USC Upstate announced on May 4 that it will host the 2026 Big South Softball Championship at Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium from May 6 to May 9. The tournament will feature the top five teams in the final Big South standings and use a double-elimination format, with all games broadcast on ESPN+.
The event is significant as the winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals. USC Upstate has recently won back-to-back Big South tournament titles and participated in NCAA Regionals at Alabama and Clemson in each of the last two seasons.
The championship schedule begins with a single game between the fourth and fifth seeds on Wednesday, followed by three games each on Thursday and Friday. The championship game is set for Saturday, with an additional “if necessary” game scheduled if needed. Ticket options include chairback reserved seats behind home plate for $38 for a full tournament book or $12 per day, while general admission seating is available for $28 for a full book or $8 per day. The opening day’s single game will be general admission only, priced at $8.
Fans are encouraged to bring tailgate chairs and blankets, while dogs are permitted but must remain leashed and are not allowed in chairback seating areas. Special promotions related to the event will be announced during the week before the championship.
For more information about tickets or event details, individuals can contact Lenny Mathis, Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations.
