News Summary
City leaders in Myrtle Beach are taking a proactive approach to boost sports tourism by introducing plans for a new sports facility on a 21-acre lot near the John T. Rhodes Sports Center. This initiative follows Surfworks relocating to Broadway at the Beach, creating opportunities to expand sports-related offerings. Proposed features include tennis courts, an ice rink, an indoor track, and multipurpose fields aimed at attracting more visitors. The estimated construction costs range from $18 to $47 million, a potential worthwhile investment for the local economy.
Myrtle Beach’s Exciting New Sports Facility Plans Unveiled!
It’s an exciting time for Myrtle Beach as city leaders gear up to explore some thrilling development options for a prime 21-acre lot adjacent to the famed John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center. How does a new sports facility sound? Pretty amazing if you ask us!
The Opportunity Knocks!
So, what’s the scoop? Recent news has it that Surfworks is moving its planned facility to the bustling Broadway at the Beach. This decision has opened up a golden opportunity for the city to reimagine that valuable 21-acre plot. Given the recent strain on existing sports facilities, it’s high time Myrtle Beach expands its sports tourism capabilities.
What’s On the Table?
During the city’s annual budget retreat in March 2025, some exciting possibilities for the site were unveiled by the folks from Sports Facilities Management. Among the top contenders for the new facility are:
- Tennis/pickleball courts – Who doesn’t love a friendly match?
- Ice rink – Perfect for skating and hockey enthusiasts.
- Indoor track – Ideal for year-round fitness and competitions.
- Indoor event facility – A flexible space for sports events and meetings.
- Aquatic center – Splash-tastic fun for everyone!
- Outdoor multipurpose fields – Great for everything from soccer to community events.
With the current sports center operating at full capacity and the convention center frequently hosting cheerleading and dance competitions, the need for more sports-related facilities is becoming increasingly pressing.
The Money Talk
Let’s talk dollars and cents! The sports tourism sector is a significant player in Myrtle Beach’s economic scene. In fact, just in 2024, it brought in a whopping $185.2 million in direct spending, which explains why city leaders are keen to broaden the scope of sports facilities. This comes hand in hand with a further $17 million in tax revenues for local government. It’s a big deal!
What’s Trending?
Among the options discussed, the indoor event facility emerged as the star of the show. It’s not just about sports but also about meetings and events, which makes it versatile. Following closely behind in popularity are the outdoor fields and tennis/pickleball facilities. However, options such as indoor aquatics and ice facilities didn’t fare as well on the financial side, primarily due to the higher costs and the need for subsidies to keep them afloat.
The Price Tag
As for the estimated costs of these proposed facilities, they range significantly, from $18 million to $47 million, depending on what type of facility is finally picked. It’s an investment that could truly pay off if executed correctly.
What’s Next?
Right now, it’s all in the hands of the city leaders, and there have been no final decisions regarding how to utilize the property yet. The community can expect more workshops and discussions to further evaluate the potential of the site. The buzz about what’s to come is palpable!
A Bright Future Ahead!
This potential development follows on the heels of previous investments in local sports infrastructure, emphasizing the city’s commitment to sports tourism. With Surfworks relocating and the intersection of new opportunities growing, Myrtle Beach finds itself at a pivotal moment.
Stay tuned, everyone! The future of sports tourism in Myrtle Beach is looking brighter than ever!
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach News
- Myrtle Beach Online
- WFXB News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Sports Center
- Wikipedia: Sports Tourism
