Spring means a lot of things in the Lowcountry. The azaleas are blooming, window boxes along downtown streets overflow with vibrant colors, people start hitting the beach… and the Charleston RiverDogs crank up their new season.
And with that, comes some serious fun.
Go to The Joe
The city has its own baseball team, the RiverDogs. They’re a Single-A team in the Carolina League, and a part of the Tampa Bay Rays family.
The RiverDogs play at “The Joe,” officially known as the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. It’s named after Charleston’s beloved former mayor Joe Riley, who’s been called “America’s Best Mayor.” He served in the job for over 40 years, having been elected to an unprecedented10 terms in office.
Joe was behind so many great projects in Charleston… like Charleston Place, the renaissance of King Street, Waterfront Park, the Ravenel Bridge with its pedestrian and bike lanes, etc. Joe is a major baseball fan himself and a bit of an expert on the Brooklyn Dodgers, and he was the force behind building Charleston’s wonderful new baseball park located downtown.
So it’s perfectly fitting that the park’s named after him. And – it’s a really cool one. In recent years they’ve expanded, adding a multi-million dollar club level. The Segra Club offers an elevated (literally) gameday experience with air conditioning, great vistas and views of the Ashley River marsh, food, beer and wine.
Play Ball!
The RiverDogs are actually quite good at playing ball. In fact, they’re champions… three times in a row. They’re the only team ever to win three consecutive Carolina League Championships - in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Can they do it again in 2024? Stay tuned and see. And take in a game in person! It’s such a wholesome way to spend an afternoon or evening. Plus it’s a perfect outing which all ages staying in your Isle of Palms beach house, can do together.
The new season cranks up this coming Friday, April 5th, at 7:05 pm - opening night, when the RiverDogs host the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at The Joe.
You’re encouraged to buy tickets for games as early as possible, since they often sell out. In fact, 2023 had a record number of sell out games. Purchase them online at their website, and they’ll be available on your mobile device. Tickets are quite affordable, starting at just $8. (Grandstand $10, Upper Reserved $11, Field View $18, Diamond View $20.)
Director of Fun
Here is a fun fact: the RiverDogs baseball team is co-owned by none other than the Saturday Night Live alum and movie icon, Bill Murray. He lives here in the Lowcountry much of the time. Bill is notorious for spontaneously showing up in random places, people’s parties and functions, photobombing tourists who are taking selfies. There are a gazillion great Bill Murray encounter stories all around the Lowcountry. Yet another fun reason to visit the Holy City!
But back to baseball.
Bill is “on staff” of the RiverDogs team. And yes, his official title is actually, “Director of Fun.” Can’t think of a better person for the job.
The team’s official mascot is Charlie T. RiverDog, who makes appearances at all the games and many local events.
As you might imagine, this isn’t just any team, ballpark, or vibe. The RiverDogs are known for their zany promotions as well as for their downright creative (and delicious) cuisine, which I’ve blogged about before.
New cuisine in 2024 - The Three Ring Burger, celebrating three consecutive championships, topped with three gigantic onion rings plus BBQ sauce; the Second Place Duck Dog (a tribute to the Down East Wood Ducks whom the RiverDogs beat twice to win the championship) - a hot dog topped with smoked duck meat and duck cracklings; and the Cheetos Stand – where you can get Cheeto Popcorn, soft pretzels dipped in Cheeto dust, or get this – you yourself can be dusted with orange Cheeto dust, if you so desire.
Weekly Promotions
Each gameday of the week has a name/promo attached to it. This is true each season. Here’s the lowdown:
Tuesdays - Dog Day Tuesdays presented by Twisted Tea… when you’re welcome to bring your dog! And get special deals on hot dogs!
Wednesdays - Wicked Wednesdays, hosted by Wicked Weed, with special surprise giveaways, uniforms and theme nights;.
Thursdays - the ever popular Thirsty Thursdays, with $1 beers, presented by Budweiser;
Fridays - Red Shirt Fridays, sponsored by Boeing, with fireworks after the game thanks to REV Federal Credit Union. You’re encouraged to join the team by wearing red;
Saturdays - Show at the Joe, with their most creative “can’t miss” theme nights;
Sundays - MUSC Health Family Sundays, with free parking, and after the game the kids get to take the field to run the bases.
Special Promotion Dates for 2024
Now, fitting into those weekly gamedays are the particular promotions planned for this year. Here’s just a sampling of the promotions/giveaways on tap for the 2024 season:
April 5th - Opening Night and the RiverDogs 30th Anniversary Celebration;
April 6th - Replica Ring Giveaway with the Championship Ring ceremony for the 2023 Carolina League Championship, won by the RiverDogs;
Wednesdays: April 17th, June 19th and August 21st - Championship Bobblehead Set Giveaway – Over three dates, the RiverDogs will be giving away a trio of bobbleheads of star players from their three championship teams from the last three years. The three figures will come together to form a cool scene aboard Charleston’s own USS Yorktown;
April 20th - Boy Band Night with custom jersey auction;
May 12th - Mother’s Day Celebration – The popular Kids Zone is free!
May 25th - Halfway to Halloween, (er, Howl-O-Ween), when The Joe will be transformed by Southern Screams into a haunted house, with spooky custom jersey auction;
June 5th - Pickleball Night - “Is it a sport? Is it a food item? We *dink* you will want to see this one for yourself.”
June 8th - Big Top Charleston – they’ll go all out with a circus theme;
July 4th - - Independence Day Celebration – yes, there will be fireworks, and a whole lot more;
July 6th - Swampy Joe – "We don’t mean to sound ogreish, but what are you doing in our swamp?"
July 13th - Margaritaville Night with custom jersey auction;
July 25th - Mean Hot Days on a Thirsty Thursday;
July 27th - RiverDogs Summer Games with special custom Olympic-themed jersey auction;
August 10th - Bald is Beautiful Night (bring your sunglasses, the lights will be reflecting off all those domes);
August 24th - Friends Night when the field will be transformed into Central Perk, and there will be with custom Friends-themed jerseys up for auction.
…and a whole lot more. Check the full promotion schedule here.
Where is the Joe?
It’s located at 360 Fishburne Street in downtown Charleston. From the IOP, head to Highway 17 and take it across the Ravenel Bridge and onto the peninsula and the Crosstown. Turn right onto Lockwood right and drive a short ways along the Ashley River, you can’t miss it. It’s located over toward the Citadel.
Read all about the Riverdogs at their official MiLB website.
So check out one of the most fun teams in baseball. It’s a great spring/summer outing for all the folks staying in your luxury beach house.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger