The College of Charleston men's basketball team will play an exhibition match against crosstown rival The Citadel in the 2026 LinkU Invitational, a first-of-its-kind outdoor college basketball doubleheader at Credit One Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 27.
The LinkU Invitational will feature the University of Virginia vs. Vanderbilt University and College of Charleston vs. The Citadel in a day long celebration of college basketball, community and fan experiences. The Cougars will face the Bulldogs at 3:00 p.m. on center court.
The event pairs nationally recognized programs from the ACC and SEC with one of the Lowcountry's oldest rivalries, transforming Credit One Stadium into a one-day celebration of college basketball.
Tickets for The LinkU Invitational start at $25, with premium courtside seating also available.
"We are beyond excited to participate in the LinkU Invitational at Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island," said Cougars head coach John Groce. "The opportunity to partner with The Citadel, Vanderbilt and Virginia to create a unique outdoor entertainment experience for spectators and fans is special. I cannot think of a better way to tip-off the 2026-27 college basketball season. Go Cougs!"
While the matchups headline the event, The LinkU Invitational is designed as far more than a basketball doubleheader, offering fans an immersive weekend built around the participating programs. Throughout the weekend, fans will have access to up-close, behind-the-scenes experiences beyond a traditional game-day ticket.
On Saturday, fans are invited to open practice sessions with all four programs before an exclusive Chalk Talk event at The Rivera Theater with coaches and players, offering a rare look inside the game before it begins.
"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."
Additional information regarding programming, sponsor activations, and more will be announced in the coming weeks.