The end of August is fast approaching and Labor Day is Sept. 1, less than a week away. This year, Gamecock Football opens on Labor Day weekend.

South Carolina will play Virginia Tech in Atlanta on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 3 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a part of the Aflac College Football Season Kickoff. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and the ESPN app.

The matchup is the season opener for both teams and it has been billed as the “Beamer Bowl” because Gamecock Head Coach Shane Beamer’s father, Frank Beamer, now retired, was the longtime coach for the Hokies.

D’s Wings at 415 Meeting Street in West Columbia has been voted as the No. 1 spot in the state for wings. Terry Hayes is a kitchen supervisor.

“We’re going to be open on Sunday for the South Carolina-Virginia Tech game,” he said. “We’re not usually open on Sunday, but we’re opening for this game. This is the only time.”

Terry said D’s Wings will cook 1,100-to-1,200 pounds of wings on a Carolina Game day.

The restaurant has 11 television screens and it’s known as one of the best places in town to watch college football. Billy Rentz owns D’s with Scott Thurber.

Savage Craft Ale Works is beside D’s at 430 Center Street. Sunday is Game Day and Victoria Porter, Savage Craft General Manager, said there are big plans in the making.

“We’ll have the South Carolina-Virginia Tech game on in the Savage Craft tap room,” she said.

“And the game will be on the big screen on the rooftop with seating on the second floor. And There will a big screen TV on the Courtyard Stage.”

Victoria said Savage Craft will have brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. When brunch is over the menu will flip to Gamecock Game Day specials that include: pizza; wings; and nachos; along with Savage Craft’s full regular menu.

On Monday, Labor Day, Savage Craft will be open from 4:30-to-10 p.m. with a $10 burger and beer special of freshly ground beef patty with any draft beer. The movie “Happy Gilmore” will be showing on the Beer Garden Stage starting at 8 p.m. Beach blankets and chairs are welcome.

Parking Options

The City of West Columbia offers FREE valet parking in the River District.
How does it work?

• Bring your car to the Interactive Art Park. (425 Meeting St.)
• Hand your keys to our trained valets.
• Enjoy your time in the River District! Explore local businesses and eateries!
• Return with your ticket when you’re ready to go. (tips encouraged)
• That’s it! No hassle. ALL FREE.

Another option to watch the Big Gamecock Game is Calloway’s Sports Bar and Grill at 2410 Augusta Road in West Columbia. Calloway’s has Food, Drinks and Sports in a neighborhood bar atmosphere. Calloway’s will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday with expectations of a big college football viewing crowd.

There are many spots in West Columbia to enjoy the kickoff to Gamecock Football and Labor Day. Make sure you get out and experience it.