Survey shows support for Pelicans staying in Myrtle Beach, getting stadium upgrades
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - While the Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ future in the Grand Strand remains uncertain, a new survey shows a lot of people are certain in their support of the team.
The Pelicans hired Brandon Agency to gather feedback from the community on its support for the team and the stadium upgrades.
WMBF News got a hold of the results from the agency’s survey Wednesday. It shows that in a survey of 4,000 residents and non-residents, 90% believe it’s important for the team to remain in Myrtle Beach.
For the stadium upgrades, 84% of responders supported the upgrades and thought they were a necessary investment to keep the team in town.
In addition, 94% of respondents said the minor league baseball team has a positive impact on the community and economy.
A copy of the survey results can be viewed below:
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Survey Results by dylan.leatherwood on Scribd
Right now, the team’s future is in limbo as officials negotiate the possible upgrades to Pelicans Ballpark requested by Major League Baseball.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Myrtle Beach Pelicans face uncertain future as negotiations continue
Pelicans Ballpark is co-owned by the City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County, with the city having a 70% stake and the county owning the remainder.
Myrtle Beach city spokesperson Meredith Denari told WMBF News that some of the upgrades needed include a performance center for players, upgrades to the home and visitor team clubhouses as well as field enhancements and electronic upgrades. She added the city estimates costs of those upgrades range from $15 million to possibly as high as $80 million.
Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune said the city is waiting for an analysis of the current stadium to be done to see if any construction or engineering issues exist at a Tuesday council meeting.
Bethune said the city would then go to Pelicans ownership and Horry County to negotiate a new lease agreement.
Denari said the deadline to make the stadium upgrades is April 2025, and it’s unclear if the MLB would give teams an extension on that deadline should a deal be agreed upon.
In a Facebook post last week, Myrtle Beach City Councilman Bill McClure claimed that the city would likely need to issue bonds to fund the stadium improvements, which he said would possibly double the payment by the end of a 20-year term.
City council went into executive session Tuesday to further discuss contractual negotiations with the Pelicans.
The Pelicans just wrapped up their 25th season in Myrtle Beach, having been established in 1999.
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