Pelicans Ballpark

Pelicans Ballpark opened in 1999 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, originally as Coastal Federal Field, providing the Myrtle Beach Pelicans with a venue that has become one of the Carolina League's most popular destinations. The 6,599-seat stadium sits roughly a mile from the Atlantic Ocean, and the salt air and coastal climate that define the Grand Strand — the 60-mile stretch of South Carolina coastline centered on Myrtle Beach — permeate the ballpark experience. The stadium was built to serve both the local community and the millions of tourists who visit Myrtle Beach annually, and its location along the main commercial corridor makes it easily accessible to visitors already in the area for the beach.

The ballpark's design takes advantage of the coastal setting, with open areas that allow the ocean breeze to circulate through the facility and provide relief from the summer humidity. The main grandstand features covered seating, while the outfield areas include gathering spaces, a tiki bar-themed section, and picnic areas that cater to the resort atmosphere of Myrtle Beach. The overall vibe is relaxed and vacation-friendly — shorts, flip-flops, and sunscreen are the unofficial dress code.

The Pelicans serve as the Single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, and the franchise name references the brown pelicans that are ubiquitous along the South Carolina coast. The ballpark has hosted young Cubs prospects at the beginning of their professional journeys, and the franchise has built a loyal following among both year-round residents and the seasonal visitor population. The dual audience — locals who attend regularly and tourists who catch a game during their beach vacation — gives the Pelicans a unique fan profile among minor league franchises.

Pelicans Ballpark has been a stable presence in the Myrtle Beach entertainment landscape for over two decades, operating alongside the golf courses, amusement parks, and restaurants that make the Grand Strand one of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast. The ballpark hosts community events and concerts beyond the Pelicans' schedule, and its success has demonstrated that minor league baseball can thrive as part of a broader tourism economy.