The Citadel to transform football stadium into ‘largest concert venue in downtown Charleston’

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Johnson Hagood Stadium has been the home of The Citadel’s football program since 1948, but soon it will also be the largest concert venue in downtown Charleston, according to a news release.

The Citadel, in partnership with Southern Entertainment, will soon launch The Citadel Live Concert Series, which will bring internationally known musicians to Charleston and transform the stadium into one of the area’s largest entertainment venues, the release stated.

“We are so excited to be able to offer these opportunities to our campus community as well as the Lowcountry as a whole,” said The Citadel Athletic Director Mike Capaccio in the release. “There aren’t many venues in the area that have the large capacity and convenient location that Johnson Hagood Stadium provides. We hope that The Citadel Live Concert Series will bring more of our neighbors to campus while also 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 sound system as well as artificial turf, according to the release. The stadium can currently seat more than 11,000 people, and the East Side Stands Project will add an additional 2,000 seats and concessions to the venue.

“I’ve 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, president of Special Ops Events. “Years of dedication and hard work have turned this dream into a reality. I couldn’t ask for more exceptional partners than The Citadel and Southern Entertainment, both unwavering in their commitment to the highest standards of excellence.”

The lineup for the series’ first season has not yet been released but will be made available in the coming weeks when tickets go on sale. For more information, click here.

Southern Entertainment is a full-service event and production company that specializes in the planning, marketing and execution of a wide range of concerts, festivals and other live music events. They have produced more than 500 events across the United States including the Carolina Country Music Fest, Lovin’ Life Music Fest, Kissmas, Gravedigger’s Ball and more. Southern Entertainment works with all genres in the music industry from Florida Georgia Line, to Calvin Harris and Flo Rida.

“Our partnership with The Citadel seamlessly combines Special Ops Events’ expertise with Southern Entertainment’s event production prowess,” said Bob Durkin, president of Southern Entertainment, in the release. “This collaboration offers an exciting opportunity to bring top-notch entertainment to Charleston, meeting the city’s venue needs with The Citadel’s prime location and stunning views of the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.”

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 in crowds with sold out shows housing more than 30,000 fans according to the release.

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, boasts a legacy in the Lowcountry. For over 15 years, their premier brand, Top Shelf Catering & Beverage Co., has been a cornerstone of numerous events, the release stated. Robert Patterson, owner and operator, is engaged in the local community, collaborating with municipalities, charitable organizations, churches, state and federal agencies and a wide array of social gatherings, the release stated.