SC State to host full day of events Saturday, April 11
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University will host a full slate of events on Saturday, April 11, bringing together prospective students, alumni, current students and supporters for a daylong campus celebration.
Visitors should expect possible delays and must present a state-issued ID upon entry to campus. (See the schedule of events and logistics below.)
Open House
The day will start with SC State’s Spring Open House. Hosted by the Division of Enrollment Management, the event invites prospective students, families and school groups to explore the university’s academic programs, student services and campus life.
Open House provides opportunities to meet admissions and financial aid counselors, connect with student leaders and experience the university’s HBCU culture through campus tours and presentations.
Groundbreakings
SC State will conduct groundbreakings for two major construction projects on Saturday: the Kirkland W. Green Student Center expansion at 10 a.m. and the new 532-bed residence hall at 11 a.m.
Funded by the State of South Carolina, the $20 million expansion of the Kirkland W. Green Student Center will add 44,000 square feet to the existing building, bringing the total to 78,000 square feet.
Funded via a bond initiative, the $50 million new residence hall will sit adjacent to SC State's Mitchell Hall and Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. The five-story, 100,000-square-foot structure will accommodate more than 500 students.
Athletic events
Saturday’s athletics lineup will highlight SC State’s championship tradition and current competition across multiple venues. The 2024–25 men’s basketball team will receive its MEAC championship rings at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, where the Bulldogs will also host the 2026 Spring Football Game with the 2025 MEAC championship banner unveiled at halftime.
The SC State softball team will celebrate Senior Day against the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and men’s tennis will honor its seniors during a match at the Hardeep Judge Tennis Center.
Saturday's schedule and logistics:
- 6:30 a.m. — Campus gates open for Open House.
- 7 a.m. — Open House tours begin
- 9 a.m. — Open House program, Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center (SHM)
- 10 a.m. — Groundbreaking ceremony for the Kirkland W. Green Student Center expansion project at the current student center site. Guests attending the groundbreaking should enter campus at Russell and Pinckney streets (Gate 2), where they will be directed to a designated parking area.
- 10:30 a.m. — Alumni Row begins on Staley Field
- 11 a.m. — Groundbreaking ceremony for the new 532-bed residence hall on Mitchell Field. Guests attending the residence hall groundbreaking should enter at Russell and Buckley streets (Gate 1), with parking directed to Felton Field
- 11 a.m. — STATE Club Food Truck Festival begins on Staley Field
- Noon — Student Affairs hosts Spikes Tailgate with bounce houses on Staley Field
- 12:45 p.m. — 2024–25 men’s basketball team receives MEAC championship rings at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium
- 1 p.m. — 2026 Spring Football Game kickoff, Oliver C. Dawson Stadium
- Halftime — Unveiling of the 2025 MEAC football championship banner
- 1 p.m. — Softball Senior Day vs. University of Maryland Eastern Shore, SC State softball field
- 2 p.m. — Men’s Tennis Senior Day, Hardeep Judge Tennis Center
Additional event details:
- The clear bag policy will be in effect at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
- Free parking will be available in Felton Field and SHM parking lots.
Saturday’s events are designed to showcase SC State’s academic programs, campus development and student life while celebrating Bulldog athletics and alumni engagement.