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Midstate Classic Marks 11th Year with Lady Vols Returning to Ridley Sports Complex

Issue #540

August 29, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Sunshine & some clouds w/ High of 88, low of 59

🥎 Midstate Classic Marks 11th Year with Lady Vols Returning to Ridley Sports Complex

🎤 Tonight: The Mulehouse Songwriter Series

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Midstate Classic Marks 11th Year with Lady Vols Returning to Ridley Sports Complex

The City of Columbia is proud to announce the return of the Midstate Classic to Ridley Sports Complex on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The 2026 event will be headlined by a marquee matchup at 5:30 PM, as the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers face off against the Austin Peay Governors. This highly anticipated game will once again place Columbia in the spotlight, offering fans the chance to experience elite-level collegiate softball right here at home.

“The Midstate Classic has become one of the signature events for our city, and we are thrilled to welcome the Lady Vols back to Ridley Sports Complex,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. “This day showcases not only world-class softball, but also the community spirit that defines Columbia.”

The full slate of action begins earlier in the day, starting at 10:00 AM with a local rivalry between the Columbia Central Lions and the Spring Hill Raiders. At 1:30 PM, the Columbia State Lady Chargers will take the field against an opponent to be announced, setting the stage for the evening’s feature game between the Lady Vols and the Governors.

Speaking to the tradition and excitement of the Classic, City Manager Tony Massey said, “It’s remarkable to see the energy and excitement the Midstate Classic generates every year, and 2026 will be no exception. By having Austin Peay as Tennessee’s opponent, it truly will be a Midstate Classic. We look forward to hosting the two universities in Columbia next Spring.”

The headlining matchup will feature not only two highly respected coaches but also two powerhouse programs in collegiate softball. The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers, led by Karen Weekly in her 25th season and with more than 1,350 career wins, rank among the most successful programs in NCAA history. Across the diamond, the Austin Peay Governors, guided by Kassie Stanfill in her eighth season, have emerged as a rising force, compiling nearly 200 wins and producing dozens of all-conference athletes. Fans can expect a high-caliber contest showcasing both elite coaching and top-tier team talent.

University of Tennessee Head Coach Karen Weekly expressed her excitement, saying, “We are excited to once again bring the Lady Vol Softball team to Columbia for the Midstate Classic. Austin Peay is a tough opponent and Kassie Stanfill has done a tremendous job building that program. We know the fans will be treated to a great in-state matchup.”

Now entering its eleventh year, the Midstate Classic has become a cornerstone tradition in Columbia—uniting competitive softball, passionate fans, and community pride. With the Lady Vols and Governors headlining the 2026 tournament, anticipation is already building for one of the most exciting events yet.

“Events like the Midstate Classic highlight why Ridley Sports Complex is such a valuable community asset,” added Columbia Parks & Recreation Director Mack Reagan. “It is a privilege to host powerhouse programs like Tennessee while also providing our local athletes the opportunity to play on the same stage.”

Ticket details and additional information will be announced closer to the date. Fans are encouraged to follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Additional information will also be made available on the City’s official website.

Tonight: The Mulehouse Songwriter Series

Tonight at The Mulehouse, the Songwriter Series brings together three powerhouse names in music for an unforgettable evening. From Grammy winners to chart-topping songwriters, this lineup offers stories behind the hits and performances you won’t want to miss.

LARRY GATLIN

A songwriting legend is with us for our show! Larry Gatlin is best known for the iconic music vocal group- Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers (Rudy and Steve.) The group achieved considerable success within the country music genre, performing on 33 top 40 country singles.

Larry Gatlin's resume is impressive as he is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry and is a Grammy Award Winner!

ALLEN SHAMBLIN

Tennessee-born and Texas-raised, Allen Shamblin has penned some of the most emotionally resonant songs in modern country music. His work includes two beloved ballads that have become modern classics: the poignant “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” co-written with Mike Reid and recorded by Bonnie Raitt, and the deeply personal “The House That Built Me,” written with Tom Douglas and brought to life by Miranda Lambert.

“The House That Built Me” became Lambert’s first #1 hit in 2010, holding the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songschart for four weeks. Inspired by Shamblin’s own return to his childhood home in Hoffman, Texas, the song struck a powerful chord with listeners and earned multiple honors, including Song of the Year awards from the CMA, ACM, ASCAP, and NSAI.

While known for his introspective ballads—like “Don’t Laugh at Me,” NSAI’s 1998 Song of the Year—Shamblin’s songwriting spans a broad emotional and stylistic spectrum. His catalog also features up-tempo favorites such as Keith Urban’s “Where the Blacktop Ends,” John Michael Montgomery’s “Life’s a Dance,” and the honky-tonk anthem “Thinkin’ Problem,” a #2 country hit in 1994.

GARY CHAPMAN

Gary is an American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter and former television talk show host. He has won seven Dove awards and five Grammy nominations as an artist! He also hosted TNN's flagship show and the Sam's Place series at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Gary Chapman along with Amy Grant , wrote the iconic "Tennessee Christmas" song we all know and love!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, August 29th

Saturday, August 30th

Sunday, August 31st

Monday, September 1st

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Sept 5-14: Nashville Fair 
Sept 9-13: Americana Fest (Nashville)
Sept 16: Breakfast with the Mayors
Sept 27 - 28: Pilgrimage Music & Heritage Festival

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, August 29th

TBA, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
The Nature Project, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Open Mic Night, Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Muletown Songwriters Series, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Tom & Robert, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Late Bloomers, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
The Velvet Troubadors, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
5x5, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, August 30th

Ben Daniel, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Kamber, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Shannon & The Harpeth River Boys, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Summer Series, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
The Deltaz, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Resurrection - A Journey Tribute, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
Power Play, The Boondox, 8:00 PM 
Downsouth Band, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 31st

Don Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Jacob Frish, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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