News Summary
The Greenville Drive commemorates its 20th season, aiming for a significant milestone of welcoming 6 million fans since its establishment. The highlight of the celebration will be on July 8, when the six millionth fan is crowned at Fluor Field. The festivities will include engaging community events and the introduction of a new sensory inclusive initiative, enhancing accessibility for all fans while reflecting on the team’s positive impact on the local community.
Greenville Celebrates 20 Years of Baseball with Milestone Fan Attendance
The Greenville Drive is set to kick off a three-game homestand on Tuesday, commemorating their 20th season in the Upstate and working towards a significant milestone of welcoming 6 million fans since the team’s establishment. The festivities reach a peak on July 8, when the official six millionth fan will be crowned in a special event at Fluor Field.
This season marks two decades since the Drive relocated to Greenville, where they initially played as the Greenville Bombers before adopting their current name in 2006 to honor the region’s automotive heritage. The franchise’s history spans nearly two decades as the Columbia Mets and the Capital City Bombers.
Fluor Field: A Community Landmark
Opened in 2006, Fluor Field serves as a miniature replica of Fenway Park, complete with a signature Green Monster wall featuring seating above it. The stadium currently has a seating capacity of 6,700 and has been recognized with several accolades, such as “Ballpark of the Year” during its inaugural season. It boasts the highest recorded attendance of just under 8,000 fans during a single game in April 2002.
Engaging Community Events and Celebrations
The Greenville Drive has planned several community-focused events as part of their 20th-anniversary celebration. The July 3 Freedom Fest will feature fireworks and Military Appreciation Day activities, encouraging local participation. Additionally, fans can look forward to a Red, White and Blue Picnic and a Marvel Superhero Night, where players will don themed jerseys for auction.
As of now, the total attendance this season has already surpassed 5.8 million fans, reflecting both the popularity of the team and the inviting atmosphere of Fluor Field. The grand prize for the winner of the six millionth fan contest includes a trip for four to a Boston Red Sox weekend, Drive season tickets for 2026, a personalized jersey, and the unique opportunity to throw out the first pitch.
New Sensory Inclusive Initiative
In a move to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, Fluor Field has been recognized as a Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue starting June 17, thanks to a partnership with KIND of the Upstate. Fans can now borrow sensory bags, which include noise-reduction headphones, strobe reduction glasses, and fidget toys, to improve their experience at the venue. Additionally, Quiet Zones are available for fans needing a peaceful retreat, located at the Suite Entrance and Front Porch areas of Fluor Field.
Staff members have undergone specialized training to enhance their understanding of sensory inclusiveness, allowing them to provide better support to fans requiring accommodations during games.
The Drive’s Impact on the Local Community
Since its inception, the Greenville Drive has not only attracted over 500,000 fans annually for both baseball games and community-building events but has also contributed approximately $300 million to the local economy over the past decade. The team stands as an essential part of the area’s revitalization efforts, enhancing community spirit and engagement.
The Drive operates as the High-A Minor League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, and a testament to its success is that over 125 alumni have moved on to play in Major League Baseball. The Drive continues to enrich the local community while fostering new talent that might contribute to future championship-winning teams.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Fun and Fireworks at Fluor Field
- MiLB: Kulture City and Fluor Field Bring Baseball to All
- CBS News: How Minor League Ballpark Revived Struggling South Carolina Downtown
- Greenville Online: Study Fluor Field Adds $300 Million to Greenville Economy
- MiLB: Drive Survive 7-Run Ninth, Walk Off in 11 to Beat Spartanburgers
- Wikipedia: Major League Baseball
- Google Search: Greenville Drive baseball
- Google Scholar: Greenville Drive impact local economy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: Greenville Drive
