College of Charleston Athletics

This page contains resources for Cougar fans visiting Charleston to attend College of Charleston home softball events.

College of Charleston Community Standards
Public health and safety are our first priority, and our ability to conduct athletic events depends on the willingness of our campus community and visitors to come together in support of our collective health and safety.  The College of Charleston has developed a new set of community and campus standards and policies for our students, faculty, staff and visitors called the Back to Bricks Plan. We are all in this together, and we believe that together we can face the challenges presented by COVID-19 with resilience, grit, determination and great support by and for our community. 
All entrants to Patriots Point could be subject to local health official restrictions and guidance, including a health screening and temperature check, before entering Patriots Point.
Fans are asked to do their part by conscientiously practicing physical/social distancing, frequently washing hands, using hand sanitizer, and wearing face coverings to ensure the safest possible environment at Patriots Point. All fans should keep a safe distance of 6 feet between their party and other fans while inside and in the surrounding areas of Patriots Point.

COVID-19 Self-Screening Checklist

All attendees to athletic events on our campus will be asked to review the following screening checklist before attending campus: 

• Do you have ?new muscle aches not related to another medical condition or another specific activity (e.g. due to physical exercise)?
• Do you feel like you may have a temperature of greater than 100.0°F?
• Do you have a sore throat, runny nose and/or congestion not related to another medical condition (e.g. allergies)?
• Do you have a new or worsening cough that is not related to another medical condition?
• Do you have shortness of breath that is not attributable to another medical condition?
• Do you have recent (within the last five days) loss of smell and taste?
• Do you have new onset of vomiting or diarrhea not related to another medical condition?
• Have you had recent close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

 If you answered yes to any of the questions above, immediately self-isolate and contact your medical provider.  Please do not attend any campus facility, program, activity or event.
 
Certain populations may be at increased personal risk regarding COVID-19.  Please review the CDC definition of "People Who Are at Higher Risk of Severe Illness," e.g. people over 65, and people with existing underlying medical conditions such as: chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, severe heart disease, immunocompromised, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, severe obesity, diabetes, etc.  The College of Charleston Athletics Department strongly recommends that participants who meet the CDC definition of "People Who are at Higher Risk of Severe Illness," not attend or participate in CofC Campus Events.

College of Charleston Athletics Department Policy and Action Plan to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 
The College of Charleston and its Athletic Department have taken a number of enhanced safety measures aimed at protecting the health and well-being of all guests who visit the campus at the College of Charleston. Below are the current measures that are planned to be in place at Patriots Point for the 2021 spring softball season, grouped in alphabetical order. 
 
These measures are subject to change based on recommendations by College of Charleston leadership, the Colonial Athletic Association and public health officials. All precautions taken by College of Charleston Athletics are consistent with the Governor’s guidance for the State of South Carolina: 

Attendance Policy at Patriots Point
Patriots Point will allow approximately 50% capacity for the 2021 season, which accounts for approximately 250 seats at softball (subject to change).

Facility Entrance
The main entrance for soccer games at Patriots Point is located next to the box office near the main parking area and the Mount Pleasant Recreation soccer fields. The main entrance is handicap accessible and all seating areas are accessible from this location.

Gates for softball will open one hour prior to first pitch (subject to change). 

Autographs
Fans should not ask student-athletes to sign items other than promotional items created by College of Charleston Athletics such as posters, schedules, programs, etc. Asking a student-athlete to sign a non-CofC produced item could potentially cause an NCAA eligibility for that student-athlete. Thank you for helping us protect the eligibility of our College of Charleston student-athletes!  

Clear Bag Policy
The Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for all events at Patriots Point. Additional information on approved bags & prohibited items can be found below.

Full Clear Bag Policy available here.

Approved Bags

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" – A logo no larger than 4.5" x 3.4" can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
• Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" – approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap
• Medically necessary items (after proper inspection)

 Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to:

• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Binocular Cases
• Camera Bags
• Computer Bags
• Diaper Bags
• Fanny Packs
• Cinch/Drawstring Bags
• Luggage of any kind
• Non-approved seat cushions, which include large, traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments or covers
• Purses larger than a clutch bag 

Prohibited Items
Guests may not bring any of the following items into games at the College of Charleston:

• Aerosol and spray cans
• Alcoholic beverages
• Animals (except service animals)
• Bicycles, skates, scooters or skateboards
• Coolers, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans, flasks
• Containers of any kind
• Drones
• Fireworks/explosives
• Flags and flagpoles, unauthorized banners, posters, props, pom poms, etc.
• Food or Drink of any kind
• Inflatables (beach balls, etc.)
• Illegal drugs
• Irritants such as artificial noisemakers
• Laser lights, strobe lights and pointers
• Mace/pepper spray
• Open umbrellas
• Personal seatbacks with armrests
• Strollers or portable chairs (unless ADA compliant)
• Unauthorized masks of any kind
• Video cameras, tripods, recording devices and detachable camera lenses over 6", selfie sticks
• Weapons/concealed weapons

Concourse
Hand sanitizer stations will be available in multiple locations throughout the concourse. Restroom capacities at Patriots Point will also be limited to allow for proper social distancing. Guests are asked to stay to the right when moving about the concourse and seating areas.
 
Event Staff Training & Staff Related Measures
Staff will wear masks and other Community Protective Equipment (CPE) as appropriate.
Cleaning staff have been retrained on cleaning high-traffic, high-touch areas and additional staff has been added to help clean these areas on a daily basis. Additional protocols have been adjusted to align with broader COVID-19 mitigation standards.
 
Face Covering Requirements
Face coverings (over the nose and mouth) will be required as a condition of all guest entry and throughout Patriots Point. Unless eating or drinking, guests must always keep face coverings on.
 
Patriots Point staff and Athletics Department staff will wear masks and other Community Protective Equipment (CPE) as appropriate.

Facility Entry & Exit 

• The main gate to Patriots Point will open one hour prior to kickoff. (subject to change) 
• All tickets will be mobile. Fans should download tickets to their mobile devices prior to arriving on campus. 
• Clear Bag Policy is still in effect 
• Patriots Point event staff will wear face coverings and gloves (where necessary) 
• Proper line spacing and queuing will be utilized 

Facility & Seating Areas
For the majority of the spring 2021 softball season, tickets will not be sold. However, in some specific instances, tickets will be sold to softball games occurring at the same time as a baseball game. College of Charleston Athletics will communicate these dates & times of ticket sales for softball games as they become available. For any softball ticketing questions, please contact the Ticket Office (843) 953-COFC during regular business hours (8 AM – 4 PM). 

Fans are asked to socially distance from other patrons attending the match and to wear a mask at all times when inside the facility, excluding when actively eating or drinking. Seats during softball games are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The main seating areas will be the main grandstand behind home plate and standing room areas near the field of play. Fans are not allowed near the Press Box area at any time. 

Additional facility & seating area operational procedures will include, but are not limited to, the following procedures: 

• Additional signage will be added in relevant parts of the venue to emphasize practices to help mitigate transmission of COVID-19 
• The facility will be disinfected and cleaned by Facilities Management cleaning staff with a focus on high frequency touch points and all high traffic areas 
• Hand sanitizing stations will be made readily available throughout Patriots Point 

Fans Code of Conduct
The College of Charleston is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for fans of all ages (including and especially children), student-athletes, coaches and officials both at TD Arena and on our campus. We want all fans attending our games to enjoy the experience in a responsible fashion.

Event patrons are responsible for their own conduct as well as the conduct of their guests and/or persons using their tickets.

Fans are subject to ejection and ticket holders risk losing their ticket account and/or parking privileges as a result of the following inappropriate and disruptive behavior:

• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Obscene, profane or abusive language
• Dangerous, obscene, profane or abusive behavior
• Interfering with other fans' ability to see the game
• Smoking inside of TD Arena
• Scalping or other improper resale of tickets
• Interfering with security procedures
• Interfering with the process of the game or going onto the court
• Throwing any objects onto the court or in the arena
• Any action warranting ejection and/or confiscation of game tickets by police or TD Arena security

Field Access
There will be no access to the softball field at Patriots Point at any time. 

Flash Photography
Camera bags and cases are not permitted in all CofC Athletic facilities. Nor is flash photography that could disrupt play. Only credentialed media may enter Patriots Point with such devices and are allowed in the photography areas permitted by athletics department staff. Small cameras, with the appropriate lens size, that do not obstruct the view of other patrons is permitted. 

Food and Beverage 

• All concessions staff and points-of-sale are required to wear a mask 
• Concessions point-of-sale locations will also have sneeze guards 
• Grab and go food/beverage options will be available as well as some hot food items 
• Touchless services – Google Pay & Apple Pay options are newly available at all concession stands. Paying with Google Pay or Apple Pay allows for a much faster and more expedited concessions experience while at Patriots Point! Download your credit card information before you arrive for an expedited experience!

Gate Opening Times 
Gates to Patriots Point for home softball games will open 1 hour prior to first pitch. (subject to change)

Guest Conduct Response 
Patriots Point strives to provide its guests with a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable atmosphere. Therefore, the following guidelines have been established: 

• Guests using foul or abusive language, or inappropriate or unacceptable gestures may be ejected from Patriots Point 
• Guests interfering with other guests' ability to enjoy the event may be subject to ejection 
• Guests appearing impaired may be ejected and turned over to the authorities 
• All bags will be checked by EPI staff upon entry to Patriots Point. Please plan accordingly. All guests are subject to a search at any time. Security personnel have the right to check bags, purses, blankets, coats, pockets, etc. Alcohol and other non-permissible items will be prevented from being carried into the facility. Fans will be asked to either take prohibited items back to their car or dispose of them properly. There are no provisions to check items at the gates. 

Guide Dogs/Service Animals
Trained guide dogs and service dogs are permitted/allowed to assist guests inside Patriots Point. All other animals are prohibited. If you need assistance while at Patriots Point, please contact the nearest usher or staff member. 

Handicap Seating
Handicap accessible seating is available in various locations throughout Patriots Point. Handicap seating is available to the patron with the disability and one guest. Handicap seating is sold on a first-come, first-served basis by visiting CofCSports.com/tickets or calling 843-953-COFC (2632) Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 

Inclement Weather
In the event that inclement weather approaches Patriots Point, public address announcements will be made to update fans on the situation. Should a lightning strike occur within 8 miles of the venue, play will be stopped immediately. Play will resume 30 minutes after the last strike occurs within the 8-mile threat radius. Fans are encouraged to exit the venue and seek shelter in their vehicles during weather delays. Patrons will be allowed to re-enter the facility once the weather threat clears the area. Updates may be communicated via cofcsports.com, College of Charleston Athletics Twitter pages as well as Facebook.com/cofcsports & Instagram.com/cofcsports. 

Lost and Found
Any items that have been lost or found should be reported to the nearest staff member or usher. Guests may call (843) 953-5609 during normal business hours to inquire about lost and found items.  

Parking
With a high level of interest and excitement surrounding the College of Charleston softball program, fans attending a Cougar softball game should plan accordingly to ensure you do not miss any of the action:

1. Limited number of paved parking spaces are available near the front entrance and tennis facilities. 

2. Additional parking spaces are available in the grassy area behind the soccer grandstands. 
3. All parking locations are free-of-charge and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 
4. Please do not park on the side of Patriots Point Road. This could result in your car getting towed. The College of Charleston is not responsible for any cars that get towed due to being illegally parked. 

Press Box Access
Press Box access for Patriots Point is limited to official game personnel and home/visiting team media. Fans and parents are not permitted in this area at any time. 

Political Materials & Solicitations
Distribution of political stickers, brochures, promotional items, or other solicitations is strictly forbidden on properties owned or being leased by the College of Charleston, including Patriots Point. Vending of any goods or services is strictly prohibited in the lots owned or leased by the athletics department on game day.
 
Protection for Guests

• In accordance with Charleston County mandates, guests must wear a mask at all times excluding when eating or drinking
• There will be mandatory physical distancing wherever possible (in elevators, bathrooms, entrances and exits, for example)
• For your safety and ours, we have implemented the use of mobile tickets for entry into the facility. These touchless tickets have been implemented for most areas around TD Arena to limit physical contact
• Concession points of purchase and availability have been adjusted. Touchless concessions transactions will also help limit physical contact.
• Bathrooms will have signage to limit capacity and cleaning staff will increase sterilization in these areas
• Consistent with local, state and College of Charleston messaging, ubiquitous signage emphasizing practices to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 has been placed in and around relevant parts of TD Arena. Guests are required to follow all such signage and directions.

Recycling/Trash Removal
The College of Charleston conveniently places receptacles for the disposal of trash and recyclables throughout Patriots Point. Please help keep our facilities clean and enjoyable by disposing all bagged trash into these receptacles. Fans are encouraged to utilize recycling containers with appropriate items.

Restrooms
Restrooms are located on the ground level at Patriots Point for your convenience. All restrooms will be reduced in capacity to provide proper social distancing for all guests.

For assistance during your visit to Patriots Point, please contact the nearest usher or staff member. 
 
Seating
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, occupancy inside Patriots Point will be limited in accordance with state, local and campus guidelines.  Attendees are asked to please only sit in your assigned seat.  Seating locations will be marked with appropriate signage.

Aisles should be kept clear at all times. Emergency situations require that stairways also be kept clear. Guests are prohibited from sitting or standing in the aisles or walkways. 

Additionally, guests are expected to maintain appropriate physical distancing at Patriots Point when making their way to and from their assigned seats. Fans should be considerate of others and be aware of their surroundings and the safety of others. 

Security
The College of Charleston makes every attempt to ensure that all fans are able to enjoy attending the game. In the unfortunate event that threatening or illegal behavior is observed, guess may contact uniformed security or EPI staff located throughout Patriots Point. Officers from various law enforcement agencies are stationed throughout the facility. Please do not hesitate to report suspicious behavior or unruly fans. Game day law enforcement personnel are coordinated by the College of Charleston Public Safety office at (843) 953-5609. 

Smoking/Tobacco Policy
The College of Charleston is now a healthy, tobacco-free environment. No use of tobacco is allowed on any campus property. This policy covers all forms of tobacco, including smokeless (chew or dip) and e-cigarettes of any form or vaping device. This policy covers all areas of campus, including Patriots Point.

Tobacco-Free Campus Policy (PDF)
 
Ticketing/Ticket Purchase
For the majority of the spring 2021 softball season, tickets will not be sold to home softball games. However, in some specific instances, tickets will be sold during softball games occurring at the same time as a baseball game. College of Charleston Athletics will communicate these dates & times of ticket sales for softball games as they become available. For any softball ticketing questions, please contact the Ticket Office (843) 953-COFC during regular business hours (8 AM – 4 PM).