5 things to know as Columbia Fireflies open 2023 season

Chris Dearing
·4 min read

Opening night for the Columbia Fireflies is Thursday, with a 7:05 p.m. start against the Augusta GreenJackets to open the Class Low-A Carolina League season at Segra Park.

Fans can expect some changes as the Fireflies begin their third season as an affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. But they also can expect more of the same — Miller Lite $2 Tuesdays, White Claw Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, Freebie Friday, theme nights and fireworks on Saturday along with Sunday Funday.

The Fireflies learned their roster Monday, and all the players reported on Tuesday for the first official workout in Columbia.

Here is a look at what to expect this season when fans enter Segra Park.

1. Changes to ticket buying

If you plan ahead, you can save on ticket prices. In the past, you could walk up to the ticket office at Segra Park on gameday and pay the same prices you would if you ordered early online. That changes this season.

Individual game tickets are the same price as last season if you purchase them in advance. But if you wait until the day of the game, prices increase $2 each. Premium seating will increase $8. You can purchase tickets at FirefliesTickets.com, calling the Fireflies Box Office at 803-726-4487 or by visiting the box office at Segra Park.

Seats, listed with prices for advance ticket prices and day-of price

  • Berm — $5 ($7)

  • Home Run Perch — $8 ($10)

  • Reserved — $10 ($12)

  • All-Star Dugout — $11 ($13)

  • All-State Prime — $12 ($14)

  • All-Star Home Plate — $13 ($15)

  • Coors Light On Deck — $14 ($16)

  • CAE First Class Seats — $16 ($18)

  • Bullpen Boxes (4 seats) — $56 ($64)

  • 4-Topps (4 seats) — $60 ($68)

2. Thirsty Thursday

Concession prices are soaring across the country, but the Fireflies have made an easy way to enjoy the Great American Pastime without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

Fans can enjoy discounted beverages across the board on each home Thursday night game, including the season-opener against Augusta. All fountain sodas will cost $1, all domestic draft beers will be $2, and cocktails and craft draft beers will be $3.

3. Parking

General parking is $7 per car and is available in the city of Columbia’s Freed Street parking deck.

While there is no longer ADA valet parking on Boyce Street, the first floor of the parking deck on the corner of Boyce and Freed streets and the lot beyond the right field fence next to the first-base building will have free ADA parking available. You can drop someone off on Boyce Street in front of the stadium’s ticket office.

4. Gameday experience

The popular between-inning hijinks will be offered again, with added attractions such as fireworks for each Saturday home game.

The Fireflies will still enforce a clear bag policy just like the ones that are common at sporting events and concerts across the country. Diaper bags, briefcases and computer bags will not be allowed inside.

Segra Park will continue to be a cashless facility in 2023 — so bring your credit or debit cards. Fans who bring cash will be able to convert that into Fireflies gift cards at guest services. Gift cards are available in increments of $5 and don’t carry an expiration date.

5. Players, prospects, coaching staff

There are 25 players among the 29 on the Opening Day roster who spent time in Columbia during the 2021 or 2022 seasons. That includes six top 30 prospects in the Royals’ farm system.

Ben Kudrna, who is from Kansas City and grew up a Royals fan, returns to the Fireflies after being named the team’s Pitcher of the Year in 2022. He had a 3.48 ERA in 17 starts last season. Pitcher Frank Mozzicato, the Royals’ 2021 first-round draft pick, returns as well. Kudrna and Mozzicato rank as the Royals’ No. 2 and No. 7 prospects according to MLB.com.

Lizandro Rodriguez and Daniel Vasquez return on the infield. David Hollie is from Cross Creek High School in Augusta, Georgia and is one of the main returners in the outfield.

Tony Pena Jr. returns for a second season as the manager.

Fireflies April schedule

  • Thursday, April 6: vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m.

  • Friday, April 7: vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m.

  • Saturday, April 8: vs. Augusta, 6:05 p.m.

  • Tuesday, April 11: at Charleston, 7:05 p.m.

  • Wednesday, April 12: at Charleston, 7:05 p.m.

  • Thursday, April 13: at Charleston, 7:05 p.m.

  • Friday, April 14: at Charleston, 7:05 p.m.

  • Saturday, April 15: at Charleston, 6:05 p.m.

  • Sunday, April 16: at Charleston, 5:05 p.m.

  • Tuesday, April 18: vs. Fayetteville, 7:05 p.m.

  • Wednesday, April 19: vs. Fayetteville, 7:05 p.m.

  • Thursday, April 20: vs. Fayetteville, 7:05 p.m.

  • Friday, April 21: vs. Fayetteville, 7:05 p.m.

  • Saturday, April 22: vs. Fayetteville, 6:05 p.m.

  • Sunday April 23: vs. Fayetteville, 5:05 p.m.

  • Tuesday, April 25: at Augusta, 11:05 a.m.

  • Wednesday, April 26: at Augusta, 7:05 p.m.

  • Thursday, April 27: at Augusta, 7:05 p.m.

  • Friday, April 28: at Augusta, 7:05 p.m.

  • Saturday, April 29: at Augusta, 6:05 p.m.

  • Sunday, April 30: at Augusta, 1:35 p.m.