If your family loves baseball, funny theme nights, or just enjoys a good laugh, mark your calendars for Thursday, August 20, 2026! The Columbia Fireflies are turning one unforgettable Jeopardy! moment into an evening of family fun with their one-night-only Synchronized Hippos Night.
The theme was inspired by a hilarious Jeopardy! clue that asked what Congaree National Park is famous for each late spring. While the correct answer was fireflies, contestant Lauren famously answered, “Hippos!” Now, the Fireflies are embracing the mix-up in the best way possible.
Meet the Jeopardy! Contestant Behind the “Hippos” Answer
Lauren, the contestant who gave the memorable “Hippos” response on Jeopardy!, will be at the game and will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the action begins.
Fans can also purchase Synchronized Hippos T-shirts, created after many people requested them following the viral moment.
For every shirt sold, $5 will be donated to Congaree National Park, helping support one of South Carolina’s most treasured natural areas.
What to Expect at Synchronized Hippos Night
The fun doesn’t stop with the name! Families can enjoy:
- Dancing hippos throughout the evening
- The Fireflies wearing special Synchronized Hippos jerseys
- A jersey auction benefiting Congaree National Park
- Budweiser Thirsty Thursday drink specials, including:
- $1.50 Budweiser cans
- $4 16-ounce Bud Light and Michelob Ultra
- $3 fountain drinks
- Purchase your tickets here
Celebrating Congaree National Park
The Columbia Fireflies are named after the incredible synchronous fireflies that appear for a few weeks each May at Congaree National Park. It’s a special year for the park, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Congaree is one of only seven National Park sites in South Carolina.
Did you know there are more than 2,000 species of fireflies worldwide, but only three species in the Americas synchronize their flashing displays? It’s one of the reasons Congaree’s annual firefly event draws visitors from around the country.
More Family Fun Coming to Segra Park
Upcoming Events at Segra Park
If you can’t make it to the Synchronized Hippos game, there are more exciting events coming up at Segra Park with the Fireflies! Click here for the full promotional schedule for upcoming Fireflies games.
Faith & Family Night – Saturday, August 22, 2026
Bring the whole family out for an evening of baseball, music, laughs, and fireworks during the Columbia Fireflies’ annual Faith & Family Night.
Here’s what’s planned:
- Pregame Concert: Enjoy a live performance by rising Christian artist Sam Wesley before the game.
- Game Time: The Columbia Fireflies take on the Augusta GreenJackets with first pitch at 6:05 pm.
- In-Game Entertainment: Fan-favorite ZOOperstars! will bring their hilarious inflatable comedy act to the ballpark throughout the game.
- Post-Game Fireworks: Stick around after the final out for a spectacular fireworks show to end the evening.
Faith & Family Night combines America’s favorite pastime with live entertainment and family-friendly fun, making it a great night out for fans of all ages.
If your family is looking for an affordable night out filled with baseball, laughs, and a one-of-a-kind theme, Synchronized Hippos Night is sure to be one to remember.
Have you ever visited a themed baseball game? Tell us your favorite in the comments, and don’t forget to grab your tickets before this hilarious night sells out!