A long-enjoyed rivalry college football game is back in play, thanks to a change in the football schedule. The Georgia-South Carolina game will be played Sat., Nov. 21. Although the game is set for Williams-Brice Stadium, its return also means the revival of a celebration in metro Augusta.
Border Bash is returning this year with a free concert at the Sharon Jones Amphitheater in North Augusta on Nov. 20, and an inaugural 5K run on Nov. 21. The activities will benefit the Salvation Army of Augusta and construction of the new Center of Hope.
“It’s a big focus for the Salvation Army,” said Joe Stevenson, Events Consultant for The Salvation Army of Augusta and Founder of Joe Stevenson Music. “We felt like it was a great opportunity to not only raise money for the Salvation Army of Augusta, but also to bring back something that we always enjoyed, which was Border Bash.”
Although the focus is on football and the party leading up to the game, the revival of this annual event has an impact on local businesses.
“The fun thing is you get the rivalry, and we’re trying to build on having Georgia businesses and South Carolina businesses,” Stevenson. “We always notice that when the game is in Columbia, a lot of folks are traveling, staying overnight in Augusta, enjoying Border Bash. It definitely does have an impact.”
Stevenson is no stranger to organizing major events. He worked with Border Bash from 2008 through 2023. He also created the Rock FORE! Dough concert series during Masters Week.
The free concert will feature the band The Voice of Harold, playing REM songs. However, the concert is also a competition. The band features lead vocals by Stevenson, a hardcore Bulldogs supporter, and Mark Bryan, guitarist for Hootie and the Blowfish, and a legendary Gamecocks fan.
“We can incite the fan bases from the stage the whole night. We’ve been having a really good time doing it over the years,” Stevenson said.
The concert will also mark the kickoff of the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle drive. There will be three kettles, one decorated for Georgia, one for South Carolina, and the third for all other schools.
“What we’re doing is encouraging those businesses, maybe owners or the employees of one of the schools, to come, put a donation in the kettle of their choice, and then we’re going to tally it up, and regardless of what the football score was, this team won the Red Kettle battle,” Stevenson explained.
The kettles will also be set up at a new event this year. The 5K Border Dash will be run on the North Augusta Greeneway. Runners can choose Georgia, South Carolina, or another school when they register for the run. Participants are encouraged to dress in their school colors.
“We really are encouraging businesses not only to make that donation in the kettle that Friday night, but also to sign up an employee team for the 5K. We feel like it’s going to be a lot of fun, and our goal is to really grow this,” said Stevenson.
Southbound Smokehouse, overlooking the amphitheater, is getting involved this year, selling VIP tickets that offer a bird’s-eye view of the concert.
“Brian Brittingham, the owner of Southbound, has been a longtime friend, and he’s a huge music supporter,” Stevenson said. “He’s community-minded too, so he gets the impact of raising money for this new family shelter that the Salvation Army is doing with the new Center of Hope. Getting the message out there but having fun doing it at the same time.”
To register for the 5K, or purchase VIP tickets, go to
www.salvationarmyusa.org/usa-southern-territory/georgia/augusta-area-command/border-bash-weekend/
You can also visit the event’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/borderbash/
