There will be another Purple Game at Spirit Communications Park, as the Columbia Fireflies (Low A; Sally League) have scheduled Purple Game 2.0 for August 31.
“Last season’s Purple Game was a tremendous success,” said team president John Katz. “We are very excited to bring this event back to Spirit Communications Park, celebrating the life and career of John Blackwell, Jr. Our entire staff is looking forward to making our final regular season home game an experience that our community will remember for the entire off-season.”
Spirit Communications Park payed homage to Prince last season on June 9, and plans to do the same for his drummer, John Blackwell Jr., who passed away on July 4. Blackwell played with Prince on and off for 12 years. He grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Keenan High School in 1991. Blackwell started playing the drums at the age of 3, according to an article published by The State in 2004.
“John Blackwell, Jr. was an incredible artist and a genuinely good man,” said Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. “I thank the Fireflies for recognizing his contributions to Columbia and the world.”
The Terence Young Experience will perform from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the centerfield concourse adjacent to the Budweiser Bowtie Bar. Young resides in Columbia, SC, and has been a featured artist at the National Association of Music Merchants.
The Fireflies will wear special, Prince-themed jerseys (shown above) for the game which will be up for auction during the game. Proceeds from the jersey auction will be donated to the Marching Keenan Raider “Rubber” Band from Keenan High School.
RELATED STORIES: Fireflies to Host Purple Game, Purple Game