Myrtle Beach, February 14, 2026
Myrtle Beach is set to embark on a $14 million debt reimbursement plan aimed at financing essential upgrades at Pelicans Ballpark, home to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. This initiative illustrates the city’s commitment to enhancing community assets and fostering economic growth. As the ballpark prepares for mandatory upgrades to meet Major League Baseball standards, the project aims to enrich both the player and fan experience while ensuring the long-term sustainability of minor league baseball in the region.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is happening with Pelicans Ballpark?
Embark on significant upgrades. Myrtle Beach leaders are considering a $14 million debt reimbursement plan to finance mandatory improvements at Pelicans Ballpark, driven by Major League Baseball’s Professional Development League standards.
Why are these upgrades necessary for the ballpark?
Meet mandatory standards. These comprehensive improvements totaling $20 million are required by Major League Baseball’s Professional Development League (PDL) to elevate both the player development and fan experience.
How will the city fund its share of the improvements?
Fund the upgrades through a debt reimbursement plan. The City of Myrtle Beach’s $14 million portion (after Horry County’s $6 million contribution) will primarily be covered by annual lease payments from the Pelicans under a new 30-year agreement, supplemented by hospitality funding.
What specific improvements will be made to Pelicans Ballpark?
Implement major enhancements. Key upgrades include a new 28,200-square-foot clubhouse addition with an athletic performance center, dedicated umpire facilities, relocated bullpens, outfield wall modifications, new stadium seats, and upgraded press areas.
What is the long-term vision behind this investment?
Preserve a community tradition. This investment secures the Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ presence through a 30-year lease, strengthening the local sports tourism economy, providing family-friendly entertainment, and ensuring the facility remains a premier venue for decades.
Myrtle Beach’s Ballpark Revitalization: A $14M Plan
Myrtle Beach leaders are embarking on a significant initiative, considering a $14 million debt reimbursement plan to finance crucial upgrades at Pelicans Ballpark. This strategic investment underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining a vibrant local economy and enhancing community assets, ensuring the long-term success of minor league baseball in our thriving coastal community.
This endeavor highlights the delicate balance between public investment in vital community infrastructure and fiscal responsibility. As our city continues its impressive trajectory of economic growth, such projects reflect a forward-thinking approach to fostering both recreational opportunities and sustained prosperity, often powered by the resilience and innovation of local enterprise.
The Investment in Pelicans Ballpark: A Community Asset
Pelicans Ballpark, home to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a Single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, has been an integral part of the Myrtle Beach landscape since its groundbreaking on March 11, 1998, with the first game played on April 12, 1999. The original construction cost was approximately $13 million. Over the years, the facility has consistently been recognized for its quality, earning accolades such as being ranked the top ballpark in the Carolina League by Baseball America in 2009.
Initially, the stadium was jointly owned by the City of Myrtle Beach (70%) and Horry County (30%). However, a recent development saw Horry County transfer its 30% ownership to the City of Myrtle Beach, committing to pay up to $6 million towards the necessary improvements. This shift means the City of Myrtle Beach will assume full ownership of the ballpark.
Mandatory Upgrades and Enhanced Fan Experience
The proposed revitalization of Pelicans Ballpark is driven by mandatory Professional Development League (PDL) standards set by Major League Baseball. The total estimated cost for these required upgrades is $20 million. These comprehensive improvements aim to elevate both the player development experience and the fan experience, ensuring the ballpark remains a premier venue for baseball and community events.
Key enhancements include a new 28,200-square-foot clubhouse addition. This extensive addition will feature a 13,340-square-foot home clubhouse, a 5,370-square-foot visiting clubhouse, and a 9,500-square-foot athletic performance center. The performance center will include six full-length indoor hitting and pitching lanes, offering flexible year-round training capabilities and potential for community use. Other significant upgrades involve converting the existing visiting clubhouse into dedicated male and female umpire facilities, relocating bullpens off-field, and modifying the outfield wall for improved safety and playability. The facility will also see new stadium seats, a new scoreboard control room, upgraded press and broadcast spaces, and secure player parking. Beyond these mandatory requirements, an additional $15.7 million in capital improvements are considered necessary, though not strictly mandated by PDL guidelines.
Financing the Future: A Look at the Reimbursement Plan
To cover its portion of the mandatory $20 million upgrades, which amounts to $14 million after Horry County’s $6 million contribution, the City of Myrtle Beach is exploring a debt reimbursement plan. This involves the possibility of borrowing money through bond issuance to fund these capital improvements.
The primary source for servicing this potential debt would be the annual lease payments from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Under a newly approved 30-year lease agreement, extending the team’s stay until 2055, the Pelicans will initially pay $850,000 per year. This annual payment is expected to cover a significant portion, if not all, of the debt service required for the upgrades. Any remaining difference would be covered by hospitality funding.
Hospitality fees play a vital role in funding capital improvements across Myrtle Beach. These fees, which include a 1% charge on paid admissions to amusements, 1% on prepared food and beverages, and 1.5% on accommodations for transients, are designed to finance public facilities, transportation improvements, parks, and other essential services without solely relying on property taxes. This diversified revenue stream ensures that both residents and the millions of visitors who enjoy our city contribute to maintaining and enhancing its infrastructure.
Key Features of the Pelicans Ballpark Upgrades and Financing
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Total Mandatory Upgrade Cost | $20 million | City-level |
| Horry County Contribution | Up to $6 million | County-level |
| City’s Share (Debt Consideration) | $14 million | City-level |
| New Lease Agreement Duration | 30 years (until 2055) | City-level |
| Initial Annual Lease Payment (Pelicans) | $850,000 | City-level |
| Primary Debt Service Funding | Pelicans’ Lease Payments | City-level |
| Secondary Debt Service Funding | Hospitality Funding | City-level |
| Major Upgrade Components | New clubhouses, athletic performance center, umpire facilities, relocated bullpens, outfield wall modifications, new seating, scoreboard control room, press/broadcast upgrades, player parking. | City-level |
| Additional Capital Improvements (Non-Mandatory) | $15.7 million | City-level |
The Economic Engine of Sports Tourism
The continued presence of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans is a significant driver of Myrtle Beach SC business and the broader local economy. Sports tourism, in general, has a substantial impact on the region, generating $174.2 million in direct spending in the City of Myrtle Beach during 2023, an increase from $154.7 million in 2022. Baseball specifically stood out as the largest economic contributor among sports, accounting for $53 million in direct spending.
Beyond direct spending, the Pelicans organization itself demonstrates a strong commitment to the community. Through the Pelicans Community Fund, established in 2013, over $3.3 million has been given back to the local community, underscoring the positive ripple effect of sports franchises on local initiatives and quality of life. This symbiotic relationship between sports, local businesses, and community engagement is a testament to the value of thoughtful public-private partnerships.
Long-Term Vision for Local Baseball
The city’s decision to move forward with these substantial upgrades and a long-term lease agreement signals a clear vision for the future of minor league baseball in Myrtle Beach. This commitment ensures that residents and visitors will continue to enjoy affordable, family-friendly entertainment for decades. The investment in Pelicans Ballpark is not merely about maintaining a facility; it’s about preserving a cherished community tradition and strengthening a key component of the local tourism economy. By embracing necessary modernization, Myrtle Beach is positioning itself to remain a vibrant destination for both sports enthusiasts and families seeking memorable experiences, reinforcing themes of entrepreneurial innovation and small-business resilience that define our community.
We encourage our readers to continue supporting Myrtle Beach small business and staying engaged with the progress of these vital community projects. Your involvement helps shape the future of our dynamic city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Leadership Transition Addresses Civic Challenges
Explore Nature: Birding Walk at Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach Emerges as a Hub for Higher Education and Sports
Myrtle Beach Thrives with Local Events and Community Spirit
Myrtle Beach Events Spark Community Spirit & Economic Growth
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Ballpark Undergoing Major Renovation
Myrtle Beach to Host Pizza Palooza II with Local Golf Charity Auction
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Host School Supply Drive
Myrtle Beach Hosts Annual School Supply Drive
Partnership Grand Strand Foundation Expands Community Services
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
