New Era for Home of the Pelicans
"Our main goal is to create memories for our neighbors and guests whether it's at a baseball game, musical performance or a community event," said Pelicans Chairman Chuck Greenberg. "The venue's name becomes an indelible memory for our fans that lasts a lifetime. We are very excited to complete a new partnership soon and to unveil a new name prior to Opening Day of what for now we'll simply call Pelicans Ballpark."
Pelicans Ballpark opened as a state-of-the-art facility in 1999 thanks to combined efforts from the City of Myrtle Beach, Horry County, Burroughs & Chapin, devoted baseball fans and the ballclub. Originally named Coastal Federal Field, BB&T took over the naming rights in 2008 after acquiring the local bank.
"Without corporate partnerships, it's difficult to provide the value and wholesome family entertainment of professional baseball and other events the ballpark has hosted," said Pelicans GM Scott Brown. We thank Coastal Federal and BB&T for their support over the past 13 years as our stadium naming rights partner, and look forward to creating and expanding existing partnerships with those who share our commitment to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand community."
Current ownership, led by Greenberg, purchased the Pelicans mid-way through the 2006 season. After that season, the Pelicans invested $2.5 million in the capital improvements, installing a new videoboard, creating the nation's first baseball-front beach down the leftfield line, constructing leftfield bleachers and adding a new free-standing ticket office as well as updating the park's grill stands. The stadium is regularly ranked as one of the nation's best, and was honored with the Carolina/California League All-Star Game in both 2008 and 2010.
Professional baseball burst onto the Myrtle Beach scene with a pair of Carolina League titles in the Pelicans first two seasons in 1999 and 2000. An Atlanta Braves affiliate for the team's first 12 years, stars including Rafael Furcal, Adam Wainwright, Brian McCann, Elvis Andrus and Jason Heyward entertained en route to the Major Leagues. Future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine, all-star Tim Hudson and Cy Young winner Mike Hampton packed the stadium on rehabilitation assignments. The park ushered in a new affiliation with the Texas Rangers last season, hosting the first MLB team to visit Myrtle Beach. The Rangers played in an exhibition against Coastal Carolina before a standing-room only crowd on March 29, 2011.
In addition to hosting the Pelicans, the ballpark welcomes Coastal Carolina's nationally-ranked baseball team for early season and postseason tournaments, including NCAA Regionals and 2010 Super Regional. The big league caliber surface also hosts top scholastic tournaments from the Ripken Experience and Triple Crown organizations each year. The site has hosted many charities, corporate outings and Fourth of July celebrations while serving as the finish line for the Myrtle Beach Marathon.
Pelicans Ballpark has a name in the entertainment world too, hosting concerts by Bob Dylan, Montgomery Gentry and Willie Nelson. Popular HBO original series 'Eastbound & Down' completed filming its third season at the park in February.
Pelicans single game tickets, season tickets, flex Books and mini-plans for the 2012 season are now on sale at the Pelicans Ballpark offices or by calling (843) 918-6000. Normal box office hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. The Pelicans open 2012 at home against the Wilmington Blue Rocks, Friday, April 6th, at 7:05 pm.