11-02-2025
Myrtle Beach takes step toward keeping Pelicans, spending $20M on stadium improvements
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Myrtle Beach City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution extending the Pelicans lease by 20 years and spending $20 million on stadium improvements.
The resolution enters a memorandum of understanding between the city of Myrtle Beach, the Pelicans and Horry County.
The city and county have jointly owned Pelicans Ballpark since 1998 and the Pelicans started playing there in 1999. It needs millions of dollars worth of repairs to bring it into compliance with new standards imposed by Major League Baseball.
The memorandum of understanding, by its terms, is non-binding, according to the resolution. The term of the current lease will increase to $750,000 during the term of the extension.
Horry County Council will have to vote on a similar resolution solidifying the intent to move forward, a Myrtle Beach official told News13. From there, all the specifics of the lease will have to be determined and then voted on by Myrtle Beach City Council.
'Right now, the only specifics are the 20 years, $20 million and $750,000 per year,' the official said. 'There's more to be ironed out for the lease before it is officially set in stone. As was mentioned in Tuesday's meeting, this resolution voted on is a non-binding MOU.'
Council also passed second and final reading of an ordinance authorizing an amendment to the current year's hospitality tax budget allowing up to $630,000 for the purchase of security devices that can be deployed during public events. First reading was approved by the council in late January.
Some of those security devices include dozens more barriers, a trailer and cabling. The ordinance says the city hosts numerous special events throughout the year that result in large gatherings of people concentrated in areas. It comes in the wake of the deadly New Orleans attack on New Year's Day.
News13's Gabby Jonas attended Tuesday's meeting and will have a full report in our afternoon newscasts. Count on News13 for updates.
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Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.
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Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, and read more of her work here.
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