Here in Charleston, we’re proud of our rich sporting and cultural heritage. From baseball to soccer and beyond, we’re home to no shortage of sports teams to support, whether you’re a casual enthusiast looking for a good day out at the stadium or baseball pitch, or a keen sports bettor following a pro team for the season.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most notable pro sports teams calling the heart of South Carolina their home.
Pro Sports in Charleston
One of the greatest things about pro sporting events is that they often attract a diverse crowd. From visitors to the city, to diehard fans keen to take advantage of the latest promotions and bonus offers from online bookies, you’ll often find that stadium bleachers are the hottest spots in town.
If you’re new in Charleston or are looking for a sports team to support, here's the lowdown on our finest sportsmen and women.
The Charleston RiverDogs
The RiverDogs stand as a cornerstone of Charleston's pro-sports community. Established in 1980, they compete in Class A Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and serve as an affiliate team of the Major League Baseball troupe, the New York Yankees. The RiverDogs play home games at the iconic Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, named after our former mayor, but if you’re on your travels you might also catch them in away games against Caroline League opponents such as the Lynchburg Hillcats and Salem Red Sox.
Over the years, the RiverDogs have earned a reputation in the MiLB for their competitive spirit and commitment to player development. The team has seen its fair share of success, with several playoff appearances, while former members have advanced to playing for MLB teams.
Charleston Battery
If soccer (English football) is more your game, you’ll soon be rallying behind Charleston Battery. Founded in 1993, the Battery compete in the USL Championship and are the oldest continuously operating club in the whole of the United States, not just Carolina. Home matches take place at Patriots Point Soccer Complex, while you’ll find them playing away games at prestigious stadiums such as the Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville.
Charleston Fleet
The Charleston Fleet are the city’s only all-women soccer team and, while they’re currently inactive due to not having a home club in which to base, when they do make a return to the pitch they’ll bring women's soccer right back into the spotlight. Established in 2016, the Charleston Fleet competed in Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and were Division Champions in 2017.
Tips for Getting the Most from Pro Sports Events
Now that you have a good idea of which team or sport you might want to go and support, let’s take a look at some essential tips that will ensure you get the most from the day — especially if you’re a visitor to Charleston.
Firstly, it makes sense to plan ahead as early as possible. Check team schedules and purchase tickets in advance to ensure you can secure your spot. When game day arrives, we recommend arriving early so you have time to explore the stadium, grab snacks and refreshments and find the best seats from which to enjoy the action. If you’re planning to place a wager on local teams, odds comparison sites like Oddschecker are a great way to work out the differences between types of bets and find the hottest betting markets.
Don’t forget to show your support for Charleston’s elite sportspeople by wearing team merchandise or colors, and make sure you cheer them on from the stands! If you really want to enjoy the ultimate live sports experience, take advantage of any fan engagement opportunities offered by teams. From halftime activities and promotions to meet-and-greets with players, you’ll find that the pro sports teams here in the Holy City are some of the friendliest and most involved in the local community in all of Carolina.
