Pelicans stadium deal could mean big expense for Myrtle Beach residents, city leader says

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Myrtle Beach leaders on Tuesday met behind closed doors to discuss the city’s role in financing a suite of expensive upgrades necessary to keep the Pelicans in town.

The Single-A club — an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs — just wrapped up its 25th season on the Grand Strand, and its long-term future remains cloudy.

That’s because updated Major League Baseball standards that include new training facilities, conditioning rooms and other back-of-house renovations could mean up to $61 million worth of investment.

Under terms of the team’s 1998 contract, Myrtle Beach holds a 70% ownership stake in Pelicans Ballpark, with Horry County on the hook for the rest.

“But the financial burden doesn’t stop there. To fund even the minimum upgrades, the city would likely need to issue bonds, which could double the cost for residents,” city council member Bill McClure said in a Facebook post this week.

If upgrades were to cost $30 million, for example, the city would be responsible for $21 million.

Issuing a 20-year bond to cover the municipal share would add about $20 million more in debt service, McClure said.

“This means that over 20 years, the total cost could reach $40 million. For perspective, that would amount to $1,000 per resident, based on current population estimates.”

McClure also pointed out that the Pelicans remain committed to Myrtle Beach only through 2029.

“The Myrtle Beach City Council is committed to keeping the Pelicans in town, if at all possible,” McClure said. “But the question remains, at what cost?”

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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12 . See more of his work here .

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