Dog Days of Summer Coming to the Holy City as RiverDogs Release 2016 Promotional Schedule

Holy City Sundays, Saturdays Live at The Joe, and the Bobbl’ection Highlight the RiverDogs’

20th Season at The Joe

CHARLESTON, SC – It’s hard to surpass 19 years of unprecedented fun in one of the most highly-regarded venues in Minor League Baseball.

The Charleston RiverDogs have merited countless accolades that include the Ballpark Digest’s 2015 Organization of the Year Award presented to the RiverDogs owners, The Goldklang Group, a pair of South Atlantic League Excellence in Marketing Awards, two Larry MacPhail Trophies awarded to the most outstanding promotional effort in minor league baseball, and an all-time attendance record set last year. As the RiverDogs open the gates to a new season at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park for the 20th time, they’ll try to top it all once again.

While keeping their storied history in mind, the RiverDogs announce the promotional calendar highlighted by weekly headliners Saturdays Live at The Joe, Holy City Sundays and the 2016 Bobbl’ection.

“Every year we pride ourselves on giving fans something fresh to look forward to on our calendar while maintaining some of the tried and true promotions that have entertained our fans for years,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “This year will be no different and we’re thrilled to be bringing out some of our best promotions to date while still reflecting on what has made us so successful in the past as we celebrate the 20th year at The Joe.”

This year, the RiverDogs are rolling out the “Take Me Out With the Crowd” campaign. Referencing one of the most recognized songs in sports, the theme will be present throughout the 2016 season as the RiverDogs encourage fans join in the collective experience at the ballpark as Charleston celebrates the milestone year at The Joe.

WEEKLY PROMOS

Saturdays: Fans can continue to expect the unexpected as they join “With the Crowd” in a summer series of postgame shows. “Saturdays Live at The Joe” presented by Kickin’ 92.5 and Star 99.7 will quickly become a staple in Charleston as the RiverDogs present a different postgame showcase for all 11 Saturdays. The RiverDogs start the Saturday series off with a bang on April 9 when David “The Bullet” Smith brings his Human Cannonball Show to the Lowcountry. The Saturday series will feature other unique acts that include “Caturday Night at The Joe” as we embrace our feline cousins for a night of internet cat video festivities on August 6 and Speed Painter Tim Decker at the June 4 game against Kannapolis. Fans can also get the game early each Saturday for pregame autographs from the RiverDogs players.

Sundays: The RiverDogs embrace Charleston’s “Holy City” moniker that has defined the community as a place of unity for centuries. The club will wear specialty uniforms that proudly display the “Holy City” namesake across their pinstriped tops with a new HC emblem on the caps. In association with Charleston County Parks & Recreation and Y102.5, every Sunday is a Kids Club Sunday where fans enjoy free parking and Lowcountry youth eat for free, enjoy pregame catch on the field, and run the bases postgame presented by CPI Security.

Mondays: We put the “Dog” in RiverDogs as Dog Days return, this time as a featured weekly promotion in partnership with Z93. On all eight Mondays, bring your pup to cheer with the crowd as you enjoy $1 beers and $1 hot dogs presented by Miller Lite. “Dogs with a Cause” also returns on Monday nights, and for the first time in association with Blackbaud, Inc. The RiverDogs and Blackbaud, the local software and services leader for the global philanthropic community, will share the spotlight with a different local nonprofit each Monday.

Tuesdays: Take advantage of another great night to get out with the crowd on Miller Lite “Take Me Out” Tuesdays presented by Harris Teeter and NASH FM. Special ticket packages include a 2-for-$20 deal that includes two tickets and two meals for just $20. In-game promotions are certain to be full of tandem fun for all the duos in attendance.

Wednesdays: Join in the fun on WEZL Wednesdays at The Joe as the RiverDogs and 103.5 WEZL team up for weekly promotions featuring surprise appearances from the 103.5 DJ team. The RiverDogs tip their caps to seniors and service industry members with two great opportunities to enjoy a night out. Seniors 65+ that enter the gates by 7pm get a free hot dog, chips, and drink. Presented by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, service industry workers can also take advantage of food specials and seating in a reserved area. Each week, The Joe will highlight a different sector of the local service industry as workers from one of the best hospitality cities in America go head-to-head in a series of “Chopped” style competitions.

Thursdays: The ever popular Budweiser Thirsty Thursdays presented by 95SX begin on Opening Night on April 7 and conclude with the season finale when the RiverDogs host Hagerstown on September 1. For all 12 Thirsty Thursdays, fans enjoy $1 beers all night long at the Ashley View Pub as they enjoy the scintillating tunes of Charleston’s own DJ Natty Heavy.

Fridays: A pair of RiverDogs classics highlight the docket as fans complete the work week with a bang with an explosive postgame fireworks show presented by Home Telecom and Mix96 every Friday at Riley Park. The RiverDogs will wear specialty red uniforms to honor our military as part of Red Shirt Fridays in association with ISHPI. Fans that wear red to the game get $1 off their ticket purchase at the gate with the option to donate it to the Wounded Warrior Corps.

Continuing our commitment to the local armed forces community, the RiverDogs will pay homage to a total of 70 past or present military members as a different local military hero is appropriately spotlighted at each game.

PROMO HIGHLIGHTS

April 6: “Battle of the Beaches” Exhibition Game Opener – The RiverDogs clash with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in the battle for coastal supremacy as Charleston hosts an in-state rival. The exhibition opener against the High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs will be the first of two contests between the clubs, with another game slated for next season at TicketReturn.com Field. The RiverDogs will showcase good old fashioned hospitality to make the Pelicans feel right at home with putt-putt golf holes on the concourse and airbrushed t-shirts. A portion of the night’s proceeds benefit the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. As Charleston battles it out with the Cubbie affiliate, only one question remains: Who will Bill Murray be pulling for?

April 7: Opening Night – Always THE place to be in Charleston, Opening Night features a magnet schedule giveaway and will be the first of 12 Budweiser Thirsty Thursdays. The RiverDogs host the newest members of the South Atlantic League as the Columbia Fireflies, the Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets, come to town in the first rendition of the Palmetto State’s version of the Subway Series. The first of 15 postgame fireworks extravaganzas will follow as we open the 20th season at The Joe with a bang.

May 6: Darius Rucker Surprise 50th Birthday Celebration - The RiverDogs celebrate the 50th birthday of native Charlestonian Darius Rucker. Fans can sign his giant birthday card, enjoy cake and stick around for a fantastic fireworks display to the tunes of Rucker’s favorite hits. But remember, it's a surprise, so don't tell him.

May 24: Night of Man – The RiverDogs tip their collective caps to the Y-chromosome holders on a night of testosterone, machismo, and body hair. Between inning promotions are sure to be chalked full of manly feats of strength.

June 11: Larry Doby Heritage Night – The RiverDogs honor the legacy of Larry Doby, the first African-American player to appear in the American League. The RiverDogs and Asheville Tourists will wear specialty Negro League uniforms of the Newark Eagles, Doby’s former team, and the Frontier Greys. The Hall of Fame outfielder and Camden, SC native collected over 1,500 hits in his 13-year Major League career with the Indians, White Sox, and Tigers after being given his shot in pro ball by HOF owner Bill Veeck. Doby’s ground-breaking career will be highlighted for two nights as part of Larry Doby Weekend presented by SC State University. Charleston’s own Cannon Street All-Stars Little League alumni will be in attendance and 1,000 local underprivileged youth will receive tickets for the Saturday night ballgame.

June 12: Charleston Strong Night – Building off the theme of togetherness highlighted at each Holy City Sunday at The Joe, the RiverDogs and the community will honor the memory of the nine fallen members of the Mother Emanuel AME tragedy. The RiverDogs continue to celebrate Larry Doby Weekend presented by SC State University with former Negro League players being honored at the Sunday night contest against Asheville.

July 1: Watermelon Day – At this annual summer celebration, we highlight everyone’s favorite homegrown fruit presented by the South Carolina Watermelon Association. The Watermelon Queen will grace the ballpark with her presence and in-game promotions will give fans a chance to show off their seed spitting prowess.

July 1-3: Independence Weekend Fireworks Spectacular – The RiverDogs celebrate our nation’s independence with three days of blowing up stuff. Watch the sky light up over the scenic Ashley River all weekend after each game of the series against Augusta. Presented by Bush’s Baked Beans, the American classic will be prevalent all weekend long with in-game eating contests and baked bean splendor throughout the Independence Day festivities with lovable Bush’s mascot Duke set to make an appearance.

August 8: Rainbows Night – The RiverDogs turn back the clock and tip our caps to the days when names like Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar and David Cone called Charleston home. The RiverDogs will become the Charleston Rainbows again, complete with throwback Rainbows uniforms, for one night only presented by Dudley’s on Ann and Charleston Pride. The jerseys will also be auctioned during the game. It’s a salute to days past for locals to remember the Charleston Rainbows and historic College Park.

August 23: Bobbl’ection 2016– Fans can also mark their calendars as the RiverDogs play host to the democratic process with the fourth rendition of the Bobbl’ection. Heading to the polls has never been more fun. Get to the gates early to "vote" for either the Democrat or Republican candidate. Five hundred bobbleheads will be available for both sides and the first group to run out will be declared the winner.

August 1: Fan Appreciation Night– It’s the most important night of the season as we celebrate what has made 20 years at The Joe possible -- THE FANS. A postgame fireworks show will follow the conclusion of the home finale against Hagerstown.

Other features include three Military Appreciation Nights presented by ISHPI (Thursday May 19, Saturday July 16, and Wednesday August 24), a pair of Education Days (Wednesday April 13, Tuesday May 10) for school groups, and this year’s Big Splash Day (Wednesday, July 13) where fans can beat the heat as The Joe becomes a water park for a day.

The RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees, begin their season - the 20th in their history at The Joe - on April 6 with an exhibition game against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at 7:05 pm and then follow that with Opening Night, also at 7:05 pm, that begins a seven-game homestand. Single game tickets go on sale online on Monday, April 14 at 9am and in person at the box office starting on Tuesday, April 15 at 9am. Ticket information may be secured by contacting the box office at (843)577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.



--RIVERDOGS--