Fireflies to Host "Purple Game, Purple Game" June 9
COLUMBIA, S.C. - On Thursday, June 9, the Columbia Fireflies will party like it is 1999. The game against the West Virginia Power will celebrate the life of the late singer and Grammy-award winner, "Prince" Rogers Nelson, just two days after what would have been his 58th birthday.
Prince, who passed away on April 21st of this year, has a storied past with Columbia. After playing a concert here in 2011, he worked closely with Mayor Steve Benjamin on a $250,000 donation to a local children's charity.
"We are so excited to recognize the legacy of Prince with the Columbia Fireflies at Spirit Communications Park," said Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. "Prince's contributions to the arts and to the causes of children and education in the City of Columbia will never be forgotten."
Fireflies players will sport Prince-themed jerseys in their game against the West Virginia Power (Pittsburgh Pirates). The jerseys will be auctioned off with proceeds benefitting the Palmetto Place Children's Shelter. The Fireflies staff will get in on the action as well, donning raspberry berets - the kind you find in a second-hand store.
Activities at Spirit Communications Park to honor Prince will include a pregame Prince tribute band, Prince music throughout the night and a pancake eating contest. After the game, there will be a purple-themed fireworks display.
Any fans driving little red Corvettes will receive free parking in the permitted parking lots adjacent to Spirit Communications Park.
All fans born in 1999 will receive a free purple glow necklace at Guest Services with proper proof of age.
For the lovebirds in the crowd, we'll have a special Prince edition of the Northpoint Heating and Air Kiss Cam, featuring fans wearing purple shirts, blouses with ruffles or raspberry berets.
We will also host a Ping Pong Tournament adjacent to the Budweiser Bowtie Bar, with the winner receiving a CD of Prince's Greatest Hits. In addition, frozen "Purple Rain" adult beverages will be on the bar menu.
Gates will open promptly at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Fans can purchase their tickets now for Prince Night here.