SAL1 Greenville Drive

Fluor Field to Host Clemson-South Carolina Rivalry in 2010 and 2011

Published on May 8, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, S.C. - One of the most storied rivalries in the nation, between the Clemson University Tigers and University of South Carolina Gamecocks, will have one game decided on neutral ground. Dubbed "The Reedy River Rivalry," both Universities and the Greenville Drive announced a partnership today which will feature games between the Tigers and Gamecocks at Fluor Field at the West End in 2010 and 2011.

"This is a very exciting moment for the supporters of these two great Universities," said Drive General Manager, Mike deMaine. "By adding a game at a neutral site to this already intense rivalry, the focus of the college baseball world will surely be on this matchup. We expect this to become a signature event during the baseball season."

deMaine added, "South Carolina and Clemson have a longstanding tradition of top tier collegiate baseball teams, and the rivalry between the schools is unparalleled. Both schools have been very successful at Fluor Field in the past, playing in front of capacity crowds."

During both seasons, the Gamecocks and Tigers will play the second game of their three-game series at Fluor Field. In 2010, Clemson and South Carolina will begin the series on Friday, March 5th at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, followed by playing at Fluor Field on Saturday - with Clemson being the home team - and concluding the series on Sunday at Carolina Stadium in Columbia.

The following year, the three-game series will begin on Friday, March 4th in Columbia, the second game at Fluor Field on Saturday - with South Carolina serving as the home team - and concluding on Sunday in Clemson.

"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to play South Carolina at Fluor Field in 2010," stated Clemson Head Coach, Jack Leggett. "We have played several games there in recent season and have had tremendous crowd support. Our players have said many times how much they enjoy the ballpark."

Neither school is a stranger to Fluor Field, as both teams have played in Greenville before. South Carolina played the inaugural collegiate baseball game at Fluor Field versus Furman University on May 16th, 2006 and added another game against the Paladins on April 22nd, 2008. Clemson played its first game at Fluor Field on May 8th, 2007 versus Wofford College, and added a pair of games in 2008, versus Furman and Presbyterian College.

"The City of Greenville, the Greenville Drive and fans in the Upstate have embraced college baseball at Fluor Field," added University of South Carolina Head Coach, Ray Tanner. "Our South Carolina-Clemson rivalry is among the best in the country and we will now showcase it at this great venue. The crowd support and enthusiasm will be exciting!"

When the schools meet next year at Fluor Field, it will mark the 289th game in the rivalry. Clemson leads the all-time series, 165-120-2. 2010 will also mark the first time in 20 years that a game in this rivalry has been played in Greenville, at Municipal Stadium.

Drive Co-Owner and Team President, Craig Brown, commented on the announcement, saying, "Downtown Greenville's premier ballpark is the ideal setting for this intense rivalry and the energy and excitement these team and their fans bring will create a special experience, at Fluor Field, and throughout the Community. With its close to the action intimacy, Fluor Field will make for a truly electric environment. We are confident that the Greenville venue will add to the illustrious rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina. Fans will want to circle their calendars for this one!"

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 8, 2009


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