What’s new at Founders Park for 2018 USC baseball season

In addition to a lot of new faces among the players, five new things to look for at Founders Park on Friday as South Carolina opens the 2018 baseball season:

1. New coach

Mark Kingston, who came from South Florida, replaces Chad Holbrook as head coach. Holbrook is now coaching at College of Charleston.

2. New technology

Kingston and his Gamecocks assistants will be using Trackman and Hit Trax. The technology will give the USC staff more data for each pitch and each swing.

3. New party perch

The perch party deck (150 seats on the first-base side in front of the coaches offices) is the newest premium offering at Founders Park. Amenities include access to the deck to view the game in a social atmosphere, inclusive snacks and refreshments, and a cash bar.

4. New concessions

USC has a new concession partner – Aramark – and new concession deals, such as $2 Tuesday when select concession items will cost $2. There also will be Dollar Dog Nights when hot dogs will sell for $1 at games against Furman on Feb. 27 and Presbyterian on April 17.

5. New promotions

They include: Silver Slugger Saturdays (admission is $5 for fans 55 and older); Family Funday Sundays (4 tickets and 4 food vouchers for $40); and Kids Run the Bases after the game on Sundays.

This story was originally published February 15, 2018 at 10:15 AM with the headline "What’s new at Founders Park for 2018 USC baseball season."