Lady Gamecock Softball

Located just off of Marion Street in Columbia, S.C. and next to the home of Gamecock baseball, Sarge Frye Field, is the home of Gamecock softball - Beckham Field. Although the actual field has been altered a couple of times, the area where Beckham Field sits has been the site of many memorable Gamecock softball moments for over 20 years.

Opened in 1986 as Lady Gamecock Field, the site is the oldest Southeastern Conference and among the oldest in the sport. Softball is a tradition at South Carolina and the Gamecocks are known for its solid reputation throughout the country.

Beckham Field has seen changes over the years. In 1997, lights were added for the enjoyment of night games and in 1999, renovations expanded seating capacity from 1,000 to 1,500. In 2004, Beckham Field continued to expand with the addition of a 42' x 100' covered hitting facility. Landscaping projects now greet spectators at the entrance of the field and new asphalt was placed to improve walkways, which are now more handicap accessible.

Beckham Field was dedicated in April of 1999 honoring David and Mitz Beckham, who are longtime supporters of Gamecock softball. The Beckhams are at every home softball game and sit on the top row in front of the press box.

"We are grateful to Dave and Mitzi Beckham for their support of our program through their donation that allowed us to build a new facility in 1997," said head coach Joyce Compton. "Having such a facility affords our players the opportunity to play on a quality field and our fans a chance to enjoy a first class venue."

Four NCAA Regionals have been hosted at Beckham Field since 1994. In 2002, the Gamecocks compiled a record of 28 wins at Beckham Field, their best home record ever. In 2002, the Gamecocks claimed the program's 1,000th win as they defeated top-ranked UCLA in NCAA Regional action.

In the first 20 years, the Gamecocks have posted an impressive 375-104-1 home record for a winning percentage of .782. In the 1997 NCAA Championship Regional, a record 2,250 fans watched the Gamecocks capture the Regional Championship. The attendance number was the highest single-game crowd of any of the eight NCAA Regionals that year.

Since 1997, Beckham Field has hosted several large crowds of softball spectators including six games in which attendance surpassed the 1,000 mark.