by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Established in 1999, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans are a locally beloved, and nationally recognized, minor league baseball team based in Myrtle Beach, S,C., as well as a proud affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
Although the team travels the span of the United States, competing against worthy adversaries, home games are played in the grand, expansive TicketReturn.com field, which seats an impressive 6,599 people.
The pride and joy of the Myrtle Beach sports community, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans are known and beloved for offering pulse pounding, edge of your seat games, a fierce sense of competition, and a heavy dose of team spirit, which is palpable and can be felt throughout the stadium.
Before the season wrapped up for 2022, Backstage Pass on IHeart Radio was afforded the opportunity to step inside the iconic home team arena for an exclusive CTFashionMag spotlight feature on what proved to be an exhilarating, edge of your seat game, filled with rivalry between strong competitors and the energy of a packed stadium, filled with ardently devoted fans of “America’s Favorite Pastime.”
Several vendors offering everything from a miniature petting zoo with some precious goats, rabbits, and other farm animals as well as some local artworks are offered outside the arena prior to the game, and opportunities to shop for exclusive Myrtle Beach Pelican Merchandise (the perfect way to either wear your hometown pride or shop for a one-of-a-kind gift for that baseball super fan on your shopping list).
Upon arrival, you are sure to marvel at the grand and exquisite architecture of the TicketReturn.com Field, which was named by industry authority, Stadium Magazine, as the “Best Stadium” of 2019.
Before the game, be sure to strike a pose beside the Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ adorable, and instantly recognizable mascot, Pelli, in front of the custom, signature car, brandishing the team’s distinctive logo.
The concession stand offers a wide array of food and beverage options, ranging from the standard — and expected “Stadium Foods,” such as nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, etc., to more substantial fare, including a delectable meal, catered by Dickey’s BBQ , featuring impossibly lean smoked BBQ meat, sandwiched in between soft, baked buns, fresh cole slaw and crispy potato chips.
One you have made your way into the main arena, take your seat and marvel at the great expanse of this marvelous venue, rise to your feet for the patriotic playing of our national anthem and feel the excitement in the air as the game begins.
The game I attended got off to a close start but the home team prevailed to take home the victory of the game during which we visited.
The Pelicans, sure to become legends in their own time, have been members of the Carolina League since 1999 and won the league’s championship in 2016.
On February 12, 2020, Major League Baseball announced that the Pelicans had accepted a Professional Development League license to continue as the Cubs’ Low-A affiliate in the Low-A East. This league was renamed the Carolina League and reclassified as Single-A in 2022.
Drawing a wide variety of visitors from around the world, The Myrtle Beach Pelicans provide an outlet for entertainment, camaraderie and wholesome sportsmanship not only to the local community, but also to the many tourists who flock to the stadium season after season.
You can be guaranteed that, during any visit to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans game, you will not only experience a world class baseball game, but also numerous – and exhilibrating- forms of excitement, such as fireworks and even a wedding.
A Myrtle Beach Pelicans game a “must” addition for your Myrtle Beach vacation to-do list.
The Pelicans open the 2023 season at home on April 6.
A special thanks to Sam Weiderhaft for facilitating our attendance for this spotlight feature and to the entire Myrtle Beach Pelicans team for their incredible hospitality throughout our visit.
