Support Us Button Widget

Columbia Fireflies to moonlight as the Carolina Grits Baseball Club

The Carolina Grits is the new alternate identity of the Columbia Fireflies and you have the chance to help name the new mascot.

IMG_7598.JPG

Mason is in full support of the teams new nickname. | Photo by COLAtoday

2Did you know that 75% of grits are sold in the Southeast? With Columbia’s rich history with mill baseball teams and the Adluh Flour lighting the Vista skyline, the signs were there for the Fireflies’ alternate food identity to be The Carolina Grits.

Similar to the Fireflies’ alternate identity of the Chicharroneswhich still exists —the team will take the field as the Carolina Grits Baseball Club.

IMG_7593.JPG

An upclose look at the new Grits logo. | Photo by COLAtoday

What’s its name?

The Carolina Grits character features an upside-down ball cap with grits overflowing the edge with eggs as eyeballs, a melting pad of butter, and wielding a spoon as a bat. The Fireflies need your help in naming the new character.

City Editor David’s choice: Hominy

City Editor Sam’s: Stone

Catch the Grits’ games

  • Friday, April 26: The first 1,000 people through the gates will take home the Carolina Grits giveaway, complete with a bobble-spoon.
  • Saturday, April 27: This game will conclude with a post-game fireworks show presented by Adluh Flour.
  • Sunday, April 28: Grits Weekend concludes on a Sunday Funday with pre-game player autographs and post-game Kids Run the Bases.
IMG_7596.JPG

The Stone Ground White Grits are Certified SC and feature the clubs new logo. | Photo by COLAtoday

Taste the Grits

Though the Fireflies will only moonlight as the Carolina Grits Baseball Club eight times this season, fans will be able to enjoy the Southern favorite food every game of the year, thanks to the “Grits, Y’all!” food cart from Adluh. Load up your grits bowls with cheese, chicken, or shrimp in a mini helmet.

State food?

Fun fact — our current state foods are:

  • Vegetable — collards
  • Beverage — milk
  • Hospitality beverage — sweet tea
  • State snack — boiled peanuts
  • Picnic cuisine — barbecue

The Fireflies started a petition to add to this list and make grits one of our state foods. Grab your tickets for the Fireflies’ home opener on Tuesday, April 9 when host the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

More from COLAtoday
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar opens Thursday, Feb. 13 in Columbia’s BullStreet District with Southern-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a grand opening celebration.
A’ja Wilson joins an elite club with her Nike A’One, a signature shoe designed to inspire the next generation.
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
The City of Columbia shared a YouTube video featuring a timeline, images, and renderings of the Finlay Park revitalization project.
The New York Times put together a list of nine food trends for 2025 including sauces, coffee, and grab-and-go options. Here’s where you can get try some of these trends in Columbia.
Readers predict Columbia in 2101 will thrive with healthcare and manufacturing, a booming population, high-speed trains, and a pedestrian-friendly future.
Richland County is launching a 41,000-square-foot regional training center to support workforce development, economic growth, and major employers like Scout Motors.
Experience chef collaborations, wine-paired vinyl dinners, and a music and craft beer showcase April 22-27, Tuesday through Sunday, at Columbia Food & Wine Festival.
The annual Tiki Week at Bourbon is moving to The Dragon Room, blending tiki-inspired food and cocktails with Asian cuisine.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.