SAL1 Charleston RiverDogs

RiverDogs Open First Homestand April 7

Published on April 4, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON- Following a four-game road trip to start the 2008 season, the Charleston RiverDogs will open their home schedule at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park with a pair of four-game series running from April 7 through April 14. The RiverDogs will host the Savannah Sand Gnats, the Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets, from April 7-10 and the Rome Braves, the Class-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, from April 11-14.

Charleston is in its fourth season as the Class-A affiliate of the 26-time World Series Champion New York Yankees and has established a successful track record in the South Atlantic League with five consecutive winning seasons.

"The Joe" has become one of the best ballpark venues since its inception in 1997, setting attendance records in eight of its 11 season and breaking the season attendance record in 2007 with 284,718 clicks of the turnstile and single-game record of 8,426 fans on last year's Opening Day on April 5.

All first-pitch times are scheduled for 7:05 p.m. unless further noted.

The RiverDogs organization will be looking to shatter both of those marks this season, as a bevy of exciting promotions adorn the agenda for this opening homestand. Opening Night on Mon., April 7, will feature a magnet schedule giveaway and a post-game fireworks spectacular presented by Nucor Steel. The Subway Series will have ventured to Dixie, as the RiverDogs will highlight the Major League rivalry between the Yankees and Mets. Charleston's lineup will enter "The Joe" on this evening via horse-drawn carriages and be introduced at home plate.

Tues., April 8, will be the first BI-LO Two for Tuesday of the season, presented by BI-LO, B92 and the CW. It will also be The Writers Strike Back night where all activities in the park will be unscripted.

Wed., April 9, marks the first of two Education Days at "The Joe," in which schools from Dorchester and Berkeley counties as well as parochial schools, will bring the classroom to the ballpark for a rewarding educational experience. First pitch for the game is scheduled for 11:05 a.m.

Thurs., April 10, will be the first Thirsty Thursday of the 2008 season presented by 95 SX. In addition to $1 drink specials, there will be live musical performance by Da Gullah Rootz Band, and the return of the Quaker Grits Roll in-game promotion.

Rome travels to "The Joe" for their four-game series beginning April 11 at 7:35 p.m., as the RiverDogs will host the first Red Shirt Friday presented by Force Protection Industries, Inc. Fans who wear a red shirt to Friday night home games will receive one dollar off their ticket price at the box office, and will then have the option to donate that dollar to support service families. The RiverDogs will also wear special red jerseys on Friday home games, which will be auctioned off at the end of the season to support Charleston Area Service Men and Women. The RiverDogs will also pay tribute to former Charleston Southern University women's head basketball coach Larry Riggs during their pre-game ceremonies.

Sat., April 12, will feature a Pope-on-a-Rope Giveaway presented by My TV Charleston. In honor of Pope Benedict XVI's first U.S. appearance since becoming pontiff in 2005, the first 1,000 fans to the park will receive a soap figurine of the Holy See, as the RiverDogs battle the Braves beginning at 7:05 p.m.

April 13 will be the first Family Sunday of the season presented by the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Center/MUSC Sports Medicine and Star 99.7 FM, as the RiverDogs battle the Braves beginning at 5:05 p.m. Kids can run the bases after the game. Everyone in attendance can also get autographs from the entire RiverDogs team following the game.

The start time of those three contests is subject to change, as each game follows The Citadel as part of a doubleheader at "The Joe."

Mon., April 14, will be the first Dogs With a Cause Night presented by WTMA, as the RiverDogs will partner with a local non-profit organization every Monday home game in hopes of generating exposure and funds for the cause. The first organization will be People Against Rape. The RiverDogs will also be holding their Family Circle Cup ticket promotion on this date. For $10, fans can purchase a ticket to the Monday game and a ticket to the Family Circle Cup tournament the following day at the Family Circle Cup Center on Daniel Island.

The RiverDogs will be off on April 15 before venturing on an eight-game road trip to play a pair against Savannah, a four-game series against the defending SAL-champion Columbus Catfish, and another two-game set at Savannah. Charleston will return home to "The Joe" on Thursday, April 24, for an eight-game homestand over the course of nine days.

For more information or to order tickets to any RiverDogs game, please call (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or log on to www.riverdogs.com.

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