Feb. 8, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The construction around the Roost athletic facilities has shut down the northern half of South Marion Street from Heyward Street to Crestwood Drive for the 2011 South Carolina Gamecock softball season, closing off one way for fans and teams to get to Beckham Field. The main access to the park remains open, as S. Marion to Rosewood Drive is still accessible.

All fans and team buses enter from the south side of Beckham Field, from Rosewood Drive, turning onto S. Marion Street by the Rex Enright Athletics Center. From downtown Columbia or I-126, come south on Assembly Street to take a left onto Rosewood. Take another left at the next light to get to S. Marion.

Coming from I-77 southbound and the northeast side of Columbia, take the Fort Jackson Drive exit (Exit No. 10) before taking a left onto Wildcat Road before the Econo Lodge. Wildcat Road turns into Rosewood, where a right turn 3 ½ miles from the left leads to Beckham Field.

From I-77 northbound, get off on the Bluff Road exit (Exit No. 6) and follow to George Rogers Blvd. Take a right onto George Rogers Blvd. where it intersects by Williams Brice Stadium, then follow it until it turns into Assembly Street at the northeast corner of the fairgrounds. Take a right onto Rosewood and a left at the first light at S. Marion St.

South Carolina Softball begins its 38th season and the first under head coach Beverly Smith on Friday, Feb. 11, at 3 p.m. against Charleston Southern as part of the 2011 Palmetto State Showdown.