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Myrtle Beach City Council Approves 30-Year Lease for Pelicans

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Crowd at Myrtle Beach Pelicans game

News Summary

The Myrtle Beach City Council has unanimously approved a new 30-year lease agreement for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, ensuring the team stays in the city. Mayor Brenda Bethune emphasized the Pelicans’ role in local tradition and job support. The agreement includes structured payments and enhancements for Pelicans Ballpark, as well as provisions for the team to host events beyond baseball. The lease is pending approval from the Horry County Council, which has already held its first reading. Despite some opposition, the council reaffirmed its commitment to local sports culture.

Myrtle Beach – The Myrtle Beach City Council has voted unanimously to approve a renewed 30-year lease agreement for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, ensuring the baseball team will remain in the city for decades to come. The vote took place on Tuesday morning, signaling continued local investment in the team and its community significance beyond just baseball.

Mayor Brenda Bethune expressed excitement over the decision, highlighting the Pelicans as a cornerstone of family tradition and local job support. The approved lease agreement includes a structured payment plan that requires the city to receive $750,000 annually for the first ten years, followed by $850,000 annually for the next decade, and $950,000 annually for the final ten years of the lease.

To assist with ongoing capital and maintenance costs, an annual admission ticket fee will be introduced. Additionally, the Pelicans are tasked with upgrading Pelicans Ballpark to meet future Major League Baseball (MLB) requirements. The lease is dependent on formal approval by the Horry County Council, which has conducted its first reading of the agreement and is scheduled to hold a public hearing on May 20.

At the heart of the agreement is a proposed $20 million renovation plan for Pelicans Ballpark that aims to enhance various aspects of the venue. Improvements include updates to the performance center, clubhouses, fencing, bullpens, wall padding, video boards, electronics, and seating. The Pelicans will be accountable for any future MLB-related enhancements necessary to keep the stadium compliant by 2025.

The ownership of Pelicans Ballpark is divided between Horry County, which holds a 30% interest, and Myrtle Beach, which holds a 70% interest. The Pelicans have been tenants at the ballpark since 1999, and the original lease agreement signed in 1998 expired in 2018, leading to several extensions that culminated in this new lease.

Opinions on the lease were mixed during the council meeting. While most members expressed optimism about the Pelicans’ future in the city, Council members Mike Lowder and Jackie Hatley voted against the lease. Hatley raised concerns regarding potential costs that might be incurred by the city for stadium upgrades. Despite the opposition, the council passed the ordinance, underscoring the team’s games as a significant investment in community recreational and cultural needs.

Beyond baseball, the agreement includes provisions for the team to host additional events like concerts and festivals during the off-season, allowing for maximum utilization of the stadium throughout the year. In terms of maintenance, the Pelicans will oversee aesthetic upkeep, while structural maintenance will be managed jointly by the city and county.

In summary, the Myrtle Beach City Council’s approval of the 30-year lease reflects a strong commitment to maintaining local sports culture, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring the Pelicans can thrive in their home city for the foreseeable future.

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