The Myrtle Beach Pelicans lease conflict shows how little influence the City of Myrtle Beach has over Horry County in 2025.
Major League Baseball wants an answer on the stadium lease by May 31st. The stadium has previously been owned 70% by the City of Myrtle Beach and 30% by Horry County.
The Horry County Council is looking to transfer its 30% ownership of Pelicans Ballpark to the city, which currently holds 70% of the stadium. This proposal comes amid challenging lease discussions with the minor league baseball team. Negotiations hit a roadblock recently when the county suggested linking a new lease agreement to the development of an entertainment district and funding for Myrtle Beach International Airport.
All indications are that Horry County Council will hold firm on their position concerning the Pelicans lease conflict.
Pelicans Lease Conflict as broadcasted
Due to the growing separation between the City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County residents, there was a noticeable absence of county residents at the recent Horry County Council meeting on Tuesday demanding the lease renewal. Pelicans Baseball and the City of Myrtle Beach are of little interest to county residents.
Horry County has a population of 411,000 residents, with Myrtle Beach being home to just over 50,000 residents. Currently, more houses are under construction in the county compared to the city. Myrtle Beach is no longer in charge of Horry County.
Myrtle Beach depends solely on tourism for its economy. To grow, the city should attract the 411,000 county resident shoppers to visit and diversify its offerings. However, it remains exclusive.
The city also refuses to build a product that county residents feel safe, welcome, and excited to visit.
The Pelicans lease conflict highlights the perception among county residents that the city is not welcoming.
Pelicans Lease Conflict – what’s next?
As we reported this morning, the Pelicans lease conflict is compounded a trend of more options for domestic travelers, including virtual tourism. Only 18.5 million visited in 2024 as compared to 20 million just a few years past.
Mayor Bethune wants to get re-elected this Fall. She will likely ask to have the lease deadline extended to after September.
Horry County has no motive to change their position.
The lease expires in September. If no agreement is reached, the stadium may sit empty for one year.
After that year, look for the city to go into negotiations with another organization, likely Temerity Baseball.
Temerity Baseball is committed to developing vibrant sports and entertainment venues to help revitalize communities.
Temerity Baseball, along with its real estate partners, is involved in constructing mixed-use development projects next to the ballparks of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Single-A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox), Greensboro Grasshoppers (High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates), and the Lexington Legends (an independent team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball). These projects aim to improve the fan experience during games and enhance the overall downtown experience for local residents.
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
