News Summary
The Myrtle Beach City Council has granted a one-week extension for lease negotiations regarding the future of Pelicans Ballpark, now due by June 10. This decision aims to secure additional funding needed to retain the Myrtle Beach Pelicans amid crucial stadium improvement requirements from Major League Baseball. The ongoing negotiations are significant for the city’s community and economic landscape, following concerns similar to the 2006 closure of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion.
Myrtle Beach City Council has granted an additional week to finalize lease negotiations concerning the future of Pelicans Ballpark, with a new deadline set for June 10. This extension comes as city officials attempt to secure millions in additional funding necessary to keep the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in the area.
Major League Baseball (MLB) initially required a commitment for stadium upgrades by the end of May; however, they have shown flexibility regarding this deadline. The City Council’s original vote, which was set for June 3, was postponed to allow further discussions aimed at resolving funding issues.
City Councilman Gregg Smith highlighted the potential consequences of losing the Pelicans, comparing the situation to the closure of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion in 2006, which had lasting repercussions for the local community. The Pelicans’ upcoming 2025 season opened with their first game on April 4 in Charleston, followed by the home opener on April 8 against the Carolina Mudcats.
Ballpark Lease History and Current Situation
The current lease for Pelicans Ballpark expired in 2018 and has undergone a series of one-year extensions. The ongoing ballpark lease is set to expire at the end of the current season, further heightening the urgency of the negotiations.
The stadium is partially owned by the city, holding a 70% stake, while Horry County holds 30%. Significant improvements estimated at around $20 million are mandated by MLB, alongside an additional $15.5 million required for essential maintenance and repairs. This financial burden has led to frustrations among Horry County officials, who have even considered relinquishing their share of the ballpark.
Funding Negotiations
The City Manager, Fox Simons, has requested that Horry County increase their funding offer from $6 million to $10.5 million to cover the needed upgrades and repairs. However, this request came amid complications as the county’s offer has become contingent upon the city agreeing to allocate funding for the Myrtle Beach International Airport and establishing an entertainment district.
City officials have rejected these terms, arguing that conditions related to the Pelicans’ lease negotiations should not be intertwined with unrelated projects. In a scenario where Horry County decides to withdraw from any partnership, city officials are prepared to absorb the county’s obligations, which include future stadium maintenance costs.
Implications of the Lease and Future Plans
Discussions continue as pressures mount due to MLB’s deadline for necessary improvements to the ballpark. Councilman Dennis DiSabato indicated that the county’s purpose behind their offer was to facilitate further negotiations rather than create additional barriers to a resolution.
If the county relinquishes its stake in Pelicans Ballpark, the city will assume full responsibility for all associated future maintenance costs. The lease agreement specifies that rental payments for the Pelicans will be set at $750,000 annually for the first ten years, increasing to $950,000 in the latter years of the lease.
Conclusion
The outcome of the negotiations will not only determine the future of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans but also impact the broader community, with officials eager to avoid a scenario reminiscent of the notable closure of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. As negotiations progress, all eyes remain on the City Council and Horry County officials to find a resolution that secures the future of the beloved local baseball team.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
On Company Time Debuts ‘Myrtle Beach’ Music Video
Myrtle Beach Prepares for Full Ownership of Pelicans Ballpark
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
Spring Festivals Bloom in South Carolina
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Face Lease Negotiation Crisis
Myrtle Beach Looks Forward to Warmer, Drier Winter
Myrtle Beach City Council Approves 30-Year Lease for Pelicans
Additional Resources
- MiLB: Myrtle Beach Pelicans Game Recap
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stadium Funding
- WBTW: Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stadium Deal
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Seeks Pelicans’ Help
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
