News Summary
The future of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans hangs in the balance as lease negotiations with Horry County Council have stalled. A new lease proposal would significantly increase rental costs, raising concerns about the team’s viability. With the Major League Baseball deadline approaching, local officials stress the urgency of finding a resolution to prevent the Pelicans from relocating, a team that has been a vital part of the community through charitable contributions and local engagement.
Myrtle Beach is facing a critical juncture in the future of its hometown baseball team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, as ongoing lease negotiations with Horry County Council reach an impasse. With the Pelicans gearing up for their 26th season, the team’s viability in the area is being jeopardized by complicated discussions surrounding ownership and financial terms.
As of April 2, 2025, the temperature in Myrtle Beach is expected to peak at around 90F with clear skies and wind gusts coming from the WSW at 20 to 30 mph. This serene weather contrasts sharply with the turbulent lease discussions that could dictate whether the Pelicans will remain in Myrtle Beach.
The core issue arises from Horry County’s plan to transfer its 30 percent ownership of Pelicans Ballpark to the city, which already holds 70 percent of the venue. However, negotiations have stalled, mainly due to a proposal from the city for a long-term lease of 30 years without additional project requirements, while the county has suggested tying the lease to plans for an entertainment district and improvements to local airport funding.
The previous lease agreement expired in 2018, resulting in a series of extensions but no long-term resolution. Local officials have indicated that if a new lease is not finalized soon, it may lead to the Pelicans relocating from Myrtle Beach, which has been home to the team since its founding.
The city’s proposed lease would significantly increase annual rent, soaring from $150,000 to $750,000 within the first ten years, eventually culminating in a $950,000 rent payment in the final decade, which extends the lease to 2055. Furthermore, an additional fee per ticket may be added to cover maintenance and capital expenses, which has raised concerns among county officials.
As negotiations continue, the county has expressed opposition to covering $15.7 million in maintenance costs and necessary upgrades mandated by Major League Baseball without further concessions from the city regarding financial returns for taxpayers. The county is also advocating for the restoration of funding from Seascape Properties to the airport, positioning it as part of a comprehensive approach to revitalizing the stadium and its surrounding area.
The backdrop to these discussions includes ongoing litigation concerning the city’s decision to terminate revenue-sharing agreements from campground leases, complicating trust and negotiations between the two governmental entities. Additionally, Horry County is projected to incur losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars concerning the stadium this fiscal year. Officials argue that any new lease structure must assure financial returns that benefit taxpayers.
On the other side, officials from Myrtle Beach emphasize the importance of maintaining a focus on the stadium lease independently from additional financial discussions related to the airport and business park. They convey a sense of urgency, especially as the Major League Baseball deadline for a firm stadium commitment looms at the end of May 2025.
The potential loss of the Pelicans, a team that has contributed significantly to local charities and employment over the years, could provoke public backlash. The Pelicans’ integration into the Myrtle Beach community, marked by extensive charitable work and local engagement, highlights their value beyond just sports entertainment.
In summary, as the Myrtle Beach Pelicans prepare for their upcoming season, the future of the team hangs in the balance due to unresolved lease negotiations with Horry County. The outcome of these discussions will likely determine whether the Pelicans continue to be a staple of the Myrtle Beach community or join the ranks of teams that have relocated amid financial disputes.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Horry County Council Votes for Pelicans Lease Extension
- WBTW: Horry County Council OKs Lease Agreement for Pelicans
- Myrtle Beach Online: Pelicans Lease Negotiations Update
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stadium Lease News
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Leaders Approve Pelicans Lease
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Pelicans Lease Negotiation
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Pelicans News
