Myrtle Beach’s Minor League Baseball Future in Jeopardy
In the heart of our beautiful Myrtle Beach, excitement hangs in the air as local leaders recently sat down to discuss the future of our beloved Pelicans. Mayor Brenda Bethune shared on Tuesday that contract negotiations are still in full swing between city leaders, county officials, and Pelicans management. And let me tell you, folks, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The thought of losing our minor league baseball team has many community members anxiously tuning in.
Take Chuck Sawall, for instance, an on-field host and die-hard Pelicans season ticket holder. He’s passionate, to say the least. He argues that the potential loss of the team wouldn’t just hit hard on the sports front; it could ripple through our local economy as well. This year alone, the Pelicans’ stadium hosted charity and enrichment programs that raised a whopping $3 million. Now that’s what I call a strong community impact!
Chuck put it simply: “I’d hate to see the community lose one of the largest family-friendly attractions that it has.” And who can blame him? There’s something special about gathering with family or friends under the warm sun, cheering on our team, and enjoying those famous ballpark hot dogs!
What’s on the Table?
So, what’s the hold-up? Well, under the current terms of the 1998 contract, Myrtle Beach holds a 70% ownership stake in Pelicans Ballpark, while Horry County is responsible for the rest. But the Major League Baseball is making big demands now! They’re looking for upgrades including new training facilities, conditioning rooms, and other enhancements that could require up to a staggering $61 million in investment. Yikes!
Now, don’t get too panicked just yet. Even a smaller-scale upgrade, say around $30 million, could put the city in quite a financial pickle, according to councilman Bill McClure. If that were the case, Myrtle Beach would be looking at roughly $21 million of that bill. In simple terms, that could lead to a city debt of about $20 million more in debt service if they needed to issue a 20-year bond. Talk about a tough decision!
Community Concerns
Seasonal Pelicans worker Wendy Evans is one among many who are anxious for clarity regarding the team’s fate. “The Pelicans have been voted best stadium experience five years in a row,” she said, highlighting just how much we love our baseball experience here in Myrtle Beach. “It could be longer, but we always win because of all the community employees that are here.” That sense of community connection is exactly what keeps us coming back for more!
As the city leaders promise transparency, we all hope they make a decision that recognizes the importance of baseball to our community’s culture and economy. Our sandy beach days and family outings at the ballpark have created cherished memories for so many! One thing is for sure: whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just someone who enjoys an evening out with friends and family, let’s rally together, Myrtle Beach! Our Pelicans are worth fighting for!
In the meantime, let’s keep our fingers crossed, our good vibes strong, and hope for the best as negotiations unfold. Here’s to a future where we’re still cheering for our team under those bright lights at the ballpark!
