Columbia Fireflies

Columbia Fireflies's History

The Columbia Fireflies are a professional Minor League Baseball team located in Columbia, South Carolina. They play in the South Atlantic League and are affiliated with the New York Mets. The team was established in 2016 when they replaced the Savannah Sand Gnats who had relocated to Columbia, where they rebranded as the Fireflies.

The Fireflies play their home games at the Spirit Communications Park, which was built specifically for them. It’s a state-of-the-art stadium with a seating capacity of 9,077. The park has already won numerous awards and has been recognized as one of the best Minor League stadiums in the country.

The team’s name, Fireflies, was chosen to represent the state of South Carolina. Fireflies are a common sight during the summer months in South Carolina, and the team wanted to pay tribute to the state’s natural beauty. The team’s logo includes a firefly holding a baseball bat, and their team colors are blue, green, and yellow.

The Fireflies have one of the best attendance records in the South Atlantic League. In their inaugural season, they drew in over 300,000 fans, which was more than double the attendance of their predecessor, the Savannah Sand Gnats. The team has continued to see strong attendance numbers in the years following their debut.

The team has a strong fan base, and the community of Columbia has embraced them since their arrival. Fans can purchase tickets to Fireflies games in advance, either online or in person at the stadium box office. The team also offers season ticket packages, which come with exclusive benefits and discounts. In addition to individual and season tickets, the Fireflies also offer group ticket packages for businesses, schools, and other organizations.

Attending a Fireflies game is a great way to experience live sports in an intimate, family-friendly environment. The stadium has plenty of food and drink options, and there are fun activities for kids, such as a playground and a bouncy castle. There’s also an area where fans can play catch on the field before the game.

In addition to providing a fun and exciting entertainment option for families, the Fireflies also have a significant impact on the local economy. The team’s presence has created jobs in hospitality and tourism, and their games draw in fans from all across the region. This has a positive impact on local businesses, such as restaurants and hotels, who benefit from increased traffic in the area.

Overall, the Columbia Fireflies are a great example of how Minor League Baseball can have a positive impact on a community. They provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while also creating jobs and boosting the local economy. If you’re in the Columbia area, be sure to check out a Fireflies game and experience the excitement firsthand.

More About Columbia Fireflies

One of the most memorable highlights for the Fireflies was during their 2019 season when they hosted the Savannah Bananas for a "Midnight Game" on June 14th. The game started at 7:05 pm and ended at midnight, making it the first official midnight game in professional baseball history. The event was a massive success, with over 6,000 fans in attendance and the Fireflies winning 3-1.

Another notable highlight for the Fireflies was the 2017 season when Tim Tebow, the former NFL quarterback, joined the team. Tebow's arrival created a media frenzy, and his games at Spirit Communications Park were regularly sold out. Despite his lack of experience in professional baseball, Tebow became one of the team's top performers and even hit a home run during his first at-bat in Columbia.

The Fireflies have also hosted several popular promotional events, including "Military Appreciation Night" and "Bark in the Park" where fans can bring their dogs to the game. They have also partnered with local organizations to host charity events, such as "Salute to Service Night" and "Pink Fireflies Night" to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

In terms of on-field performances, the Fireflies have had several standout players over the years. In 2018, outfielder Quinn Brodey was named a South Atlantic League All-Star and finished the season with a .259 batting average and 14 home runs. In 2019, outfielder Zach Rheams led the team with 19 home runs and 62 RBIs, earning himself a promotion to the New York Mets' Double-A affiliate, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

The Fireflies have also had several notable pitchers make appearances in Columbia. In 2018, Tony Dibrell was named a South Atlantic League All-Star after posting a 9-2 record with a 2.55 ERA. Pitcher David Peterson, a first-round draft pick by the New York Mets in 2017, made his professional debut with the Fireflies in 2018 and finished the season with a 1.82 ERA in 13 starts.

As the Fireflies continue to draw in large crowds and make headlines with their exciting performances, the demand for live sports events and tickets in Columbia is skyrocketing. Fans can purchase single game tickets or season tickets, which offer special benefits such as early entry to the games and access to exclusive events.

Overall, the Columbia Fireflies have become a beloved staple in the Columbia community, offering exciting baseball games and memorable events for fans of all ages. As the team continues to grow and flourish, the demand for live sports events and tickets in the area is sure to keep rising.