Game, Set, Match this Spring

Watching elite athletes in their element is truly a treat. The combination of skill, dedication and natural talent is truly mesmerizing. Thankfully for us, high-level matches, races and tournaments come right into our backyard every spring. This list of popular sporting events lets you have fun and be active while also taking in our beautiful settings and weather.

Credit One Charleston Open

March 29 - April 6

World-class athletes come to Daniel Island every spring for the Credit One Charlesotn Open, North America’s largest women’s-only tennis tournament. Over nine days, watch rising stars and tour talents (A singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 24 players, and a doubles draw of 16 players) battle it out on the court and enjoy family fun around the grounds before or after the matches. The state-of-the-art Credit One Stadium maximizes its whole property inside and out for an immersive experience for guests. Attendees can enjoy entertainment, interactive activations and upgraded dining and beverage options. The event will create pickleball and paddle experiences outside the stadium and a tennis-focused Fan Zone, with hands-on tennis activities. At “COCO Row,” fans can purchase items from a curated selection of Lowcountry restaurants. Inside the stadium, there’s always frozé to purchase, and fan fashion is always top-notch. Enjoy the MUSC Health Family Weekend on March 29 and 30 for two days of kid-friendly games, live music, face painting, autograph sessions and more. Family Weekend adult tickets start at $10 and kids 16 and under get in free. New in 2025, qualifying matches will be held on Stadium Court, giving fans the chance to experience early tournament action.

Learn more at www.creditonecharlestonopen.com.

Cooper River Bridge Run

April 5

Charleston’s most well-known footrace is celebrating its 48th year of participants “Getting over it”—it, meaning the 2.5-mile long Ravenel Bridge (and then some) in this annual 10K race. The Cooper River Bridge Run draws more than 35,000 participants in many categories, including wheelchair athletes, elite runners, jogger and walkers. Participants line up on the Mt. Pleasant side of the bridge on Coleman Boulevard an hour before the official start time at 8 a.m. and cross the bridge with its sweeping views to downtown Charleston, where they finish at Marion Square. Organizers throw a finish festival party at Marion Square with music, vendors, an awards ceremony and plenty of room to meet up with friends for post-race congratulations. The revelry continues at local bars and restaurants throughout the area all day long. Whether you sign up to run, or line up along the route to cheer on runners (noise makers encouraged!) it’s practically a Charleston tradition to get in on the fun. As organizers declare, “It’s not a race; it’s an experience.” Learn more at www.bridgerun.com.

College of Charleston Baseball

Now through May

Cheer on the College of Charleston Cougars as they take the field of what could arguably be the best view in all of college baseball. Perched in the stands at Patriots Point, fans have stunning views of the sunset and the Ravenel Bridge. Tickets are reasonably priced starting at $8 (with fees) and “$2 Twosdays” where tickets are just $2 for Tuesday games when purchased online. Tuesday games include matchups with Wofford, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, The Citadel and USC Upstate. There will be mimosas for sale during every Sunday game and kids get to run the bases after every game the Cougars win. A robust promotions calendar includes a bring your dog to the “Bark at the Park” game on Sunday, March 23, with giveaways like dog bandanas and collapsible dog bowls, and a Jimmy Buffett-themed game on Saturday, April 26 with the legendary singer’s music piped in. Standout players to watch this year are outfielder Avery Neaves, starting pitcher Jake Brink and pitcher Aidan Hunter, who is a Hanahan native. Buy tickets and learn more at www.cofcsports.com/sports/baseball.

Charleston Battery

Home opener March 1

In a stunning stadium at Patriots Point with exceptional views of the Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor, The Battery soccer team’s loyal Lowcounty fans wear the team’s yellow and black colors and wave flags, play drums and yell chants from a special fan section on the north side of the field. It’s World Cup soccer energy right in Mt. Pleasant, and a perfect amount of rowdiness to get players and fellow fans energized. Kicking off the 2025 season March 1, this is the sixth season for the Battery playing at family-friendly Patriots Point after the club moved to the stadium in 2020. This year, fans can expect elevated amenities to its already higher-than-average food and beverage options, including Home Team BBQ, Smash City Burgers, Coastal Crust (pizza), Nick's German Kitchen (hot dogs, brats, pretzels), Cachitas's Kitchen (Mexican), Kona Ice and a host of local craft beers. Players to keep an eye on this season are Aaron Molloy, regarded as the best midfielder in the league; Juan David Torres, who has the shooting ability to score sensational goals; MD Myers, the top-returning goal scorer on the team and captain Leland Archer, entering his eighth season with the club and a College of Charleston alum. Of new players, goalkeeper Luis Zamudio and midfielder Houssou Landry are all the buzz. The Battery will be vying for five different trophies this year, so every game will carry weight. Themed nights include Faith and Family Day on May 3, which will celebrate fans from various churches and religious organizations throughout the Holy City and Military Appreciation Night on May 17. There are also three games with fireworks this season. Learn more and buy tickets at www.charlestonbattery.com.

RiverDogs

Home opener April 4

Charleston’s beloved Single-A minor league affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays will play 66 homes games in the 2025 season at the picturesque Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, with views of the Ashley River over the outfield and stunning marsh views on the backside of the stadium. Expect the same ballpark fun this year, with Charlie the RiverDog in full uniform, plus a host of promotional nights and fireworks on select dates. The RiverDogs will face a new opponent this season: the Hickory Crawdads, a Texas Rangers affiliate, that transitioned from the High-A South Atlantic League to the Single-A level for the upcoming season. The Down East Wood Ducks, formerly the Rangers Single-A affiliate, will also face the RiverDogs after moving to Spartanburg and competing in the South Atlantic League. There’s always fun for kids with jump castles and running around a grassy field at each game. On May 18, taking the field along the first baseline at each game will be Los Perros Santos, the RiverDogs’ alter ego, to celebrate Charleston's growing LatinX population and the team’s contingent of Spanish-speaking players as part of Minor League Baseball's "Copa de la Diversión." A Run Charlie Run 5K race will precede the May 18 game with the finish line at home plate and includes game tickets for all participants. Sign up for the 5K at www.runsignup.com and buy season or single tickets at www.milb.com/charleston.