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What they're saying about the Rivals in Red Tour at Williams-Brice Stadium

“This event offers a rare opportunity to watch in person two of the best Premier League teams right here in Columbia. As a lifelong European football fan, I look forward to joining tens of thousands of spectators at Williams-Brice Stadium for a great match.”

“We are excited to host two of the greatest sports brands in the world at Williams-Brice Stadium. We look forward to having this wonderful and historic match, bringing soccer fans to attend from all over our state and region to the Midlands. This event highlights the collaborative spirit between the University, the city and the state.”

“We had an incredible time during last year’s visit to the US and we are pleased to be returning with the men’s team to prepare for the 2024/25 season. The popularity of English football is continuously growing in the US, and we’ve come to expect passionate and enthusiastic support from our US fan base. They didn’t disappoint last year and everyone at the club is looking forward to reconnecting with those fans again this summer. Having secured some of the best sporting facilities the US has to offer, the club will create the optimum environment for the team to reconnect after their summer break, and work on match fitness before the start of the Premier League season. The quality of opponents lined up to play is at the highest level, giving the players an opportunity to gain valuable playing time, and for fans to see some of the most famous teams in world football playing live. As is the club’s tradition during preseason, we’re expecting this tour to not only help prepare our first team players, but also give some of our exciting up-and-coming Academy talent the opportunity to experience training and playing within a first team environment at some of the most impressive and historical US stadiums”

“Our supporters are in for a real treat, with two massive games against two of our greatest rivals, these will be fantastic occasions in amazing settings and we can’t wait. “Our clubs are the three most popular Premier League teams in North America, a fact underlined in our televised game with Arsenal in December, which became the most watched Premier League game in US history. “We know there are millions of super passionate American fans who love this club and what it stands for, many are members of one of the 67 official supporters clubs spread across the States.”

“This historic match between two of the world’s most prestigious soccer clubs will bring tens of thousands of fans to our state and further strengthen South Carolina’s international profile. Thank you to the University of South Carolina and all those involved in bringing the Premier League and the international spotlight that comes with it to South Carolina.”

“As a City, we are extremely excited about the Premier League’s decision to partner with the University of South Carolina, Experience Columbia, the sports council and others to bring the World’s top soccer teams and players to play matches before thousands of fans in Williams-Brice Stadium in downtown Columbia! This collaborative effort benefits a Community, our City and the Palmetto State.”

“We’re thrilled to host the clash between two historic clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool, in Columbia at Williams-Brice Stadium on August 3rd, 2024. This historic event not only marks the first time our city welcomes such a prestigious game but also the inaugural international match at Williams-Brice Stadium. It showcases the excellence of the University of South Carolina, our world-class facilities, and passionate fan base, making Columbia an ideal host. This celebration highlights our city’s growing prominence, emphasizing collaboration between the University, city, and state.”

“Experience Columbia SC Sports is honored to be “The Official Destination Partner” of this once in a lifetime event. When approached with the opportunity to assist TEG Sports and the University of South Carolina with bringing this match to Columbia, it was an immediate yes for me. As a huge sports community, we have wrapped our arms around large events in the past, but the global reach and fanbase surrounding this sport and these teams generates the potential to make this the most impactful sporting event ever hosted in Columbia. We look forward to showcasing our destination to the fans of Man U and Liverpool and can’t wait to Paint the Town Red together come August 3rd.”

We are thrilled to be able to bring three of the top soccer teams in the world to the U.S. this summer to Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Columbia. We’ve had a lot of interest from fans wanting to know when tickets go on sale, so we encourage anyone interested in attending the matches live to make your arrangements to enjoy the action as soon as possible.

Liverpool FC and Manchester United to play soccer at Williams-Brice Stadium in August

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Get ready, football, er, soccer fans! Premier League teams Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United are set to play at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, as part of the Rivals Red Tour.

Tickets for the Aug. 3 game go on pre-sale at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, for qualifying Ticketmaster clients and to the general public -- online only -- on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Any remaining tickets for any event following the first day of general public ticket sales will be available for purchase online and at the Prisma Health Box Office on the next Ticket Tuesday.

"This event offers a rare opportunity to watch in person two of the best Premier League teams right here in Columbia," University of South Carolina President Michael Amiridis said. "As a lifelong European football fan, I look forward to joining tens of thousands of spectators at Williams-Brice Stadium for a great match."

Man United is one of the world's most widely supported soccer teams and has won a record 20 league titles. The team was founded in 1878 and, in recent decades, has been the home of players such as midfielders Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane and forwards Wayne Rooney and George Best. The team home is Old Trafford, the team home colors are red and white, and the away are blue and black.

"We had an incredible time during last year's visit to the U.S. and we are pleased to be returning with the men's team to prepare for the 2024/25 season. The popularity of English football is continuously growing in the U.S., and we've come to expect passionate and enthusiastic support from our U.S. fan base. They didn't disappoint last year and everyone at the club is looking forward to reconnecting with those fans again this summer", said John Murtogh, football director of Manchester United.

Liverpool F.C. has won 19 domestic league titles, eight F.A. Cups and six European Cups. Founded in 1892, the team plays home games at Anfield. Former players include Bill Shankly, Joe Fagan, Kenny Dalglish and Trevor Hicks. Home colors are red, and away are white and green.

"Our supporters are in for a real treat…We know there are millions of super passionate American fans who love this club and what it stands for, many are members of one of the 67 official supporters clubs spread across the States," said Ben Latty, Liverpool FC commercial director.

Event promoters TEG Sport (TEG) are proud to bring Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United to the U.S., working alongside the University of South Carolina team.

This is an edition of Capital City Progress, a weekly column that focuses on business, growth and development news in the Columbia area. It is written by Post and Courier Columbia business reporter Hannah Wade.

COLUMBIA — The capital city's only location of PDQ, a fast-food chicken sandwich chain, will close its doors after nearly a decade.

The last day for the chicken shack, located at 4456 Devine St., will be Tuesday, Feb. 20, an employee at the restaurant confirmed to the Post and Courier. Calls to a number associated with the location's owner and to PDQ's corporate office were not answered.

It's not clear why the eatery is closing its doors.

PDQ opened along the strip of road that leads out to busy, chain retail and restaurant corridor Garners Ferry Road, in March 2014. It was the first location in the state at the time. There is a second location in Greenville.

Since opening, the area has seen a number of business change-overs. In the same area, Southern grocery chain Bi-Lo closed its "Gamecock" location, known for its use of the University of South Carolina's mascot in its signage, in February 2021.

Food News & Features

As PDQ leaves, the bustling area is left mostly chicken-less when it comes to fast food, aside from Dave's Hot Chicken up the road. It's unfortunate timing as the Bojangles just across the street is closed down for massive renovations.

The plan for Bojangles, which the city's Board of Zoning Appeals approved back in May 2022, is to demolish the building and replace it with another Bojangles that'll have nicer amenities and a more expanded drive-thru.

In other chicken news

Chicken Salad Chick, a national chicken salad chain, has circled an opening date for its third Columbia location.

The chain restaurant is at 4840 Forest Dr. in the Trenholm Plaza shopping center and will open its doors Feb. 27, according to a press release from the company.

For the first 100 people in line that day, the eatery will offer free chicken salad for a year, according to the release. This is the third location of the chain in the Columbia-area — joining a location on Lexington's Sunset Boulevard, which opened in 2013, and a Harbison Boulevard location that opened the following year.

“(We've) had our eyes on Trenholm Plaza for a long time. We are so glad we are finally able to expand into such a great lifestyle center alongside many wonderful shops and restaurants," co-owner Julie Beville said in the release.

The Forest Drive location will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Columbia Business

Oh, you were tired of chicken news?

In case you missed it on Friday, the temporary location of Drake's Duck-in, at 1840 Hampton St., where the restaurant has been operating for nearly a year closed Feb. 16, owner Daniel Boan confirmed to Free Times.

It's not yet clear when exactly the Main Street location will reopen, but Boan said they're preparing to open back up on Main Street soon. An official opening date will be announced at a later time.

The longtime fast-casual chicken restaurant, known for its chicken sandwiches and affordable eats, closed its 1544 Main St. location in early spring of last year as the restaurant prepared for major renovations.

Other business news you might've missed

A locally-owned soap shop, Raw Essence Natural Soaps and Bath Company, moved its operations and retail store from Two Notch Road to the Arcade Mall on Main Street, the city of Columbia announced in a press release Feb. 12.

The company offers a variety of soaps, candles, body scrubs and deodorants that are completely handmade and free of harmful chemicals. It's located at 1332 Main St. and is open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Food News & Features

If you've been missing sandwiches on the south side of Main Street following the closure of Which Wich right across from the Statehouse, here's some good news for you.

Sub Station II, a sandwich chain with locations across the state, opened a location in the former Which Wich space at 928 Main St. Feb. 15. The chain offers traditional deli sandwiches and salads. The eatery will be open Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

In other sandwich news, a popular eatery is coming to the Midlands.

Sully's Steamers has chosen an opening date for its upcoming Lexington location. The sandwich chain will open its doors at 5850 Sunset Blvd. on Feb. 26, according to a Facebook post from the sandwich shop.

And last, but definitely not least, officials broke ground on the Scout Motors plant Feb. 15. The $2 billion electric vehicle plant is expected to bring 4,000 jobs to Blythewood.

"It's hard to believe that a year ago a few of us were locked down in a closed-room session trying to figure out how we could be competitive for this Scout facility ... now, a year later, you look around and see all the work that's going on," state Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey said to a crowd of around 300 people the morning of Feb. 15.

COLUMBIA — With faux greenery draped over hanging lights, an artificial tree overshadowing the bar and a glass-enclosed kitchen, it's easy to forget that the now-renovated restaurant space on Gervais Street once held a chain sandwich shop.

But after a speedy rebuild of the space, The Hollow, a wild game restaurant coming to the Vista, is set to open March 4. The restaurant and cocktail bar, from a former bartender of State Street Pub in West Columbia, was first reported back in October 2023.

On the menu are Southern food classics recreated with unique selections of wild game. Where diners might be used to a soul food classic like fried chicken and collards, Executive Chef Danté Serra will instead plate sweet-tea brined fried pheasant alongside sautéed greens.

"You can dip your toe into that pool of wild game and the forest concept, but then really come back to comfort that you're more used to," Owner Chris Fitz said. "Instead of getting an 8-ounce steak filet, it's the exact same but with elk."

But all the menu standouts aren't solely geared towards meat-eaters. As a vegetarian option, the menu features a Doppio ravioli. Essentially, the two-sided ravioli will have two sides for filling — one is a butternut squash and the other is a walnut sage ricotta.

Fitz said having menu items that included those who weren't interested in wild game meat — and finding ways to incorporate vegetables — was a key part of his mission for the place.

Aside from the distinctive food menu, the eatery's drink program will feature botanical cocktails, draft beers and wine. The cocktail program, spearheaded by Fitz, will feature unique sips like the house cocktail named The Hollow and The Bee Sting. The former is crafted with a bone-marrow infused bourbon. The Bee Sting is a play on the Bee's Knees, a classic cocktail with gin, honey and lemon juice. The sting comes from the bar's use of a hot honey from The General's Hot Sauce in Lexington.

LEXINGTON — Voodoo Brewing Co., a Pennsylvania-based brewpub chain, will open its first location in the Midlands, and its third in South Carolina, on Main Street in Lexington.

The national brewing chain with a handful of locations across the country is set to take up nearly 5,000 square feet at 102 W. Main St., according to a press release from real estate group Trinity Partners.

In the same building, Asian fusion chain TakoSushi and Molto Vino, a wine bar with another location in Forest Acres, are also set to open.

The building, which is set to be completely occupied by the three businesses by the end of 2024, is in the heart of Lexington's downtown. The area has grown immensely in recent years, with a bustling food and drink scene that includes local spots like O'Hara's Public House and unique night-out opportunities like Craft Axe Throwing.

The brewery is set to open by the end of the year, according to the release. It joins two other South Carolina locations — one in Murrells Inlet, which opened in October of last year, and one in Fountain Inn. Another location is planned for this year in Myrtle Beach.

Voodoo, which is known for new age IPAs and eccentrically designed cans, joins other chain breweries to locate in the state as smaller brewpubs struggle with rising costs of business. Iron Hill Brewing, a Delaware-based brewery and restaurant, opened in the growing BullStreet District in the summer of last year.

It feels like the time has arrived to start dreaming.

For about a decade, the city of Columbia and Greenville’s Hughes Development have been in the midst of transforming the sprawling, 181-acre former State Mental Hospital site near downtown into the BullStreet District. It’s a massive undertaking that’s given way so far to among other things, residences, commercial businesses, a public park, Segra Park minor league baseball stadium and, eventually, the University of South Carolina’s medical school campus.

It’s always been a complicated project, a public-private endeavor with a dash of historic preservation, and the city has invested more than $100 million for infrastructure there through the years.

Developers have always insisted that BullStreet was a 20-year build-out. It was never going to happen overnight. But as we’ve especially seen in the last couple years, it is happening, as a number of pieces of the site’s puzzle have fallen or are falling into place.

For instance, lots of people now live in the BullStreet District. The massive, historic Babcock Building has been renovated into more than 200 luxury apartments, all of which were almost immediately rented when they became available last year. There are folks living in townhomes on the southeast part of the development, and in the Merrill Gardens senior living facility just north of the baseball stadium. And there are more residences on the way: For example, the Bennet at BullStreet development has been under construction for some time right beside Segra Park, and will include 269 upscale apartments.

Multiple professional firms have offices there, from attorneys to engineering firms and even a corporate office for Scout Motors’ operations that are coming to Richland County. And there are retail enterprises on the site, from a Starbucks to an REI Outdoor store to a Publico restaurant right next to the baseball stadium to the Iron Hill Brewery that opened last summer right along Bull Street.

So, we’ve seen progress at BullStreet. And it feels like we’ve reached a point where you can earnestly begin to ponder what could, or should, be next. As such, I’ve got a short “wish list,” if you will, of a few things I’d love to see at the development.

To be certain, this is not a report offered with any special insight into the development. Rather, it’s simply a peek at some offerings I think would be a good fit on the burgeoning site, if I had a magic wand and could make it so.

This one seems like a slam dunk, assuming you could make the economics work.

For starters there is, more and more, a built-in audience for a supermarket right there on the site. With a senior living center, townhomes and multiple apartment developments with hundreds of units already at BullStreet, and more on the way, a place for folks to walk or take a very, very short drive and pick up groceries seems like it would be a winner.

But — and this part is key — having a grocery store in the BullStreet District would serve more than just the residents and workers on the property. It would be a significant benefit to the city, in general. I’ve felt for quite a while now that we need another grocery store in the city center. In terms of the direct, downtown core, we’ve really only got the Publix on Gervais Street, and the boutique Uncle Willie’s on Main.

A new, full-size supermarket at BullStreet would serve not only the residents at the district, but also the residents and workers throughout downtown, especially those in the densely populated neighborhoods just north of Elmwood Avenue and north of the site at-large. Huge swaths of north Columbia, in fact, are notable food deserts, and a grocery store at BullStreet would at least help fill that gap.

As for exactly what brand of grocery store I’d like to see at BullStreet? Well, I’m not going to be choosy. I’ll admit I’m a Lowes Foods loyalist (that hot, fresh bread), but if Wegman’s, the trendy grocer that’s in seven states, including North Carolina, wanted to bust into the Columbia market, this would be a good place for it.

OK, this one gets a little more personal for me — I’m a certified movie hound — but I still feel like it would be a great draw for both the BullStreet District and Columbia, in general.

BullStreet would be the perfect spot for a new multiplex theater with all the modern bells and whistles. It wouldn’t have to be one of the massive ones that were so en vogue years ago. Eight screens would probably do the trick. It could have those big, cushy reclining chairs, and offer an extended dinner menu, as well as beer and wine. Something like the Alamo Drafthouse would be the pipe dream, but if you couldn’t land that brand, something similar would be nice.

The downtown Columbia area currently has, of course, the two-screen, independent Nickelodeon Theater on Main Street, which has long done a great job showcasing thoughtful films through the years. But the general Columbia area has seen its movie screen inventory dwindle in recent years. The 10-screen AMC cinema on Forest Drive closed in 2022, the seven-screen Regal theater at the now-under-redevelopment Richland Mall also closed in 2022 and the five-screen Spotlight St. Andrews Cinemas discount theater closed in late 2023.

The movie theater industry has had a bumpy ride in the last few years, chiefly because of the one-two punch of the COVID pandemic and last year’s prolonged writer and actor strikes.

But with the strikes now settled and Hollywood productions ramping up and starting to fill the pipeline with new movies again, there are brighter days ahead for quality theaters that do it right. The BullStreet District would be a great spot for just such a multiplex.

Obviously, we’ve seen a handful of restaurants at BullStreet. Publico is a cool place to grab a bite, especially before a Columbia Fireflies baseball game, and Iron Hill seems to have been well-received with the spot it opened last year. And Tupelo Honey, the popular regional chain known for Southern cuisine, has announced plans to put a restaurant on the site.

But as more residents begin calling the site home, and as the Fireflies continue to welcome thousands of fans to 66 home games a year, plus thousands more for special events and their annual Christmas lights display at the stadium, more restaurants and bars are a must.

Students at the USC medical campus will need sandwich shops or a pizzeria where they could grab a sub or a slice between classes. We need another locally owned bar or two to fortify the late night scene at the development. Phill Blair will skin me for suggesting it, but BullStreet could use a bit of that independent streak The Whig used to stand on, so if he was ever looking for a site for a revival...

And look, whenever new restaurants get brought up in this town, a certain number of people will, for whatever reason, start pining for a Cheesecake Factory. I’m sort of indifferent to the idea of Columbia getting one, but I can’t deny the populace and their apparent lust for cheesecake. So, why not BullStreet?

You can dream, right?

This story was originally published February 26, 2024, 5:30 AM.