Myrtle Beach Pelicans face uncertain future with stadium upgrades needed

Pelicans Ballpark (WPDE/File)

(WPDE) — Fans took to the ballpark Sunday night for the last regular season home game of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans for 2024.

The team has been a staple of the community since 1999.

The City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County co-own the stadium on a 70/30 basis.

However, this fall the team’s stadium lease is up and Major League Baseball has imposed new sanctions that will require major upgrades to Pelicans Ballpark.

“The City of Myrtle Beach is working hard with the involved parties to find a way for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans to stay in Myrtle Beach. Major League Baseball has imposed new standards mandating stadium upgrades that could range anywhere from $15 million to $80 million, and it looks like the large majority of the cost would fall on the city. Negotiations continue and we hope they end with the Pelicans staying in Myrtle Beach,” said Meredith Denari, the Director of Public Information for the City of Myrtle Beach

A fan attending, what could be the Pelicans’ last home game in Myrtle Beach, said she doesn’t want to see them go after 25 years of representing the city.

“Do something for the people of the town and the state. This is a great place. Good for vacationers, good for business. I wouldn’t understand why they wouldn’t do it,” said Francis Maloney, a Local Resident.

The birds went on Sunday night to beat the Down East Wood Ducks 4-2.