News Summary
The Myrtle Beach City Council has advanced two ordinances to end Horry County’s ownership stake in Pelicans Ballpark, allowing for full city ownership and a new lease. As the Pelicans require urgent renovations to meet MLB standards, the council’s decision highlights the urgency of financial adjustments needed post-lease transfer. A special meeting is scheduled to further discuss the transition, with local leaders emphasizing the importance of maintaining minor league baseball in Myrtle Beach despite potential funding challenges following Horry County’s exit.
Myrtle Beach – The Myrtle Beach City Council has taken a significant step toward the future of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Minor League Baseball team by approving the first reading of two new ordinances that aim to end Horry County’s 30% ownership stake in Pelicans Ballpark. The ordinances will facilitate negotiations for a new lease that grants Myrtle Beach full ownership of the stadium for a duration of 30 years.
The council’s decision comes at a crucial time, as the Pelicans are in need of urgent renovations to comply with Major League Baseball (MLB) standards. City Councilman Gregg Smith remarked that this may represent the last opportunity to preserve the presence of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in the area.
Under the newly proposed lease, the Pelicans will pay increasing rental fees starting at $750,000 for the first ten years, $850,000 for the next decade, and $950,000 for the final ten years. The current dynamics of ownership will change, as Horry County is set to relinquish its stake in exchange for a payment of $6 million. However, the exit of Horry County from the partnership also means that Myrtle Beach will lose 30% of the financial support previously provided by the county.
The financial implications of Horry County’s withdrawal have raised concerns among city leaders about how the city will replace the lost funding. City Manager Fox Simons indicated that the newly negotiated lease will not include any additional changes beyond the transfer of ownership.
A special city council meeting is scheduled for June 3, where the second reading of the ordinances will take place, further solidifying Myrtle Beach’s path toward complete ownership of the Pelicans’ home stadium, which is located at the corner of Robert Grissom Parkway and 21st Avenue North.
The discussions surrounding the Pelicans’ future began last fall when the previous lease agreement was extended for one year. As the deadline for MLB-required renovations approaches, Pelicans Ballpark is reported to need approximately $20 million in upgrades. City officials and players alike recognize the urgency of maintaining the team’s presence in Myrtle Beach and ensuring that the stadium meets the necessary standards before the May 31 deadline set by MLB.
The recent approval for the new ordinances came amid a backdrop of complexity regarding existing agreements. The passage follows a previous resolution by Horry County that imposed conditions on Myrtle Beach related to an intergovernmental agreement for a multi-county business park and airport funding. City leaders expressed disappointment concerning Horry County’s recent decisions, which they believe have complicated lease negotiations for the Pelicans.
Supporters of both the team and the stadium emphasize the importance of Pelicans Ballpark for local events and tourism, highlighting the need for swift action to secure the future of minor league baseball in the area. As discussions move forward, the city council and community stakeholders remain hopeful that Myrtle Beach can overcome the financial challenges posed by Horry County’s exit and ensure a prosperous future for the Pelicans.
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Additional Resources
- Horry County Wants Out of Pelicans Ballpark – MyHorryNews
- Myrtle Beach Vote on Pelicans – WMBF News
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stadium Voting – Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
