COLUMBIA, S.C. – Founders Park, the home of the South Carolina Gamecocks, opened in 2009 and has a seating capacity of a little over 8,200. The facility cost about $35 million to construct, and replaced Sarge Frye Field, which was the home of South Carolina baseball from 1977 to 2008.
Regarded by many in the baseball world as one of the best ballparks in all of college baseball, the midweek matchup between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Georgia State Panthers gave me a look at the Gamecocks’ home field.
Ballpark Entrance/View – Upon entering through the center field gate, visitors see an immaculate display showcasing South Carolina’s national championship trophies from 2010 and 2011. It is a great way to showcase the history behind the Gamecocks’ great baseball program.
When visitors enter Founders Park, they’re immediately greeted by South Carolina’s National Championship trophies from 2010 and 2011. (Photo: Alfred Ezman/World Baseball Network)
The backdrop of the ballpark is great, as well. Beyond the batter’s eye and right-center field wall lined with palm trees, fans can see the downtown Columbia skyline rising behind the outfield wall — a truly a great backdrop view that is one of the best in college baseball.
The skyline of Columbia, S.C. is visible beyond the outfield at Founders Park. (Photo: Alfred Ezman/World Baseball Network)
The views and historic exhibits around Founders Park make it a wonderful ballpark aesthetically and would bring a smile to any baseball fan’s face. Score – 10/10
Food/Concessions – There are a number of food options available to South Carolina fans at Founders Park.
There are always the classics: hot dogs, burgers, and fries stand in the ballpark along with a nice ice cream stand. The ice cream is a nice addition as Columbia can get hot once the spring weather rolls around.
Another great concession option for Gamecock fans is the chicken at Big Dippers, located home plate. This is a good alternate option for fans who want to stray away from the traditional ballpark food.
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Founders Park has both the typical burgers and hot dogs available at most ballparks. However, the chicken and ice cream are a nice switch up and something different for fans to enjoy. Score – 8/10
Unique Seating Options – The South Carolina athletic department has clearly put thoughtful effort into different kinds of seating for fans. In left field, there is the Coca-Cola Pavilion that has tables and umbrellas set up for fans. It is a good spot to be for Gamecock baseball games for those with restless legs. There are also club level seats and suites located on both sides of the press box on Founders Park’s second level.
The Coca-Cola Pavilion is a unique seating area in left field at Founders Park in Columbia, S.C. (Photo: Alfred Ezman/World Baseball Network)
South Carolina upgraded the viewing experience at Founders Park with great seating options that are different from standard bleachers and general stadium seating. Score – 8/10
Overall – Founders Park was truly a beautiful ballpark. Going to this midweek game, I had heard the college baseball world rave about this place, and it lived up to the expectations.
Everything from the view to the displays, food, and history truly captured beauty and pride that is in the South Carolina baseball program.
This place is a must-visit for every college baseball fan. It is the best college baseball park I have been visited so far, and deserves the title of being one of the best college ballparks in the country.
Final Score – 9.5/10
WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
Photo: The skyline of Columbia, S.C. is visible beyond the outfield at Founders Park. (Photo: Alfred Ezman/World Baseball Network)
