Columbia Fireflies will open 2016 season against instate rival Greenville

The Columbia Fireflies’ first home game at Spirit Communications Park will be played on April 14 against instate rival Greenville (affiliate of the Boston Red Sox).

The home opener will mark the return of professional baseball to the Midlands after an 11-year absence. The Fireflies will play in the South Atlantic League.

“This is another milestone for Columbia’s professional team,” Fireflies team president John Katz said. “The reaction to the team name and affiliate announcement has been outstanding, work on Spirit Communications Park is progressing and Opening Day will be here before we know it.”

Other highlights of the 2016 home schedule include games on Independence Day and Labor Day.

The Fireflies (affiliate of the New York Mets) will open the 2016 season on April 7 on the road in Charleston, taking on the Fireflies’ other instate rival, the RiverDogs (affiliate of the New York Yankees).

This story was originally published August 17, 2015 at 10:10 PM with the headline "Columbia Fireflies will open 2016 season against instate rival Greenville."