Myrtle Beach, SC, January 3, 2026
News Summary
Coastal Carolina University is making significant investments in its athletic and academic facilities, aiming to enhance student growth and community benefits. The enhancements include a new state-of-the-art indoor practice facility and upgrades to various sports facilities, alongside improvements in academic resources such as the newly opened Thompson Library. These initiatives reflect the university’s commitment to developing future leaders and contributing to the economic vitality of the Myrtle Beach area and South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is strategically enhancing its campus infrastructure through significant investments in both athletic and academic facilities. These upgrades are designed to foster an environment conducive to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence, while also providing substantial community and economic benefits to the Myrtle Beach area and broader South Carolina. The university’s commitment reflects a dedication to providing state-of-the-art resources for its growing student body and expanding its role as a regional leader.
The strategic expansion underscores CCU’s dedication to developing future leaders and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. With a focus on student success, research excellence, and strategic community engagement initiatives, the university generated $565.8 million for South Carolina’s economy last year. Such investments aim to provide an enriching environment for students, drive initiatives in advancement, and ensure sustainable growth across the university.
A New Era for Chanticleer Athletics
Coastal Carolina University has significantly boosted its athletic infrastructure with several key projects, including a state-of-the-art indoor practice facility and comprehensive program support for student-athletes. In recognition of a substantial gift, CCU’s newly designated athletic district is named the Springs Brooks Athletic Complex. These advancements are intended to strengthen competitive excellence and community ties, promising economic benefits for the Myrtle Beach area.
Revolutionizing Training and Competition
The athletics landscape received a significant boost with the official completion of a cutting-edge Indoor Practice Facility in Conway, South Carolina, in August 2025. This expansive 93,000-square-foot structure, situated south of Brooks Stadium, is poised to redefine year-round training for the football program and other athletic teams. The $20 million project was primarily supported by donors, including Conway Medical Center with Novant Health and Joe Moglia, CCU’s Chair of Athletics and Executive Director for Football. The facility features a full-sized synthetic football field with artificial teal turf, high ceilings, filming platforms, a training room, a coaching observation tower, and athletic therapy space. It is designed not only as a training ground but also to host a diverse array of campus and community events. University officials believe this facility will be among the nicest indoor practice facilities in the Group of Five conferences, comparable to many Power Five institutions.
Further enhancements include major upgrades to the baseball and softball facilities. State approval for $10.2 million in upgrades to these facilities has been secured. The Springs Brooks Stadium is recognized as one of the nation’s best overall baseball facilities following renovations. Additionally, the Soccer Stadium underwent a renovation completed in August 2024, providing enhanced resources for student-athletes.
Broadening the Scope: Academic and Community Facilities
Beyond athletics, Coastal Carolina University is making significant institutional improvements. The university is requesting $6.8 million from state officials to upgrade key facilities, including the aging Wheelwright Auditorium. The Wheelwright Auditorium’s HVAC system has been in operation since 1979, and plans include installing seven new air conditioning units along with critical plumbing and electrical improvements.
A new 64,000-square-foot Thompson Library had its grand opening in the summer of 2024, combining upgraded services for students. These academic support services housed in the Thompson Library are part of a comprehensive approach to student well-being and future success. In another significant development, HTC has signed a naming deal for CCU’s new arena, a multi-purpose facility intended for sports, cultural events, and other on-campus activities. This facility allows the university to upgrade its capabilities for hosting events. A new 8,000-seat arena is planned to host men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball games, as well as high school tournaments and graduations.
Investing in Student Development and Research Excellence
Contributions to Coastal Carolina University directly fund scholarships, facilities, student-athlete development, and sport-specific initiatives. This commitment to holistic student development extends beyond athletics. The university actively provides students with direct engagement in research projects. Coastal Carolina University was recognized as a “Research College and University” in the 2025 report by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This designation acknowledges institutions that invest at least $2.5 million annually in research and development, a threshold CCU surpassed with $4.7 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2023. As a national sea-grant institution, CCU also utilizes Waties Island, an Atlantic barrier island, as a natural laboratory for both instruction and research, offering unique hands-on learning and discovery opportunities. Additionally, CCU stands as the only institution in South Carolina to be named a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Students.
Strategic Planning for Future Growth and Community Impact
The university’s 2023 Master Plan Update, published on September 20, 2024, outlines strategic development, with East Campus housing primarily auxiliary, facilities, academic, and athletics programs, while University Place serves as a residential district. The Board of Trustees has approved plans for a new parking deck for the Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance building, necessitating the relocation of the track and field facility. Coastal Carolina University significantly impacts South Carolina’s economy, generating $565.8 million last year through its diverse academic programs and strategic community engagement initiatives. The university is also engaging in partnerships, such as with the city of Myrtle Beach to run a renovated theater and performing arts center along Broadway, which is projected to attract over 31,000 people annually by its third year of operation.
Leadership and Enduring Legacy
The advancements at Coastal Carolina University are a testament to strategic leadership and a forward-thinking vision. The university’s athletic hall of fame was named in honor of former Coastal Carolina athletic director George F. “Buddy” Sasser, recognizing his contributions to the institution’s athletic legacy. Leadership at CCU focuses on enhancing academic excellence, fostering a sense of belonging within the university community, and engaging alumni and stakeholders to support the university’s mission. The current president, James J. Winebrake, who started in August 2025, emphasizes a philosophy of higher education that supports students, affordability, and access. He has expressed being impressed with how the city of Conway and Myrtle Beach embrace the university. Ryan Beard, the fifth football head coach, joined the Chanticleers in December 2025, bringing a strong defensive foundation and a successful coaching background to the program.
Coastal Carolina University’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its campus facilities reflects a disciplined approach to fostering innovation, academic freedom, and personal responsibility among its students and staff. These significant investments in both athletic and academic infrastructure not only elevate the student experience but also solidify the university’s role as a vital contributor to leadership development and community impact in the Myrtle Beach area and across South Carolina. Readers are encouraged to explore more about Coastal Carolina University’s programs, attend campus events, and stay updated on the dynamic progress within Myrtle Beach’s college community.
Keywords: Coastal Carolina University, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, CCU athletic facilities, student opportunities.
Key Coastal Carolina University Facility Upgrades
| Facility | Description | Status/Completion | Funding/Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springs Brooks Athletic Complex | Newly designated athletic district. | Designated | Recognition of significant gift. |
| Baseball and Softball Facilities | Upgrades to enhance competitive resources. | Ongoing/Completed | $10.2 million state-approved upgrades. Springs Brooks Stadium recognized as one of the best. |
| Indoor Practice Facility | 93,000-square-foot cutting-edge facility for year-round training, football, and other sports. Also hosts campus and community events. | Completed August 2025. | $20 million, primarily donor-funded. |
| Soccer Stadium | Renovation to provide enhanced facilities for student-athletes. | Renovated August 2024. | Enhances competitive resources. |
| Wheelwright Auditorium | Planned upgrades to aging HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical. | Requested | $6.8 million state funding requested. |
| Thompson Library | 64,000-square-foot facility combining upgraded services. | Opened Summer 2024. | Provides academic support services. |
| New Arena (HTC Naming Deal) | Multi-purpose facility for sports, cultural events, and other on-campus activities; 8,000-seat capacity planned. | HTC naming deal signed. Planned construction by 2026. | Allows for upgraded event hosting capabilities and community engagement. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Carolina University’s Campus Upgrades
What is the Springs Brooks Athletic Complex?
The Springs Brooks Athletic Complex is Coastal Carolina University’s newly designated athletic district, named in recognition of a significant gift.
What are the recent athletic facility upgrades at Coastal Carolina University?
Recent athletic facility upgrades at Coastal Carolina University include a $20 million state-of-the-art 93,000-square-foot Indoor Practice Facility completed in August 2025, $10.2 million in state-approved upgrades for baseball and softball facilities, and a renovated Soccer Stadium completed in August 2024.
How much did Coastal Carolina University spend on research in fiscal year 2023?
Coastal Carolina University had $4.7 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2023.
What is the economic impact of Coastal Carolina University on South Carolina?
Coastal Carolina University generated $565.8 million for South Carolina’s economy last year through its diverse academic programs and strategic community engagement initiatives.
When did the new Thompson Library open at CCU?
The new 64,000-square-foot Thompson Library at Coastal Carolina University had its grand opening in the summer of 2024.
What is the purpose of the new multi-purpose arena at Coastal Carolina University?
The new multi-purpose arena, with an HTC naming deal, is intended for sports, cultural events, and other on-campus activities, allowing the university to upgrade its capabilities for hosting events. It is planned to have 8,000 seats to host basketball, volleyball, high school tournaments, and graduations.
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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.
