Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What big project is finally coming to Columbia’s old Capital City Stadium?

Also, don't miss City of Columbia Food Truck Fridays on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Hi there, Columbia! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What big project is finally coming to Columbia’s old Capital City Stadium?
  • Why Columbia’s Three Kings Day party is moving to Friday night
  • How your New Year’s fireworks could impact Columbia veterans with PTSD

Also on today's calendar: KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Columbia and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Playing golf is bad for your brain. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 62 and low of 38 degrees.
  • Friday: Sun followed by clouds, temps: high: 62, low: 46.
  • Saturday: Cooler with periods of rain, with a high of 55 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Back up to bat? Columbia in final talks with potential Capital City Stadium developer. (postandcourier.com) — City leaders are in final contract talks with a developer to finally redevelop the long-vacant Capital City Stadium site at Assembly Street and Dreyfuss Road in downtown Columbia. The chosen project, still under wraps, aims to add dense housing and jobs near the Olympia neighborhood, between USC’s campus and Williams-Brice Stadium, with a public announcement expected in January.
   

2. Three Kings Day Celebration moves to Friday due to rain (wltx.com) — Columbia families should note that the 15th Annual Three Kings Day Celebration has been shifted to Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, from 6–9 p.m. at Segra Park downtown due to rain. The free event will feature the Three Kings, kids’ activities, live multicultural performances, and community resources, all celebrating culture, hope, and unity for families across the Midlands.
   

3. Columbia veterans urge caution with New Year's fireworks celebrations (wistv.com) — As Columbia rings in the New Year with fireworks, local combat veterans are warning that loud blasts can trigger PTSD and undo hard-won progress in treatment. They’re asking neighbors to give advance notice, consider quieter celebrations, and share resources like the VA’s PTSD Coach app and the 988 crisis line so veterans can stay safe and supported tonight.
   

4. A 600-acre forest minutes away from Columbia contains thousands of years of history (postandcourier.com) — Just 20 minutes from downtown Columbia, Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve offers 600 acres of protected forest, wildlife, and 12,000 years of human history. Recent state and conservation investments kept this Cayce tract from likely development, and more trails and paddling routes are planned to expand public access.
   

5. Midlands feel-good stories highlight resilience and community spirit in 2025 (wistv.com) — Residents across the Columbia-area Midlands closed out 2025 with uplifting stories of generosity, perseverance, and community pride, from Waverly native and WWII trailblazer Charity Adams Early to Irmo’s beloved “Christmas Lady” raising thousands for the Salvation Army. Local efforts like a Lexington restaurant feeding families during the government shutdown and plans for an aerospace STEM academy show how neighbors stepped up for one another all year.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • MISSING DOG!
    If you have her, RETURN HER PLEASE. If you have her, RETURN HER PLEASE. If you’ve possibly seen her with anyone, please let me know. Sadie is the… (Nextdoor Lake Carolina)
  • So yesterday was my first day of being slightly retired.
    For so long I have been working and grinding to take care of myself and other things that I like to do. Now I have this roommate to help me along the… (Nextdoor Graeme Drive)
  • If your plans include alcohol this New Year’s Eve, don’t get behind the wheel impaired. That bad decision can turn a night of celebration into... (X: SCHP_Troop1)
  • This is what the scene looked like when our 1st Shift crews arrived at a home on Knight Valley Circle this afternoon. Firefighters found smoke... (X: ColaFire)
  • University of South Carolina posted a job opening for Associate Dean for Admissions in Columbia. Apply here.
  • CORG Management Group posted a job opening for Floor Specialist and Janitor in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I just heard a golfer say he had four strokes on the first hole!
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