This Week’s Cola Roundup

Hi Everyone -  here's what we got this week at the University of South Carolina:

On the docket:

• Carolina vs. Clemson Blood Drive: Rivalry for a Cause!

• Kick off the Holiday Season with Vista Lights!

• Get Fired Up for Tiger Burn 2024!

Carolina vs. Clemson Blood Drive: Rivalry for a Cause!

For 40 years, the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive has brought together Gamecocks and Tigers in a unique rivalry that goes beyond the football field. This annual event, taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., invites USC students, faculty, and community members to donate blood at several locations throughout the Russell House.

This year’s blood drive marks a special milestone as the Gamecocks aim to win the “blood drive trophy” and outshine Clemson in support of a meaningful cause. Donating blood provides a vital lifeline to those in need across South Carolina, making every drop count toward saving lives and strengthening community ties.

Encourage your college students to participate, show their Gamecock pride, and make a difference in the lives of many. It’s a chance to bond, give back, and continue a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond campus.

Kick off the Holiday Season with Vista Lights!

Encourage your student to join friends for Columbia’s 39th Annual Vista Lights, happening Thursday, November 21. Presented by Prisma Health, this cherished holiday event has been lighting up the season in Columbia for over 30 years. It’s a vibrant evening where more than 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants open their doors to showcase festive treasures, local art, and holiday cuisine.

The Vista neighborhood transforms into a magical holiday scene, perfect for an evening of fun and exploration with friends. Live music, stunning light displays, and holiday decorations fill the streets, creating a warm and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy. For students, it’s an ideal way to unwind before finals, get into the holiday spirit, and discover some of Columbia’s local gems.

If your student is looking for a break from the usual routine, Vista Lights is a wonderful way to enjoy a festive evening before heading home for the holidays. Remind them to make plans early and even consider dinner reservations—it’s an event that everyone in the Columbia community looks forward to each year!

Get Fired Up for Tiger Burn 2024!

On Wednesday, November 20, at 6 p.m., Gamecock fans will gather at Blatt Field for one of USC’s most spirited traditions—Tiger Burn! This annual pep rally unites students, alumni, and the community to cheer on the Gamecocks before the big Carolina-Clemson game. The event features appearances from the USC football coaching staff, Cocky, the cheerleaders, the dance team, and student performers, making it a lively night filled with music, energy, and Gamecock pride. Encourage your Gamecock to join this legendary tradition, celebrate Gamecock pride, and experience the unique history behind Tiger Burn!

Tiger Burn has a unique history dating back to 1902 when tensions after an unexpected Gamecock victory led to a full-scale riot between USC and Clemson fans. To ease tensions, both sides agreed to burn a poster of a victorious gamecock, creating a tradition that has since evolved into the Tiger Burn event. The iconic rally symbolizes USC’s fighting spirit in the historic rivalry with Clemson, a matchup held since 1896 and uninterrupted since 1909.

Each year, students from USC’s American Society of Mechanical Engineers design and build a towering tiger to be burned, with past creations reaching over 30 feet and sometimes including moving parts. For parents, Tiger Burn highlights the unity and pride that define the Gamecock experience. It’s more than just a bonfire; it’s a cherished tradition that bonds the Carolina community, creating memories your student will carry well beyond college.

If you’re interested, here is more information on how the engineering program builds it every year too!