Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are a minor league baseball team based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Established in 1999, the team serves as the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and plays its home games at a state-of-the-art stadium that brings baseball excitement to the local community. Over the years, the Pelicans have grown into a beloved entertainment hub, known for their family-friendly atmosphere, community engagement, and commitment to developing future Major League Baseball stars. The franchise has a rich history of fostering local support and youth programs, making them not just a baseball team but a vital part of Myrtle Beach’s sporting and cultural landscape.
News Summary
The Myrtle Beach City Council has approved the first phase of a strategy to acquire Horry County’s 30% ownership stake in the Pelicans Ballpark for $6 million. This move addresses a significant $20 million upgrade requirement mandated by Major League Baseball. Mayor Brenda Bethune emphasized the importance of a timely resolution to the financial shortfall due to the county’s withdrawal. The city is considering bonding for the necessary improvements while discussions continue regarding an extended lease and associated financial responsibilities.
Myrtle Beach – The Myrtle Beach City Council has taken significant steps towards securing the Pelicans Ballpark by approving the first phase of a strategy to acquire Horry County’s 30% ownership stake. The county’s ownership share could cost the city $6 million, while simultaneously addressing a substantial $20 million upgrade requirement mandated by Major League Baseball (MLB).
During a city council meeting held on May 27, 2025, council members supported a key vote on a revised 30-year lease agreement aimed at providing greater control over the stadium. Mayor Brenda Bethune articulated that a resolution is needed to address the financial shortfall created by the county’s withdrawal before a definitive vote can occur.
The tensions between the city and the county regarding the Pelicans baseball team’s lease have been escalating since MLB required significant upgrades to the facilities back in 2020. The proposed ordinance to eliminate the county’s involvement also stipulates an additional responsibility for the city to cover $15.5 million in capital repairs, which now solely falls on the city’s shoulders. Recent estimates indicate that the county’s share of these repair costs would amount to about $10.7 million.
To facilitate the negotiations, city manager Fox Simons has been given the go-ahead to discuss the terms of acquiring Horry County’s $6 million share, intended to help fill the financial gap. This negotiation comes despite an ongoing deadline imposed by MLB, which requires improvement plans to be in place by May 31.
In a separate but related move, both county and city officials have sequentially approved the extended lease, though many of the specific conditions have not been completely finalized. Additionally, Horry County has expressed a desire for the city to establish an intergovernmental agreement concerning a proposed multi-county park, which they believe could serve as a funding strategy. However, leaders in the city have deemed this proposal unfeasible due to pressing timelines and ongoing negotiations.
Councilman Bill McClure has openly criticized the proposed solutions from the county, calling them unrealistic and highlighting the lengthy timelines associated with past projects, which could jeopardize the current negotiations. Meanwhile, Mayor Bethune has emphasized that investing in the Pelicans Ballpark should be viewed as a vital investment in the community rather than merely a business transaction.
As the situation unfolds, the city council has scheduled a special meeting on June 3 to deliberate on the second reading of the new ordinances. The updated lease terms would require the Pelicans to pay $750,000 in annual rent for the first decade, escalating to $950,000 over the final decade of the lease.
To manage the financial responsibility for the ballpark repairs, city officials are considering bonding the $20 million needed for improvements, which would include an established reimbursement schedule based on ticket sales. However, some council members have expressed skepticism regarding whether the agreement can successfully receive final approval without a definitive funding proposal in place.
Support for the Pelicans remains strong within the community, as local fans underscore the team’s importance, not only to the local economy but also to various nonprofit initiatives in the region. As negotiations continue, the outcome will likely shape the future of both the Pelicans and the Myrtle Beach community at large.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Horry County wants out of Pelicans Ballpark
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stadium News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Myrtle Beach Wants Pelicans Help
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Myrtle Beach Leaders Approve Developments
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Pelicans Ballpark
