Fluor Field to Showcase College Programs in 2009
Published on January 30, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release
Greenville, SC - Fluor Field has hosted some of the nation's top college programs over the past three years, and the trend will continue in 2009 as six different programs - Clemson, University of South Carolina, Furman, Michigan State, Xavier, and Quinnipiac - are headed to downtown Greenville to provide a unique brand of baseball excitement for fans from across the Upstate and beyond.
"Fluor Field has become the destination point for some of the NCAA's top programs in recent years," commented Drive General Manager Mike deMaine. "This year, not only are we featuring the top in-state schools but also three competitive programs from outside the region. The quality of collegiate baseball that will take place in Greenville this spring is a testament to the rich tradition of baseball in Greenville."
Clemson and Michigan State kick-off the 2009 College Baseball Series at Fluor Field on Wednesday, March 11th. This will be the third straight year the Tigers have called Fluor Field home, while the Spartans make their second straight trip to Greenville.
"We are extremely excited about coming to Greenville and playing at Fluor Field this March," commented Jake Boss, Head Coach of Michigan State. "Our players had the opportunity to play there last year and will never forget the hospitality of the people in Greenville, and the first-class manner in which they were treated by the Greenville Drive personnel. It is certainly a highlight on our schedule and something we look forward to continuing for years to come here at Michigan State."
The 2009 season will also mark the fourth straight year in which the Furman Paladins have played in downtown Greenville, with games against South Carolina on Wednesday, March 18th and Clemson on Wednesday, May 6th. These matchups have proven to be extremely popular as the Furman/South Carolina game drew more than 6,000 fans in 2006 and 2008, while the Clemson/Furman game drew more than 5,500 fans in 2008.
"Fluor Field is a showcase facility," added Furman Head Coach, Ron Smith. "Our players look forward to every opportunity we have to play there, ad do our fans, who really enjoy the vibrant downtown atmosphere. It's as nice a baseball venue to play in, and is a tremendous asset to Greenville and our community."
Representing the Big 10 Conference, Michigan State has made Fluor Field a large part of their spring schedule and welcomes Xavier University and Quinnipiac University to a pre-season round robin. The round-robin begins Friday, March 13th and continues through the weekend, which is highlighted as part of the Drive Fan Fest with the Xavier Musketeers and Quinnipiac Bobcats on Saturday, March 14. The Friday, March 13th game features the Spartans and Bobcats, followed by a triple header with all three teams on Saturday, March 14th. Michigan State and Xavier conclude the weekend series Sunday, March 15th.
Drive Co-Owner and Team President Craig Brown, who is an alumnus of Michigan State, noted, "The Drive organization is proud that Michigan State has selected Fluor Field and the Upstate of South Carolina to spend the majority of their spring training development time as they prepare for the Big Ten season ahead. First year coach Jake Boss has a proven record of recruiting and developing young talent and he is very excited to be seeing Fluor Field and all that Greenville has to offer on a first hand basis. I know the fans of the Upstate will enjoy watching and cheering on all of these teams, including the talented, young Spartans, who are excited about the chance to play in Greenville for the second straight year."
Tickets for the games are currently on sale, and can be purchased at the Drive Box Office, online at www.GreenvilleDrive.com, or charge-by-phone by calling (864) 240-4500. Box Seats cost $10, Reserved Seats $9, Reserved Terrace, $6, and Lawn and Deck Seats $5.
2009 College Baseball Series at Fluor Field Schedule
March
11 Michigan State University vs. Clemson University 7:00 PM
13 Michigan State University vs. Quinnipiac University 7:00 PM
14 Xavier University vs. Quinnipiac University 12:00 PM
Michigan State University vs. Xavier University 3:30 PM
Michigan State University vs. Quinnipiac University 7:00 PM
15 Michigan State University vs. Quinnipiac University 2:00 PM
18 University of South Carolina vs. Furman University 7:00 PM
May
6 Furman University vs. Clemson University 7:00 PM
20-24 Southern Conference Baseball Tournament
South Atlantic League Stories from January 30, 2009
- Fluor Field to Showcase College Programs in 2009 - Greenville Drive
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
