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.

“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.