COLUMBIA, S.C.–South Carolina State Track & Field will kick off the 2026 Indoor Season at the Gamecock Opener Saturday (Jan.10) at the Carolina Indoor Track & Field Complex.
 
Coach Donald Cooper and his team will compete in a five-meet schedule beginning with USC Opener (Jan.10), Tyron International Classic (Jan.16-17), RADD Sports "College Invite" (Jan.23-24) in Gainesville, Florida, Carolina Classic (Feb. 6-7) in Columbia, SC and the Norfolk State Pre-National Invite (Feb.13-14) in Norfolk, VA.
 
Postseason competition includes MEAC Indoor Championships (Feb.22-23) and the NCAA Indoor Championships (March 13-14).
 
THINGS TO KNOW AT THE GAMECOCK OPENER
Follow the Meet
Live results for the 2026 Gamecock Opener can be found by clicking here. Fans can also follow along with updates on X (Twitter) by following @GamecockTrack.
 
Know Before You Go
Carolina Indoor Track & Field Complex does have a CLEAR BAG POLICY that will be in effect. Learn everything you need to know about the Clear Bag Policy by clicking here. There is also a WATER BOTTLE POLICY for all patrons and that is: one clear, plastic disposable water bottle is permitted. No hard, non-clear refillable bottles are allowed inside the facility.
 
Parking
For the 2026 Gamecock Opener, spectators will be able to utilize the Athletics Village Parking Garage for $10 per car, with no re-entry. There will also be city metered parking surrounding the complex that will also be made available through the ParkMobile app.
 
Ticket Information
There is a $10 fee for any adults wishing to attend the meet. Children that are 17 and under gain entry for $5, while kids 2 and under are free. Students/faculty/staff get in free with their valid Carolina Card identification. Please note that the Carolina Indoor Track & Field Complex is a CASH ONLY facility.
 
Meet Information
The Gamecock Opener will kick off at 10 a.m. with the men's high jump, while the first track event will be the men's 60 meter prelims at 11:35 a.m. There is a full slate of events scheduled, with the final event being the 4x400m relay for the women at 5:05 p.m. Doors are set to open at 9 a.m. A total of 12 teams will compete in this weekend's home opener, including in-state opponents South Carolina State and Winthrop.