Charleston's professional sports teams represent three minor league organizations, all with long lists of accomplishments. From winning championships to holding youth clinics, these athletes are second to none. Front office management staff members receive numerous accolades for staging unique game promotions, setting attendance records and raising significant funds for community projects. They set a high business standard in which other non-sport organizations follow.
Charleston RiverDogs Baseball
Class A - Affiliate of the NY Yankees
2008 Schedule & Ticket Info:
843-723-7241 and www.riverdogs.com
- 12th Season at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Prior, the Royals and then, Rainbows farm teams began play in 1980. Professional baseball teams in Charleston date back to the 1886 Seagulls.
- Home opener – April 7, 2008, followed by 69 home games through Sept. 27, 2008.
- Venue: “The Joe,” an affectionate nickname for the park, is located in downtown Charleston, off the banks of the Ashley River at 360 Fishburne St. Capacity seating: 5,550
- RiverDogs organization manages The Joe for a number of concerts, high-profile events, including SoCon Baseball Championships and The Citadel Baseball home games.
An Insider’s View for the FAN:
FUN IS GOOD! A five-star leader for FUN throughout the games. Fireworks, zany contests and special appearances - you never know if your night in the stands will be one featured as a record-breaking event! Fans can register for updates on website.
- Best Ticket Value is $4 General Admission
- Home games feature Ken Carrington as Public Address Announcer and Charlie T. RiverDogs, Mascot.
An Insider’s View for BUSINESS:
Ownership: The Goldklang Group, with President, Mr. Mike Veeck and GM, Mr. Dave Echols
Email for business opportunities: admin@riverdogs.com
Professional staff organizes 100+ corporate picnics/outings each year. A true turnkey operation, with the only thing require is your invitation list. Purchase a season package and reward employees and clients throughout the spring/summer months. Plenty of sponsorship opportunities for a game night or exposure throughout the year. Special interest groups are always welcomed to become partners for fundraisers.
Charleston’s CLAIM to FAME:
What accomplished actor has ownership in the Charleston RiverDogs?
Provided with his own corporate title, Mr. Bill Murray is the Director of Fun for the RiverDogs. Far from an absentee owner, Bill can be seen at “The Joe” on any given night, even throwing the ceremonial first pitch or coaching first base. Although Murray is a Golden Globe winner (Best Actor) and Academy Award nomination, he is most remembered for his role in a sport classic movie, “Caddy Shack.” And what was his character name while spending timeless hours dealing with a destructive dancing gopher?
Charleston Battery Soccer
USL First Division
2008 Schedule and Ticket Info:
843-971-GOAL
www.charlestonbattery.com
- 16th Season: Home opener - April 2008, followed by 29 regular season games and exhibition games through September 2008
- Venue: Privately-owned, Blackbaud Stadium, located on Daniel Island, easy access off Highway 526. Capacity seating: 5,113
- Blackbaud is also host to many events including Carolina Challenge Cup, (March 15 – 22, 2008), a pre-season tournament with three special invited teams from the Major League Soccer.
An Insider’s View for the FAN:
In the tradition of clubs around the world, the Charleston Battery has a legion of faithful supporters known as “The Regiment” - the official supporter’s club.
- Best Ticket Value: $5 for group seating and $8 for individuals.
- Games feature Richard Todd as the voice of the Battery and Cannonball, Team Mascot.
An Insider’s View for BUSINESS:
Ownership: Private investors with CEO, Mr. Anthony Bakker and President, Mr. Nigel Cooper.
Email for Business opportunities: Battery@charlestonbattery.com
Experience the excitement of a Charleston Battery soccer game as a group! Bring friends, team members, club, clients or employees out for an evening of soccer fun at Blackbaud Stadium. Special rates and PA announcements for groups of 10 or more. Sponsorship and ticket packets include exclusive access to the Three Lion’s Pub, a true showcase of unique soccer memorabilia. Open for pre and post-game festivities, includes a full- service bar and pre-game buffet, foosball, darts, pool tables, leather couches and HD televisions. The pub also offers the opportunity to socialize with players and coaches after each home match. Named USL First Division Organization of the Year.
Charleston’s CLAIM to FAME:
The Charleston Battery organization has been host to many world-class events, bringing in soccer superstars like Freddy Adu and Mia Hamm. Blackbaud Stadium was the first privately financed soccer-specific stadium built in the US (twice nominated by US Soccer as one of the best soccer stadiums in the US). In addition, the team won the A-League National Championship in 2003.
South Carolina Stingrays Hockey
ECHL Southern Division member, NHL Washington Capitals and AHL Hersey Bears affiliate.
2007/08 Schedule and Ticket Info:
843-744-2248
www.stingrayshockey.com
- 15th Season: October 2007 – through April 2008. Play up to 39 home games a season. 2008/09 season opener in October 2008.
- Venue: The North Charleston Coliseum is centrally located in the region on International Ave., just a few miles from the airport. Capacity seating: 10,349
An Insider’s View for the FAN:
Stingrays Hockey – A Whole Lot Cooler! Each home game may include give-aways, crazy promotions, special discounts for concessions and an energetic cheer squad, the Ice Dolls. Stingrays Kids Club is superior to others, offering over 25 benefits for just $25. Off the ice, special appearances are readily made by players and mascot. Kids parties and even an inflatable Slap Shot machine is available year round.
- Best Ticket Values are $5 for kids on Sundays, $10 for all on Tuesdays and Family Fun Fridays for just $44 - a food, beverage and ticket package deal.
- Home games feature Mike Kelly as the voice and Cool Ray, the Mascot.
An Insider’s View for BUSINESS:
Ownership: Private investors, including Anita & Jerry Zucker.
Email for Business opportunities: stevef@stingrayshockey.com
Corporations can be Yearbook Sponsors for year-round exposure or even season ticket holders to entertain clients and reward employees. A number of packages have been developed to meet the needs of the local business community.
Charleston’s CLAIM to FAME:
South Carolina Stingrays are two-time Kelly Cup Champions winning in 1996/97 and 2000/01 seasons. Also won the Bradham Cup in 1996/97.
