By the way, since I know folks are now in the process of making travel arrangements, I figured it'd be smart to point out a few things.
1) Anything out towards Harbison Boulevard will be a good twenty minutes from the Colonial Center. If you get stuck in rush hour, plan on it taking closer to 30. Staying out on Harbison does have its advantages, though. There's plenty of food, shopping, hardware stores (Lowe's and Home Depot, and Northern Tool and Equipment is one exit off), and entertainment in that area.
2) Unless I'm completely missing a hotel, the only hotel within walking distance of the Colonial Center is the Holiday Inn on Assembly Street, about two blocks away as the crow flies.
3) On the subject of vehicles, I'd highly suggest bringing vans or something else that doesn't require several parking spaces. Last year, the parking lots by the Colonial Center were not closed off from USC students, which meant it was a bit of a scramble to find parking even for a normal car. If you have to get a bus, get there early. (The Russell House, USC's student union about three blocks away, opens up around 7:00 for breakfast. The walk will get the blood flowing.)
4) Folks flying in: Columbia's airport has free wi-fi. Celebrate or groan, depending on your team policy.
5) The road construction mess from last year is done. Thank goodness.
If anyone needs to know anything about this town, I'm glad to answer.
