News Summary
Myrtle Beach is at a critical juncture as it prepares to take full ownership of Pelicans Ballpark, amid financial strain and the withdrawal of Horry County’s support. With the city owning 70% of the stadium, officials are concerned about budget shortfalls that could jeopardize the baseball team’s future. A special city council meeting is scheduled to discuss lease negotiations, and the Pelicans must present a financial plan to avoid losing their place in the community. The ballpark, a local staple since 1998, needs major upgrades and repairs estimated at $20 million.
Myrtle Beach is facing a critical moment as the city prepares to take full ownership of Pelicans Ballpark, the home of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a Single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, amid ongoing financial struggles. The city currently owns 70% of the stadium, while Horry County owns the remaining 30%. The county has proposed to pay $6 million to the city to relinquish its ownership share.
City officials are bracing for a drop in financial support for the Pelicans as they transition to full ownership. Horry County’s financial backing has contributed significantly to the operations of the ballpark, but with the county pulling out, a financial gap is looming. City officials have instructed the Pelicans to come up with a plan to address this gap before a special city council meeting scheduled for June 3. The meeting will discuss lease negotiations, and without a viable solution, the council may not approve a new lease for the team, which would jeopardize its future in Myrtle Beach.
On May 27, the City Council approved the first reading of two ordinances linked to the Pelicans’ uncertain future, marking an important step in the process. The future of the Pelicans has become a pressing matter for locals, as evidenced by recent public attendance at city council meetings where fans expressed their desire to keep the team in the community. The Pelicans are a valuable asset, supporting local nonprofit organizations through fundraising efforts and awareness events.
To meet the standards established by Major League Baseball, Pelicans Ballpark will need substantial upgrades estimated at $20 million. Additionally, millions more will be required for essential repairs and ongoing maintenance of the facility. The financial pressures and the anticipated loss of Horry County support have alarmed city officials, with Councilwoman Debbie Conner stressing the urgency of identifying strategies to fill the financial deficit.
Tensions between Myrtle Beach and Horry County concerning ownership of the ballpark and associated agreements have persisted for over a year. The current lease for the Pelicans is set to expire at the end of the season, adding another layer of urgency to the situation. Councilman Gregg Smith characterized the current circumstances as “essentially the last chance to save the Pelicans.”
In terms of weather, Myrtle Beach is expecting scattered thunderstorms this afternoon with a high of 81°F, accompanied by winds from the south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. There is a 50% chance of rain, with heavy rainfall likely overnight and a low of 69°F. Winds will shift to the southwest at 5 to 10 mph, with a 70% chance of rain predicted.
The Pelicans have been a key part of Myrtle Beach’s identity since the ballpark was built in 1998. As the city navigates the complexities of transitioning to sole ownership, the focus will be on securing a sustainable financial future for the team and the ballpark. The upcoming city council meeting could prove pivotal in determining whether the Pelicans will remain a staple of the local sports landscape or if the uncertainties surrounding ownership will force the team to seek a new home.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Moves Towards Full Ownership of Pelicans Stadium
Myrtle Beach City Council Approves Pelicans Ballpark Acquisition Strategy
Uncertain Future for Myrtle Beach Pelicans Amid Lease Negotiations
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Face Uncertain Future Amid Lease Disputes
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Face Lease Negotiation Crisis
Myrtle Beach City Council Approves 30-Year Lease for Pelicans
Myrtle Beach Council Approves 30-Year Lease for Pelicans
Augusta Celebrates Jackie Robinson Day with Special Game
Spring Adventures Await in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Seeking National Anthem Performers
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Horry News
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Sports Illustrated
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Pelicans ballpark
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
