SAL1 Charleston RiverDogs

RiverDogs Have Attendance Record in Sight

Published on August 16, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, SC -- Excuse General Manager Dave Echols if he's spotted performing a rain dance on the days that the Charleston RiverDogs play on the road.

With only eight home games remaining in the 2006 season, the RiverDogs, the second-year affiliate of the New York Yankees, have their sights set on breaking the all-time single-season attendance record for professional baseball in Charleston. So far this season, the team has drawn 236,008 fans for 59 dates, averaging exactly 4,000 people per game despite losing three openings due to rain.

The all-time Charleston attendance record is 259,007 and if the RiverDogs draw 22,999 to the remaining eight home games, they will match that single-season record set in 2003. In order to shatter the mark, the team will need to draw an average of more than 2,875 fans to each of the final dates.

"This has been a tremendous year and how fitting it would be to set the record as we celebrate the 10th season of Riley Park," said Echols. "The fans of the Lowcountry and our out-of-town visitors have responded with their attendance in record numbers since the park opened and they have continued that strong support, for which we are grateful."

Owned by the city of Charleston, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park opened in April, 1997 in a unique partnership with The Citadel. The first season at "The Joe" - named for the city's current and long-time mayor - the RiverDogs established a new single season attendance mark of 234,840 fans, a record that would be eclipsed five out of the next six seasons (1998-03).

The record was broken in 2002 - in a different way - through an outlandish game-night promotion appropriately called "Nobody Night." At the July 8 game, no fans were allowed in the park until the game became official in the fifth inning, thus allowing the RiverDogs to set the record for lowest single-game attendance of zero. Despite that "goose egg" the record was eclipsed by over 2,000 fans.

The RiverDogs, lauded nationally for their fun-is-good approach with original and whacky promotions, have saved several of this season's better promotions for the home stretch.

Saturday, August 19, the club will give away harmonicas and attempt to break a world record for most people simultaneously playing the musical instrument. Additionally, there are two more post-game fireworks extravaganzas and two more Dog Days in which fans can bring their pooches to the park.

"We want to break the attendance mark and it is a great help that we have several fan-friendly and fun promotions remaining during the final eight games that cover two home stands," Echols added. "As an organization we strive to provide a wholesome, family-oriented and fun atmosphere that is affordable and that is our primary goal. And if we end up breaking the attendance mark, then it is an added bonus," said Ehcols.

Presently, the RiverDogs are on the road for games at Greenville through Friday. The team returns to Charleston on Saturday to begin a four game series with the Savannah Sand Gnats.

In the meantime, don't be surprised to see Echols perform his rain dance.

All-Time Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park

Attendance Figures:

1997 231,006

1998 234,840

1999 238,184

2000 240,069

2001 236,175

2002 242,143

2003 259,007

2004 255,790

2005 249,374

Check out the Charleston RiverDogs Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 16, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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