the Carrier Classic in 2012, which faced challenges due to weather. Learning from past experiences, this event has been scheduled for the afternoon to mitigate the risks of outdoor play.
With forecasts suggesting pleasant conditions for game day, nearly all tickets were sold out quickly following the inclusion of the South Carolina women's team in the lineup. Howe anticipates the potential for more prominent programs, like Duke and North Carolina, to participate in the future.