Yahoo Sports Coming to Columbia for Rivals in Red soccer match? Check out these other local events
Two of the UK’s biggest soccer (or football) teams will face off at Columbia’s Williams-Brice Stadium Saturday.
The 7:30 p.m. match between Manchester United and Liverpool is part of a friendly preseason tour of the United State called Rivals in Red. The event will give local soccer fans a rare opportunity to see the two European teams play, but it’s also sure to draw newcomers to South Carolina’s capital city. Whether you’re from here, been here or are completely new to Columbia, there will be no shortage of things to do as you await the 7:30 p.m. game.
We’ve gathered a list of five things to do Saturday before the match to make a day out of your trip to Columbia, plus events happening Thursday and Friday for fans who want to start the festivities as early as possible.
Saturday
If you’re new to town, you can’t miss Columbia’s famous and well-trafficked weekly farmer’s market and craft fair, Soda City Market. The market sets up on Columbia’s Main Street and runs for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be some special soccer-themed activities at this week’s market. You won’t need cleats, but I guess you could wear them if you’d like.
New to Columbia this year is a city-wide celebration called 803 Day, named for the Midlands area code. The festival includes a 5k run and walk as well as a free outdoor festival at the Robert Mills House. There will also be restaurant specials around town Saturday. Check out 803day.org for all the information.
Once you’ve done your shopping at Soda City Market, make your way to the Rivals in Red fan fest at Gamecock Park, which is across Bluff Road from Williams-Brice Stadium. The fan fest runs from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be live music, food and drinks, activities for kids and more. Whether you have tickets to the game or not, anyone is welcome to this free pep-rally style festival ahead of the match Saturday evening.
Do you want to explore more of the city before the game Saturday? Travel to Craft and Draft at 2706 Devine St. between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. for a meet-and-greet with Liverpool legend Lucas Leiva.
Didn’t get tickets to the game but still want to be around soccer fanatics? Head to Steel Hands Brewing at 2350 Foreman St. in Cayce (just across the river from Columbia) for an all day and night watch party. The event starts at 1 p.m. with live music, and once the game begins, it will be aired on all of the Brewery’s TVs. Wear your favorite team’s colors for extra points.
Thursday and Friday
Want to start the party early? There will be soccer-themed events around Columbia Thursday and Friday nights to help you kick-start your weekend.
Columbia’s monthly First Thursday on Main Street is always a ball of fun, but this month’s event has a British Invasion theme. There will be Brit-inspired street karaoke, face painting, live music and a soccer ball scavenger hunt. Local artists have painted 20 soccer balls that will be hidden around local businesses. If you find a ball you get to keep it.
On Friday, you’ll have your pick of pre-game events. Want to hang out in Five Points? Head to Bang Back Pinball Lounge at 741 Saluda Ave. for food and drink specials. They’ll have fish and chips, of course.
Prefer to hang out on Devine Street? The River City Football Club is hosting a 3 vs. 3 street soccer tournament at The Public House at 2307 Devine St. from 5 to 10 p.m.
Or, head to Columbia Craft Brewing Company at 790 Huger St. in The Vista for Kickin’ it in The Vista. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and will include live music and soccer-themed giveaways. Plus, the South Carolina United Football Club will be leading soccer-centric games if you need something to do in between beers.
