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Russell House

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Thursday After Dark

Have you heard of TAD? Thursday After Dark (TAD) is your source for late-night entertainment every Thursday throughout the semester. Like escape rooms? Bowling? Trivia? Or baseball games? Many TAD events are at venues off-campus (transportation is provided) so you have an opportunity to get off campus and experience Columbia as a source for entertainment and fun with friends!

Fall 2025 Calendar 

📅 August 19, 2025 
📍 Wellness and Fitness Center Pool Deck 
8:30 PM

Kick off the semester with an evening full of fun, food, and fan-favorite entertainment—all for FREE! 

🏊 Pool party on the Wellness & Fitness Center Pool Deck
🍿 Tasty snacks and refreshments provided
🎬 Outdoor movie screening under the stars. This year’s feature film, How to Train Your Dragon, begins at 8:30 PM.

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

📅 August 28, 2025 
📍 Segra Park 
6PM – 11PM

Take Me Out to the Ballgame - Fall Edition!

  • Fall is here, and there's no better way to spend a crisp evening than under the lights at Segra Park! Join us for a night at the ballpark with our hometown team, the Columbia Fireflies.
  • Game starts at 7:00 PM.
  • Shuttles loop continuously from the Horseshoe from 6:00–11:30 PM.
  • Grab your friends, throw on your favorite hoodie, and enjoy a classic night of baseball, snacks, and school spirit!
  • Your FREE ticket will be available at the Gamecock Entertainment tent located near the box office.
  • Tickets are first come first serve. After tickets run out, you may purchase one for a discounted price at the box office.
  • There is parking available but there is a fee.
  • A shuttle will be available to and from The Horseshoe starting at 6PM.
  • Cash is not used at the ballpark so please plan accordingly!
  • The stadium adheres to a STRICT clear bag policy.
  • If you have any other questions about the stadium, you will find the answers here.

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ September 2, 2025 
📍Start at the Russell House Patio
7PM – 11PM

Grab your team and get ready to race across campus in this high-energy scavenger hunt! Solve clues, complete challenges, and explore iconic spots as you compete for prizes and bragging rights.

Whether you’re in it to win it or just looking for a fun way to see campus, Cocky’s Quest is the ultimate way to spend your Tuesday night!

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ September 4, 2025 
📍 Blatt Field
7PM – 10PM

Join us for an action-packed night of outdoor laser tag on Blatt Field! The area will be set up with inflatable barriers and laser tag equipment for fast-paced games under the lights. Play with friends or jump in with other students—everyone is welcome, no experience necessary.

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ September 11, 2025 
📍 Par Tee Golf Center, West Columbia, SC
7PM – 10PM

Join us for a fun-filled night at Par Tee, Columbia’s glow-in-the-dark mini golf experience! Whether you're showing off your short game or just vibing with friends, this event promises great photo ops, music, and laid-back fun. All equipment is provided — just bring your game face and your CarolinaCard! 

📝 Sign up required.
🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ September 18, 2025
📍 South Carolina State Museum 
7PM – 10PM

Explore the South Carolina State Museum—After Hours!

Experience one of Columbia’s coolest spots like never before with a special night just for USC students!

Wander through four floors of exhibits, enjoy interactive experiences, and dive into South Carolina’s history, science, and art.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity!

🚌 Shuttles loop continuously from the Horseshoe throughout the event.
🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ September 25, 2025
📍 Capstone Hall Room 101 
7PM – 10PM

Unleash your creativity at this step-by-step painting class led by a local artist: Summer Doodles! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, this relaxing and fun session is for everyone. All supplies are provided—just bring yourself and your friends.

Come create something beautiful and take home your very own masterpiece! 

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ October 2, 2025 
📍 Ally & Eloise Bakeshop 
7PM – 10PM

Join us for a cozy evening at one of Columbia’s favorite local spots! Decorate your own cupcakes, enjoy sweet treats, and hear from the team behind Ally & Eloise about entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and building a brand from scratch.

We’ll also have trivia, prizes, and plenty of photo-worthy moments!

Shuttles will be available to and from the event, there is also limited parking. Space is limited—sign up is required to reserve your spot.

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ October 16, 2025
📍 Russell House 
7PM – 10PM

We’re throwing a birthday bash for Russell House’s 70th—and you’re invited! 🎂🎈

Come celebrate with events and activities happening on every floor of the building. From games and giveaways to crafts, treats, and surprises, there's something for everyone! 

Let’s make this milestone unforgettable—don’t miss the party of the semester! 🎁🥳

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ October 30, 2025 
📍 Blatt Student Recreation Center
9PM – 1AM

Hey Gamecocks, we’ve got pumpkin to talk about...Everyone’s favorite spooky event is back! Join us (if you dare) at Blatt for an eerily irresistible night of thrills and chills!

🎃 Groups of 5 or fewer will be allowed to enter together
🎃 CarolinaCards required for entry
🎃 Full or partial Halloween masks & face paint are not permitted
🎃 No props, including costume weapons
🎃 No outside food or drink allowed
🎃 USC clear bag policy will be strictly enforced

⚠️ Warning: This event contains strobe lights, sudden loud noises, and theatrical fog/haze. If you’re prone to photosensitive seizures, please take precautions.

Want to volunteer? Reach out to Gamecock Entertainment at ge@mailbox.sc.edu for more info.

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ November 6, 2025 
📍 Village Idiot, Five Points
9PM – 1AM

Bring your friends and test your music knowledge skills at Village Idiot! Enjoy  food and drinks while you compete in a night full of fun and friendly competition—all right in the heart of Five Points.

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ November 13, 2025
📍 Lucky Strike Bowling Alley 
9PM – 1AM

This week’s Thursday After Dark will be right up your alley! 🎳

Grab your friends or come solo to Lucky Strike Cayce to practice your strike! This event is first come, first serve.

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ November 20, 2025
📍 Russell House Underground
7PM – 10PM

Think You Know It All? Prove It at TAD Trivia Night!

Grab your friends and head to the Underground for a night of fast-paced trivia, free snacks, and fun prizes. Whether you're a pop culture pro, history buff, or just in it for the vibes—there’s a place for you. No team? No problem—we’ll match you up!

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.

🗓️ December 4, 2025 
📍 Davis Field 
6PM – 9PM

Step into the magic of the holiday season at our cozy Winter Village! 
Enjoy an evening filled with festive fun, twinkling lights, and all the holiday vibes. 🎄✨

☕ Warm up with hot cocoa
🎨 Make holiday crafts
🎶 Enjoy music, games, and more!
🍪 Don’t miss the sweet treats and cozy atmosphere

Whether you’re feeling festive or just want to unwind before finals, there’s something for everyone. Come celebrate with us!

🎟️ Free to USC students with a valid Carolina Card.


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