Johnson Hagood Stadium has been home to the Citadel football program since 1948, but it will soon also become the largest concert venue in downtown Charleston.
The Citadel, in partnership with Southern Entertainment, will soon launch the Citadel Live concert series, which will bring internationally renowned musicians to Charleston and transform the stadium into one of the region's largest entertainment venues.
“We are very excited to be able to provide these opportunities to our university community as well as the Lowcountry as a whole,” said Mike Capaccio, Citadel athletic director. “There aren't many venues in the area that have the large capacity and convenient location that Johnson Hagood Stadium offers. We hope the Citadel Live concert series will attract more of our neighbors to campus while enhancing the campus experience for our cadets, students, faculty and staff.
The stadium recently underwent major upgrades, including the addition of a new state-of-the-art video board and audio system, as well as artificial turf. The stadium can currently accommodate more than 11,000 people, and the East side grandstand project will add 3,500 additional seats and discounts to the venue.
“I have had the privilege of participating in countless events throughout my career, but the Citadel Live concert series holds a special place in my heart,” said Robert Patterson, Special Operations Events President. “Years of dedication and hard work turned this dream into reality. I couldn't ask for more exceptional partners than The Citadel and Southern Entertainment, both of whom are unwavering in their commitment to the highest standards of excellence.
“Our partnership with The Citadel seamlessly combines the expertise of Special Ops Events with Southern Entertainment’s event production prowess,” said Bob Durkin, President of Southern Entertainment. “This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity to bring premier entertainment to Charleston, meeting the city’s space needs with the Citadel’s prime location and stunning views of the iconic Arthur Ravenel Bridge Jr.”
The lineup for the first season of the series has not yet been revealed but will be available in the coming weeks when tickets go on sale. For more information, Click here.
Southern Entertainment is a full-service events and production company specializing in the planning, marketing and execution of a wide range of concerts, festivals and other live music events. They have produced over 500 events across the United States including Carolina Country Music Fest, Lovin' Life Music Fest, Kissmas, Gravedigger's Ball and many more. Southern Entertainment works with every genre in the music industry, from Florida Georgia Line to Calvin Harris and Flo Rida.
As the official production company of the Carolina Country Music Fest, Southern Entertainment has been recognized with major nominations such as ACM Festival of the Year and has continued to draw crowds with sold-out shows hosting more than 30,000 fans. This partnership will facilitate local internship and employment opportunities as well as philanthropic opportunities for veterans, community members and alumni.
Special Ops Events, a veteran-owned and operated company headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, has a distinguished heritage in the Lowcountry. For over 15 years, their flagship brand, Top Shelf Catering & Beverage Company, has been the cornerstone of many events. Dedicated owner and operator Robert Patterson is deeply engaged in the local community, collaborating with municipalities, charitable organizations, churches, state and federal agencies, and a wide range of social gatherings.
The Citadel, with its emblematic campus located Charleston, South Carolina, provides classical military academic training to young men and women, focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction. The approximately 2,300 members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets are not required to serve in the military, but about a third of each class earns commissions to become officers in each branch of the U.S. military service. Citadel alumni have served the nation, their states and their communities as principled leaders since 1842. The Citadelle University College, founded more than 50 years ago, offers dozens of graduate programs, graduate certificates, and undergraduate programs in the evening or online. Consecutively named the Best Public College in the South by U.S. News & World Report for 13 years and the No. 1 Best Public College for Veterans in the South for six years. Learn more about The Citadel here.