News Summary
The Myrtle Beach City Council has approved a new 30-year lease for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, ensuring the Minor League Baseball team will remain at Pelicans Ballpark. The decision reflects strong community support and marks a significant step as the city takes sole ownership of the ballpark. The new lease comes with a substantial increase in annual rent and a commitment to upgrades to meet Major League Baseball standards. Fans and city officials anticipate the positive economic impact of retaining the team and the ballpark’s future development.
Myrtle Beach — The Myrtle Beach City Council has formally approved a new 30-year lease for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, ensuring the Minor League Baseball team will continue to play at Pelicans Ballpark, which has been its home since 1999. The vote took place on June 10, 2025, amid strong community support highlighted by fans attending the meeting in team jerseys and gear.
The council’s decision also marks a significant shift as it entails the city taking sole ownership of the ballpark. City Councilman Gregg Smith stated that retaining the Pelicans is a move that will benefit the local community, despite concerns regarding the costs associated with the lease.
The new lease agreement establishes a substantial increase in annual rent for the Pelicans. Rent will rise from $150,000 to $850,000 per year for the first 20 years of the lease, followed by $950,000 for the final decade, which will conclude in 2055. This decision follows the expiration of the original lease in 2018 and the subsequent years of ongoing negotiations and temporary lease extensions.
During the meeting, Chuck Greenberg, the team owner, offered an additional $100,000 in annual rent for the first ten years, indicating a commitment to the team’s future in the area. However, some council members voiced concerns over the potential financial deficit that the new terms could create for the city’s budget.
The agreement concludes a seven-year period of debate regarding the Pelicans’ future and local ownership of the ballpark. As part of the ownership transition, the city has committed to financing an estimated $20 million in upgrades necessary to align the facility with Major League Baseball standards. Currently, the city owns 70% of the stadium, with the remaining 30% under Horry County control. City officials worked meticulously with county leaders to finalize funding arrangements for the upgrades and concessions required under the new lease.
Fans of the Pelicans have consistently highlighted the positive economic impact the team has on the surrounding community, benefiting local businesses, including restaurants and shops. Pelicans President Ryan Moore credited the overwhelming community backing as a pivotal factor in securing the favorable lease outcome.
The Pelicans are set to begin their 26th season of play with practice commencing on April 2, 2025. Their first game will be held on April 4, with the home opener scheduled for April 8 against the Carolina Mudcats. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season after the uncertainty that has surrounded the team’s future in Myrtle Beach.
While the lease agreement was a major topic at the City Council meeting, attention was also drawn to an updated weather alert issued for the Myrtle Beach area, warning residents of thunderstorms and wind gusts exceeding 50 mph on June 9 and 10. Authorities advised residents to seek shelter indoors due to potential risks posed by lightning and high winds. The National Weather Service cautioned that the storms could lead to damage from gusty winds and hail, affecting areas including Myrtle Beach and Conway.
The approval of the new lease not only secures the Pelicans’ presence in Myrtle Beach but also represents a catalyst for future development and improvements to the ballpark, signaling a commitment to enhancing the local sports landscape.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Weather
- Herald Online
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Sports
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
