Heyyy, batter batter, we’ve got your roundup of three ways to enjoy America’s favorite pastime and warm spring weather in the heart of South Carolina.
University of South Carolina Gamecock Baseball
Home Base: Founders Park, home of USC Baseball, is one of the top three best-attended college baseball stadiums in the nation, and for good reason. Kids love the Hay Fant Sparks, Jr. Playground, which is shaded during the day and lit at night, located adjacent to the right field foul line. All ages enjoy the lineup of deliciousness, like traditional hotdogs and chicken finger baskets as well as local favorite Carolina Kernels popcorn (caramel corn, please!). And while there is truly not a bad seat in the house, the Corner Pantry Berm, a grassy hillside adjacent to right field is a fan favorite for spreading out a blanket and letting the kids move around a bit. The Berm is first-come, first served and open to anyone with a ticket.
Why It’s a Home Run: The University of South Carolina baseball team was propelled national stardom after winning back-to-back national championships in 2010 and 2011, and an experience at Founders Park has been touted as one of the top ten (#4 to be exact) fan experiences in college baseball (according to Stadium Journey Top Stadium Experiences of 2017).
Don’t Miss: SEC games are always a favorite, where Gamecock fans welcome opposing teams and their traveling fans for some healthy in-conference rivalry. Stay tuned to the latest by downloading the South Carolina Gamecocks Official Game Day App where you can also access your tickets digitally.
Fan Tips: When packing your game day essentials, be sure to have a clear bag, as a clear bag policy is in effect. If you don’t have one, you can find a variety at Miss Cocky on Main Street and Todd & Moore in the Vista. Check out the full list of gameday information or other noteworthy details before you go.
Before/After the Game: Before the game visit MAST General Store on Main Street to sugar up with their unbelievable selection of candy and browse a wide variety of outdoor apparel (and, yes, a huge selection baseball caps for the whole fam) and after the game head to nearby Steel Hands Distilling and Brewery for a locally crafted drink or Thirsty Fellow for pizza, wings, salads and more.
Columbia Fireflies Baseball
Home Base: Segra Park is a local favorite due to its 7,301-seats, four concession stands, 25 specialty food carts (including craft brews!) and notable bar areas. Spring and summer days will bring fans to enjoythe warm sunshine and unparalleled people watching in an expansive bar beyond right field.
Why It’s a Homerun: This Single-A team reeled off its first pitch in Columbia in the spring of 2016 as an affiliate of the New York Mets, and enjoyed a banner first season. Tim Tebow had a stint with the Fireflies in 2017. Now affiliated with the Kansas City Royals, momentum continues into the Fireflies’ 2026 season, which also celebrates the club's 11th year in the Midlands! The season opener begins on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 7:05PM against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Find the season schedule here.
Fun Fact: The name “Fireflies” pays homage to the unique phenomenon where hundreds of fireflies (that’s fancy for lightning bugs, y’all) synchronize their glow each year at Columbia’s Congaree National Park. It only happens in a few places across the globe, and we are lucky to have this mystical light show in Columbia SC each year. Learn more about this natural phenomenon here.
Don’t Miss: Get your glow on at The Mason Jar, the Fireflies’ team store inside the ballpark. We’re obsessed with the adorable (and undeniably Southern) firefly logo and dozens of fun apparel options from t-shirts to hats to jerseys.
Fan Tips: With tickets as low as $6, it’s a budgetary win. Ticket sales and detailed parking information may be found on the Fireflies website. Once inside, no need to wait in a long line! Mobile concession ordering is available. Just order and purchase your ballpark snack of choice through your phone. Be sure to bring your debit/credit card though! Segra Park is a cashless facility, but if you find that you only have cash in your wallet, no worries. You can convert your cash to a Fireflies Gift Card at Guest Services and use the gift card for purchases within the park. Before heading to the game, take a look at “ABC's of Segra Park” for full details on stadium policies and procedures, including their bag policy.
Before/After the Game: Before the game, take a Historic Columbia tour of the Hampton-Preston Mansion or Mann Simons Cottage. After the game stroll over to the newly-opened Three Notch'd Brewery or GatherCOLA, an outdoor food hall and gathering spot, just a 5 minute walk from the stadium for your favorite southern bites.
Lexington County Blowfish Baseball/Coastal Plain League
Home Base: Lexington County Baseball Stadium (474 Ball Park Rd, Lexington, SC 29072) This intimate 2,300-seat ballpark opened in 2015, offers field level "Wrigley Field" style box seats, a covered vintage look grandstand, a "Bleacher Creature" section and a left-field berm, "Home Run Hill" with ticket prices starting at just $9.50 for adults ($8.50 kids and military), and ample accessible seating as well. Kids will love the "Blowie Snowie" Shaved Ice Stand (Blowie the Blowfish is the team mascot). Homeplate Concessions offers Blowfish Burgers, Dodger Dogs, Dippin' Dots and more.
Why It’s a Homerun: The Blowfish are part of the Coastal Plain League. These collegiate “Boys of Summer”, are comprised of baseball players from a variety of colleges and universities, including the University of South Carolina, Clemson, SEC/ACC, and from across the nation.
Fun Fact: The name “Blowfish” is a nod to the musical group, Hootie and the Blowfish, which got its start in Columbia when the members attended The University of South Carolina, plus the outfield dimensions are linked to three of the great Major League stadiums- RF 302' Fenway Park, CF 394' Wrigley Field, LF 318' Yankee Stadium.
Don’t Miss: The season home-schedule and tickets are available here, and the first home game of 2026 is May 29th at 7:05PM versus Macon Bacon.
Before/After the Game: Stroll the Dreher Shoals Dam Walk overlooking beautiful Lake Murray before heading over to the stadium, and round out your day with dinner and an ice cold beer from The Old Mill BrewPub.
For more info on all things athletic in Columbia SC, check out our sports page. Make sure to use our official hashtag #RealColumbiaSC in your baseball photos to be featured on our website or socials!