FOCUS: RiverDogs to add $3 million event space by next year

Staff reports  |  Almost as soon as the last batter is called out to end the 2016 season of the Charleston RiverDogs, the team’s owners will start a $3 million project to add an event space for “The Joe,” the ballpark that opened in 1997 and was named after former Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr.

The space, which will overlook the marsh on the Ashley River, will modernize the park for games and allow it to accommodate events throughout the year.

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“It will be fully utilized during games for an upgraded experience for fans as it will be exclusive area with upscale menu,” said President and General Manager Dave Echols.  “But it will also be heavily used on non-game days for corporate and social events.

“The one-of-a-kind overlooking the field and the Ashley River will provide unique setting and the self-controlled, 150-plus parking spaces will make this a much sought-after event space.

Team officials expect the space will be completed in the first quarter of 2017 before next year’s baseball season starts.

If you’re keeping score, the RiverDogs have the best record so far this year in the South Atlantic League with a 30-18 record.  That puts the team, first in the Southern Division, slightly ahead of the Hagerstown Suns, which is 30-19 in the SAL’s Northern Division.  The team will be back in town June 4 to start a seven-game homestand, first with the West Virginia Power, followed by the Hickory Crawdads.   More:  RiverDogs.com.