Greenville, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Greenville is enhancing its sports culture by building new facilities and forming partnerships among its four professional sports teams: the Drive, Triumph, Liberty, and Swamp Rabbits. These teams are committed to fostering community engagement, hosting numerous events throughout the year to connect with local fans and families. A new 10,000-seat soccer facility is also set to open in 2026, further enriching the community’s sports offerings, while the Drive prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary season in 2025.
Greenville Strengthens Community Ties with New Sports Facilities and Partnerships
Greenville is witnessing a significant enhancement in its sports culture as community bonds are deepening through the establishment of new facilities and partnerships among its four professional sports teams—the Drive (baseball), Triumph (men’s soccer), Liberty (women’s soccer), and Swamp Rabbits (hockey). These teams are not only competing but are also committed to fostering community engagement.
The Greenville Drive, founded in 2006 by Craig Brown, a Michigan advertising executive who later fell in love with Greenville and relocated his family there in 2016, is affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. The team has seen great success in sending over 125 players to Major League Baseball, including noted talents like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts. Beyond their baseball games, the Drive hosts about 120 events each year to strengthen their connection with the local community.
The Triumph SC and Liberty SC, both owned by the Erwin family, contribute to the vibrant soccer culture in Greenville. Joe Erwin, a lifelong resident, co-founded a marketing firm in 1986 and has been integral to the community. The Triumph was established in 2018 and has made it to the USL League One playoffs for six consecutive seasons, clinching the championship in 2020. Liberty SC, founded in 2022, had a commendable debut season, reaching the semifinals of the USL W League in their inaugural year.
A notable development for soccer fans is the construction of a new 10,000-seat facility in Mauldin, which will serve not only the Triumph and Liberty teams but will also host community events, concerts, and youth sports. The facility is set to open in 2026, further enhancing the region’s sports offerings.
The Swamp Rabbits, the local hockey team, engage with their fan base through 36 home games and around 200 outreach events per year. The team’s president emphasizes a dedication to community involvement and aims to provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment.
In an effort to increase local outreach, Palmetto Sports & Entertainment, in partnership with the Drive, will broadcast live games to the Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson market. The inaugural live broadcast is scheduled for April 16 at 6:45 PM, featuring home games against the Asheville Tourists and Hub City Spartanburgers. Additional broadcasts will be presented by WHNS FOX Carolina, including a special program on May 1st.
Looking ahead, the Drive is gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary season in 2025, with plans to enhance access to live games for its fans.
Key Facts Summary
- Greenville hosts four professional sports teams: Drive, Triumph, Liberty, and Swamp Rabbits.
- Drive has sent over 125 players to MLB, with notable players including Mookie Betts.
- Triumph made the playoffs for six consecutive seasons.
- Liberty reached semifinals in their first season.
- A new 10,000-seat facility in Mauldin will open in 2026 for soccer events.
- Swamp Rabbits engage the community through home games and outreach events.
- Palmetto Sports & Entertainment will broadcast Drive games in the local market.
- The Drive’s 20th anniversary is set for 2025.
FAQ
What sports teams are based in Greenville?
Greenville hosts four professional sports teams: the Drive (baseball), Triumph (men’s soccer), Liberty (women’s soccer), and Swamp Rabbits (hockey).
How many players have the Drive sent to Major League Baseball?
The Drive has successfully sent over 125 players to Major League Baseball, including prominent players like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts.
What is the new facility being built for soccer teams?
Both soccer teams will have a new 10,000-seat facility in Mauldin, set to open in 2026, which will also serve community events, concerts, and youth sports.
When will the Drive celebrate its 20th anniversary?
The Drive will celebrate its 20th anniversary season in 2025 with increased access to live games for community fans.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sports Teams | Drive (baseball), Triumph (men’s soccer), Liberty (women’s soccer), Swamp Rabbits (hockey) |
| Drive MLB Players Sent | Over 125 players including Mookie Betts |
| New Facility Opening | 10,000-seat facility in Mauldin in 2026 |
| Community Engagement Events | Drive: 120; Swamp Rabbits: 200 annual outreach events |
| Drive 20th Anniversary | 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mauldin Begins Construction on Multiuse Stadium for Soccer Teams
High School Football Week 5 Highlights from Columbia
South Carolina High School Football Week 5 Highlights
Construction Begins on New Multi-Use Stadium in Mauldin
Construction Starts on Multi-Use Stadium in Mauldin
National Outcry and Memorials Follow Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
Duke University Football Team Defeats NC State 45-33
Alabama Women’s Golf Team to Compete at Lady Paladin Invitational
Former South Carolina Quarterback Connor Shaw in Stable Condition After Collapse
Joe Erwin Steps Down as Chairman of Greenville Soccer Clubs
Additional Resources
- Livability: Greenville Sports Teams Create Strong Community Connections
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- GVL Today: Where to Watch Football in Greenville
- Google Search: Greenville sports
- Fox Carolina: Greenville Drive Announces Partnership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports
- Greenville Journal: Greenville Sports Foundation Announces Board
- Google News: Greenville Drive
- GSA Business: New Sports Group in Greenville
- Kidding Around Greenville: Kids Classes in Greenville
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
