There is a plot of land that is nestled just off of Marion Street in Columbia, S.C., that for 23 years has served as the home of Gamecock softball. Though 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 over the 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.

"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."

Beckham Field has seen changes over the years. In 1997, lights were added for the enjoyment of night games. 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. Fans enjoyed a new Daktronics scoreboard in 2008, while 2009 brings in nearly 700 permanent seats from Sarge Frye Field to the grandstand area.

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.

Five NCAA Regionals have been hosted at Beckham Field since 1994, including one in 2007 that saw fourth-seeded Carolina take out top-seeded North Carolina State and nationally-ranked Oregon to advance to super regionals for the first time since that round was introduced. 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 22 years, the Gamecocks have posted an impressive 425-130-1 home record for a winning percentage of .765. In the 1997 NCAA 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. There are six games in which attendance has surpassed the 1,000 mark.

Beckham Field has not only been home to many of Carolina's softball elite players, but it has been the only field that head coach Joyce Compton has called home during her Gamecock tenure.

Directions to Beckham Field

From I-126 to Beckham Field

1. Exit off Huger Street
2. Follow Huger Street south to Blossom Street
3. Take a left onto Blossom Street
4. Follow Blossom Street east to Assembly Street
5. Take a right on Assembly Street
6. Follow Assembly Street south (towards Williams-Brice Stadium) to Whaley Street
7. Take a left on Whaley Street
8. Follow Whaley Street (3 blocks) east to Marion Street
9. Take a right on Marion Street, Beckham Field will be directly ahead

From I-20 to Beckham Field

1. Take the Bull Street Exit
2. Follow Bull Street southeast to Gervais Street
3. Take a right on Gervais Street
4. Follow Gervais Street southwest to Assembly Street
5. Take a left on to Assembly Street south (towards Williams-Brice Stadium) to Whaley Street
6. Take a left on Whaley Street
7. Follow Whaley Street (3 blocks) east to Marion Street
8. Take a right on Marion Street, Beckham Field will be directly ahead

From I-77 to Beckham Field

1. Take Bluff Road exit (exit 5)
2. Take Bluff Road all the way into Columbia
3. Turn right onto George Rogers Blvd.
4. At the first stop light, turn right onto Rosewood Dr.
5. At the first stop light on Rosewood Drive turn left onto Marion St.
6. You will go through a stop sign and you will see the softball field on your left.

Beckham Field Superlatives

Most Games Played in a Season: 34 (2007)
Most Wins in a Season: 28 (2002)
Most Consecutive Wins: 21 (1995)
Most Losses: 13 (2005)
Most Consecutive Losses: 6 (2005)
Best Home Record (by percentage): 16-0 (1988)
Worst Home Record: 11-13 (2005)
Most Runs Scored by Carolina: 17 (1990, vs. UNC-Wilmington)
Most Runs by Opponent: 12 (1998-LSU; 2000-Florida; 2005-Tennessee)
Most Combined Runs Scored: 20 (2005, USC vs. Gardner-Webb)

Beckham Field All-Time Record