Outdoor College Basketball Doubleheader Coming to Credit One Stadium This September
College basketball is heading outdoors in Charleston this fall.
The inaugural LinkU Invitational will transform Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island into a one-day outdoor basketball venue on Sunday, September 27, 2026, bringing together Virginia, Vanderbilt, the College of Charleston and The Citadel for a first-of-its-kind exhibition doubleheader.
A specially designed basketball court will be installed inside the stadium, which is best known as the home of the Credit One Charleston Open and one of Charleston’s largest outdoor concert venues.
Two College Basketball Matchups Planned
The LinkU Invitational will feature an ACC-versus-SEC matchup alongside one of the Lowcountry’s longest-running basketball rivalries.
The current schedules published by Virginia, Vanderbilt and the College of Charleston list:
1 p.m. — Virginia vs. Vanderbilt
3 p.m. — College of Charleston vs. The Citadel
Virginia and Vanderbilt will use the exhibition to begin preparations for the 2026–27 season before the College of Charleston and The Citadel renew their crosstown rivalry in the afternoon’s second game.
Credit One Stadium’s original announcement listed the games in the opposite order. Because the participating teams and Ticketmaster currently list the event beginning at 1 p.m., attendees should confirm the final schedule closer to game day.
Credit One Stadium Will Become an Outdoor Basketball Venue
Organizers are describing the event as a unique outdoor college basketball experience unlike a traditional arena game.
A custom court will be placed inside Credit One Stadium, allowing spectators to watch the games in a venue normally configured for professional tennis and live concerts. The stadium has previously hosted several types of entertainment, but the LinkU Invitational will introduce a completely different sports setup to the Daniel Island venue.
The event also places nationally recognized ACC and SEC programs on the same bill as two Charleston-area schools, creating a mix of regional interest and major-conference college basketball.
The Invitational Will Include a Full Weekend of Activities
The LinkU Invitational is being developed as more than a Sunday doubleheader.
On Saturday, September 26, fans are expected to have access to open practice sessions featuring all four programs. The Riviera Theater will also host an exclusive Chalk Talk with participating coaches and players, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the teams before game day.
Additional college football watch parties and related programming are also being planned around Charleston during the weekend.
On Sunday, Credit One Stadium is expected to feature food and beverage options, family-friendly entertainment and a larger pregame atmosphere before the outdoor basketball begins. More sponsor activations and fan experiences will be announced later.
Charleston Rivalry Moves to a Bigger Stage
The College of Charleston and The Citadel have competed against each other for generations, but the LinkU Invitational will move the rivalry away from its traditional indoor setting and onto a custom court at one of the region’s most prominent outdoor venues.
College of Charleston head coach John Groce described the event as a unique way to begin the 2026–27 season, while The Citadel head coach Ed Conroy said it will give his team and its supporters a memorable experience as the Bulldogs prepare for the upcoming campaign.
The involvement of Virginia and Vanderbilt also expands the event’s appeal beyond the Lowcountry, potentially attracting alumni and college-basketball fans from across the Southeast.
Event Will Create Opportunities Beyond the Court
Organizers say the weekend will also provide participating student-athletes with meaningful name, image and likeness opportunities.
The LinkU Invitational is intended to connect the teams with fans, alumni, sponsors and corporate partners through experiences that extend beyond the games themselves.
If the first event is successful, the outdoor format could position Charleston as a destination for similar early-season college-basketball showcases in the future.
LinkU Invitational Event Details
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Location: Credit One Stadium
Address: 161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC 29492
Current listed schedule: Virginia vs. Vanderbilt at 1 p.m.; College of Charleston vs. The Citadel at 3 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $25
Seating: General admission and premium courtside options are available.
The stadium currently lists the event as taking place rain or shine. Umbrellas are prohibited, and the venue’s clear-bag policy will be enforced.
The LinkU Invitational gives Charleston sports fans something rarely seen in the region: four college programs, two exhibition games and an outdoor basketball court built inside Credit One Stadium.
