Founders Park 2026 Fan Guide
Founders Park 2026 Fan Guide
We’re excited to welcome Gamecock Nation back to Ray Tanner Field at Founders Park for the 2026 season! Along with single-game tickets now available starting at just $7, fans can look forward to a variety of ballpark enhancements designed to elevate the overall gameday experience. From upgraded concessions and exciting gameday promotions to added safety improvements, there’s something new to enjoy all season long. For those looking for more flexibility, the Flex Pass offers 10 vouchers to use however you choose for just $99. Check out what we have in store for 2026 below!
Concessions Enhancements
South Carolina Baseball fans attending games at Founders Park this season will notice several exciting upgrades to the food and beverage lineup, as South Carolina Athletics continues its commitment to elevating the game-day experience.
Beer selections across Founders Park have been expanded to include a mix of fan favorites and new offerings. A new draft beer cart has also been added under awning on the concourse between home plate and third base, giving fans the opportunity to enjoy draft selections served in a souvenir baseball bat cup.
Several food concepts are making their debut—or return—this season. Sunset Slush will be available near the Hay Fant Sparks, Jr. Playground, providing faster service and Italian ice options, with larger sizes featuring a collectible koozie. The fried chicken sandwich returns to the Big Dippers stand after popular demand, while Peanut Patch will operate from its own dedicated stand serving boiled peanuts throughout the season. Crunch Nacho cart will be moving to the 3rd base side this season to increase the number of options for our fans throughout Founders Park. Treat Yo Self Ice Cream will once again offer its popular baseball helmet ice cream option, a staple for fans of all ages.
Custom Gamecock YETI Rambler Tumblers will make their return to Founders Park. Each tumbler will be available to purchase 60 minutes prior to first pitch via the Forever Garnet App. There is a limit of two (2) tumblers per person, and they must be picked up at the Fan Experience Kiosk on the concourse behind home plate on the specified game date. You MUST pick up your tumbler by the end of the 4th inning. We are not able to ship the YETI or provide alternate pickup options. The purchase of a YETI includes unlimited soft drink refills for the game but cannot be brought to future games.
The Early Bird Special is back and includes a 50% discount on all beer and seltzers, a $2 price point for hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and 24oz fountain drinks at the main concession stands, as well as a $7 standing room only ticket to all midweek games beginning on Tuesday, March 3 vs. USC Upstate. Gates will open 60 minutes prior to first pitch and discounted concessions will be in effect until first pitch.
Promotions Schedule
We’re excited to bring a full slate of promotions and special events for the 2026 season at Founders Park, offering fans a variety of giveaways, recognitions, and themed games throughout the spring.
The season begins with Opening Weekend, presented by the Department of Social Services, with a three-game series against Northern Kentucky. Opening Day will include a custom Opening Weekend rally towel giveaway to welcome fans back for an exciting year at Founders Park. Saturday’s contest coincides with Valentine’s Day, with fans receiving a themed Valentine card giveaway featuring some of their favorite Gamecocks.
Founders Park will host Salute the Troops Weekend, honoring military service all weekend long. Fans can expect a special performance by the Wings of Blue Parachute Team prior to the South Carolina contests throughout the weekend, along with military-focused activations on the concourse during the weekend from various branches of our military.
We will close out the non-conference weekend slate with a three-game series against Princeton, highlighted by a Sunday celebration of the Irmo Little League baseball team, with players recognized during a pregame ceremony.
SEC play brings several marquee promotional weekends, beginning with the Arkansas series, which will see the return of Game Show Day, complete with an updated t-shirt design for fans. The Texas series will feature Western Night, presented by Ariat, highlighted by a specialty western-themed t-shirt giveaway.
The Mississippi State series will include Build SC Day, presented by Blanchard, a creative and interactive theme featuring custom themed headshots of both teams displayed on the videoboard, along with a themed Cocky t-shirt giveaway.
During the Kentucky series, fans attending Saturday’s game on April 25 will have the chance to secure a pinstripe hat giveaway, while Sunday, April 26 will serve as Gamecock Club Appreciation Day, celebrating supporters of South Carolina Athletics.
Founders Park will conclude their home regular season schedule with the Alabama series, highlighted by a Senior Day Celebration honoring the Gamecocks’ graduating players. A Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday, May 10 will include a script Carolina crossbody clear bag giveaway.
More promotions and fan giveaways will be announced at a later date, including Bark in the Park, presented by CVETS, which is set to return to Founders Park for various midweek matchups – registration opportunities will be released in advance of each game!
Safety Enhancements
New this season at Founders Park, the protective netting will be extended to section 2 on the first base side and section 24 on the third base side. Two net poles also have been installed to anchor the netting in sections 2 and 24. With increased velocities both on the mound and off the bat, fan safety has become a priority in professional and college baseball. We want all fans at Founders Park to feel safe coming to watch the Gamecocks play and the netting will play a huge role in that.
