Spirit Communications Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies, has been awarded the 2017 South Atlantic League All-Star Game.
The 58th annual showcase, set for Tuesday, June 20, will include a home run derby and a fan fest.
“This is a huge honor for our city, new team and new ballpark,” said Fireflies managing owner Jason Freier in a release. “It is a testament to the quality of what we are building here and to the enthusiasm and support we’ve received from the community.”
Recent South Atlantic League All-Star Games have featured major league stars such as Bryce Harper, Giancarlo Stanton, Madison Bumgarner and Andrew McCutchen. Other past participants have included Hall of Famers Tom Glavine, Nolan Ryan, Ryne Sandberg and Steve Carlton.
Columbia last hosted an all-star game in 1992, when Yankee great Andy Pettitte struck out the side in the 7th inning.
“Spirit Communications Park was built for an event of this magnitude,” Fireflies president John Katz. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to showcase the dramatic growth and vibrancy that our community has experienced since then.”
Ballpark Digest named Spirit Communications Park its 2016 Ballpark of the Year.
All-star game ticket information will be available soon at ColumbiaFireflies.com.
