Splash's Debate Rally

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - With the nation's attention focused on the Palmetto State for Monday night's Republican Presidential Debate and the upcoming primary election, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans want the contenders, media, fans and all citizens to know where Splash the Pelican stands on the important issues. To spread the word, Splash will host an informal event at BB&T Coastal Field on Friday, January 13th from noon to 2 p.m. featuring the best kind of All American lunch, hot dogs for free while supplies last.

Splash and his handlers have developed a platform to help all Americans and urge all of the presidential hopefuls to endorse the "Pelican Plan" as follows:

• Americans work harder than any other country's people and deserve wholesome leisure activity away from the job at an affordable price. Minor League Baseball, a sports version of a "Town Hall Meeting", offers this break from a challenging economy and should be celebrated in communities throughout the United States.
• Vacations are critical to overall economic productivity as they allow employees to re-charge their batteries. For folks to reap the full benefits of an extended hiatus from everyday life, they must travel to the most family friendly, fun-filled and affordable vacation destination in the U.S.-Myrtle Beach, SC.

Splash has devised a strategy to make it easy for everyone to implement the two tenets of the "Pelican Plan". At Friday's kickoff event, team staffers will distribute calendars to all in attendance with the entire 2012 schedule including game times for Pelicans home games. For those who prefer the environmentally-friendly internet, fans can visit myrtlebeachpelicans.com for the latest updates related to the Grand Strand's professional baseball team. For those outside of Myrtle Beach, we also direct you to the official website of Minor League Baseball (www.milb.com).

In partnership with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Sunway Charters, the Pelicans baseball team will embark on a season-long tour to promote Myrtle Beach as the top vacation destination and a path to economic recovery through a more rested and happier citizenry. The centerpiece of this promotion is the Pelicans team bus that transports the players to 70 road games from early April through Labor Day to seven different Carolina League cities.

For the first time ever, the team bus will be wrapped with graphics showcasing the Grand Strand's strongest selling points: miles of pristine beaches, first class golf courses, the Boardwalk and Pelicans baseball. With thousands of miles ahead of it, the Pelicans bus will reinforce the picturesque features of Myrtle Beach and the visitmyrtlebeach.com website to the tens of thousands motorists and passersby it encounters this season. The newly-wrapped Pelicans bus is scheduled to be on display at this weekend's debate-related events.

Although a Pelican does not have any natural enemies, we expect a healthy exchange of ideas among those gathered for Friday's lunch. Splash encourages input that could lead to the expansion of the "Pelican Plan". In fact, Pelicans ticket representatives will be on hand to Debate Your Rate. The team is offering a special discount to fans who submit five reasons why the Pelicans are the best entertainment value on the Grand Strand. Let your voice be heard and save 15% off any of our mini plans for the 2012 season.

All attendees to Friday's event are welcome to take advantage of a free photo opportunity with Splash. The first six Republican presidential candidates to show up will receive a free elephant Webkinz stuffed animal to commemorate the GOP debate.

Season tickets, Flex Books and Mini-Plans for the 2012 Pelicans season are on sale now at the team's BB&T Coastal Field offices or by calling (843) 918-6000. The Pelicans open the 2012 season at home against the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Friday, April 6th, at 7:05 p.m.