Charleston Living Magazine May-June 2023

BUZZ | SOUTHERN DRAWL
planning new food offerings. The challenging
part of the work is to be creative and
finding new takes on tried-and-true favorites
that many baseball fans enjoy, like hot dogs,
cheeseburgers and chicken tenders.
“The classics are the classics for a reason,”
Shea said.
As such, Shea keeps one stand at Joseph
P. Riley, Jr. Park (affectionally known as “the
Joe”) devoted to just the classics.
But he still offers creative variations on
the classics for customers who want to branch
out. Fans can have fun with not-so-traditional
toppings on their hot dogs, like kimchi and
collard greens, as well as mac and cheese.
At other food stands, fans can experiment
and treat themselves to a variety of culinary
options outside of ballpark food. One stand is
a ramen bowl stand. Among the options there
include hot ramen, Lowcountry brisket ramen,
and a cheeseburger ramen bowl.
There are also seafood options at the
park, isolated from the other food stands to
accommodate fans with seafood allergies.
The seafood offerings include honey biscuit
battered shrimp and cod on a stick.
The beverage options strike a similar
balance between old favorites like Budweiser
and newer craft beers from local breweries.
Local breweries with beers on hand include
Palmetto, Estuary, and Common House.
The RiverDogs also partnered with Rusty
Bull Brewing for Bellyitcher Ale, a blonde
ale with caramel flavors and a medium dry
finish. At some games, a staff member walks
The Segura Club suite with private
beverage and dining options is available
for private events as well as during games.
around as the Bellyitcher mascot.
Shea also helped spearhead the River-
Dogs Food Truck. The truck can be hired
for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers,
team celebrations, staff appreciation lunches,
and pretty much any event where you want
the tastes of the ballpark brought to you.
Shea said the truck works with Charleston
Parks & Recreation as well, bringing the
truck out to youth sporting events.
Shea described the truck’s menu as
“ballpark-esque” but added customers can
request additional items for a private event.
While food, beverage, and baseball take
up a lot of Shea’s time, when he is not working
he loves to spend time with his wife, twoyear-old
daughter, and three dogs exploring
Charleston’s parks and beaches.
“I have an amazing wife who understands
the demands of my job,” Shea said.
The Gameday Experience
and 2023 Season Promotions
While baseball may not be the first thing people
think of when they think of Charleston,
the RiverDogs have a rich history in the city.
The city’s single-A baseball team has served
as a launching point for the careers of bona
fide future superstars like last year’s home run
king Aaron Judge and hall-of-famer Roberto
Alomar. Comedy legend and part-time
Charleston resident Bill Murray is one of the
team’s investors and can often be spotted at
the Joe (his official title is Director of Fun).
The team has also earned a place in the
heart of Charleston residents with its wacky,
out-of-the-box promotional nights. One of
the most famous was 2002’s “Nobody Night”
when approximately 2,000 fans showed
up to Riley Park to find the stadium gates
padlocked. This was all planned, and the fans
were treated to a tailgate party nearby as the
team sought to set the world record for the
lowest attendance ever recorded at a baseball
game. Once the attendance became official
during the 5th inning, fans were allowed in
the park.
This year, the trend will continue in May
with King Charlie Coronation Night when
team mascot Charlie T. RiverDog will be
crowned King of the Joe and other Lowcountry
realms. British cuisine and special jerseys
with the royal uniform will be featured. The
first 1,000 fans though the gates will receive
a foam crown.
Another May event will be TP night
where fans will receive a single roll of toilet
paper after the game and encouraged to toss
them on the field.
There are still fun promotions to come
this season. On July 8, fans will be given a
bottle of bubbles at the end of the game for
the Bubbles Bash and July 25 will be dog day
where fans can bring their four-legged best
friends to the park. August 5th will see snow
imported to the Joe during the dog days of
summer for a snowball fight.
The Suite Life
The RiverDogs made a big addition to Riley
Park seven years ago when they built the
Segra Club. Shea said the indoor club section
provides a comfortable, air-conditioned option
for fans who might love baseball but not
love Charleston’s sweltering summer weather.
The club gives fans great views of both the
field and sunsets on the Ashley River through
floor-to-ceiling windows.
Fans who buy a ticket to the Segra Club
get both seats and food and drinks all for one
price, unlike major league clubs that make
you buy food and drink in the club after you
paid for a ticket simply to access the club. The
food options are top-notch.
“If you went to a steakhouse or pasta
house in Charleston…we’re doing food on
that level,” Shea said.
The club can be rented out for weddings,
corporate events, and other social events. The
club has banquet seating for up to 214 guests
and on-site parking for 165 cars. There also
sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, seven TVs, and
WiFi access. •
36 | CharlestonLivingMag.com