Story provided by USC Upstate Athletics Department
For the USC Upstate Spartans, playing at Fluor Field isn’t just another game—it’s a continuation of a partnership that gives their program a unique home away from home. While many college baseball teams dream of competing in a minor league stadium, the Spartans have made it a staple of their schedule.
With access to a top-tier college facility and a professional-grade ballpark, USC Upstate players enjoy an opportunity few teams in the country can claim. Their annual games at Fluor Field continue to build an excellent relationship with Greenville Drive, the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.
The USC Upstate Spartans kick off March with a marquee matchup at Fluor Field against in-state rival Clemson on March 4. The Tigers will be coming in looking to avenge a 9-4 loss at the hands of the Spartans last April.
Additionally, the Spartans play host to Wofford in a non-conference matchup on Wednesday, March 19.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance due to high demand and can be purchased through the Fluor Field box office or online by clicking here.
Head Coach Kane Sweeney sees it as more than just a venue—it’s an essential tool for his program’s growth.
“That’s a professional ballpark, which is an emphasis for us to get our team playing in venues like that because we are developing them to play there one day,” said Sweeney. “Playing there is a great recruiting tool for our program.”
Beyond hosting the Drive and several USC Upstate games, Fluor Field is a hub for college baseball, welcoming teams such as Michigan State, Harvard, Clemson, and South Carolina. But amid all the action, the Upstate Spartans have cemented themselves as the de facto “college home team.”
The emphasis on community engagement is spearheaded by Eric Jarinko, who has spent nearly 20 years with Greenville Drive and has served as General Manager since 2013. Jarinko, a Clemson graduate, has been with the Drive since their inaugural season in 2006, holding various roles, including Director of Media Relations. Under his leadership, Fluor Field has become more than just a ballpark—it’s a centerpiece for baseball in the Upstate.
“We also want to be involved in the community, and these games in Greenville will help us grow the brand,” said Coach Sweeney.
“We own the ballpark—no taxpayer money was used—which is very uncommon,” said Jarinko. “However, we believe that it should be a public-facing stadium. We want to host as many events as possible at what I believe is one of the best stadiums in the country.”
That vision extends beyond minor league baseball. Fluor Field hosts more than 20 non-Drive games each spring, creating a special environment for student-athletes.
“We want to be a platform for the area, and this area is a baseball area,” Jarinko added. “There’s great competition at the high school, college, and professional levels here.”
For USC Upstate, the collaboration has been a game-changer. Lenny Mathis, Senior Associate A.D. for External Operations, praised the Drive’s commitment to making Fluor Field a welcoming home for the Spartans.
“The Greenville Drive have been great partners to our baseball program and our University,” said Mathis. “These are important events for the University to host in downtown Greenville, and we’re always treated to a first-class experience by our donors, parents, students and student-athletes.”
The Drive’s dedication to fostering a family atmosphere extends to the fans and the players who take the field. Jarinko sees every game at Fluor Field—whether it’s a Drive game or a college matchup—as an opportunity to create lasting memories.
“We want to create memorable experiences, and that doesn’t just mean fan experiences—it’s for our players as well,” said Jarinko. “When their journey ends, hopefully, it’s in front of a locker at Fenway, but we want them to think the best minor league experience was in Greenville.”
That same philosophy applies to the college and high school programs participating in Fluor Field’s spring slate.
“We host over 20 games in March that aren’t a Drive game,” said Jarinko. “You get to know these student-athletes, administrators, and coaches, and it just builds out the community feel.”
As the Spartans prepare for another season under the lights at Fluor Field, the partnership between USC Upstate and the Greenville Drive continues to grow.
“We hope that this collaboration can continue,” Jarinko said. “It has been great for us, and I know it’s a win for USC Upstate.”
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