Good news, Holy City: Evenings at The Joe are back.
The Charleston RiverDogs’ home opener is tonight against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. You could say excitement is building as we anticipate the first Fireworks Friday. Pro tip: Take a peek at the promotions calendar for all the other fun nights planned for this season.
While you might be familiar with the team’s “Director of Fun,” Bill Murray, you might not know the history of this Single-A Minor League Baseball team. Let’s play ball.
Charleston Royals
The RiverDogs launched as the Charleston Royals in 1980 — a name that lasted four years. During this time, the team saw Major League stars Danny Jackson, David Cone, and Kevin Seitzer. The team began as an affiliate of the Kansas City Royals before switching to the San Diego Padres.
Charleston Rainbows
In August of 1984, former owner Ernest Passailaigue announced a name change to the Charleston Rainbows for the 1985 season. The name paid homage to the historic + iconic Rainbow Row on East Bay Street. Check out the former logo.
Charleston RiverDogs
After eight seasons with the San Diego Padres, the Texas Rangers became the team’s affiliate during the summer of 1993, just before… drumroll, please — the Charleston RiverDogs were officially born in 1994.
As we know, this team name has stuck around for the last 30+ years. The team is now affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays and won three consecutive Carolina League championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
The RiverDogs began playing at the College Park Stadium, built in 1938 with a capacity of 4,000, which was also home to the Rainbows + Royals.
Following the 1996 season, the team moved to Joe Riley Stadium — named after former Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. — and the rest is history. Today, the stadium has a max capacity of 6,000 and serves as the home base for the RiverDogs as well as The Citadel Bulldogs baseball team.
Check out the schedule + grab your tickets to get in on the action this season.
