Columbia Fireflies release 2018 schedule

The Columbia Fireflies and the rest of the South Atlantic League released their schedule for 2018 season Tuesday.

Columbia opens its season at Spirit Communications Park on April 5 against Augusta. It is part of a seven-game homestand, which also includes a matchup against the Hagerstown Suns.

”After a phenomenal first season, and in the midst of an amazing 2017 season, we can now look ahead to prepare for an unforgettable 2018,” Fireflies president John Katz said. “Now that the schedule is set, our team can start building a promotional calendar that will keep our great fans entertained all season long.”

Columbia is fourth in the South Atlantic League in attendance this year with an average of 4,783 fans a game.

The Fireflies will play 70 home games and some of the highlights of next year’s schedule includes 12 Budweiser Thirsty Thursdays, 11 Friday night games with post-game fireworks, 11 Saturday night games with post-game fireworks and 10 Splash Day Sundays.

Columbia also will play home games on Memorial and Fourth of July. The Fireflies will unveil game times and full promotional schedule later this fall.

Columbia will face in-state foes Charleston RiverDogs and Greenville Drive 10 games each. The Drive didn’t play a game in Columbia this year.

This story was originally published August 15, 2017 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Columbia Fireflies release 2018 schedule."