The smells of freshly cut grass and popped popcorn, the sound of the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd, and the excitement of the national pastime at the ol’ ballpark.
It can only mean one thing: the annual spring ritual of the most American of sports – baseball. Guests at Compass Cove Oceanfront can get into the action with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.
The Grand Strand is a great place to experience the grand ol’ game in a fun, beach-themed atmosphere. Playing their games at TicketReturn.com Stadium across from Broadway at the Beach, the Advanced Class A Pelicans play in the Carolina League as part of the Chicago Cubs’ organization.
The team is a hit among locals and visitors alike who enjoy a fun night at the ballpark, even among those who do not consider themselves baseball fans. That’s because the Pelicans put on a show both on the diamond and in the stands. Featuring quality baseball and entertainment outside the lines, the Pelicans offer fun and affordable family-friendly entertainment.
After celebrating their 20th anniversary season last year, the Pelicans are prepared to take the action to the next level this season with a full slate of 70 home games. Featuring six of the top 30 prospects in the Cubs’ farm system and a first-year manager in Steve Lerud, the Pelicans have a young, talented team to make run for another Carolina League championship.
But the action on the field is only part of the fun equation at Pelicans Ballpark. The team has been ranked among the top minor-league parks in the nation for the overall fan experience. Led by official mascots Splash the Pelican, Slider the Home Run Dog, and the Rally Sharks, the Pelicans host between-inning games and hijinx to entertain baseball fans and non-fans alike.
Seating 5,500 spectators along with additional standing-room-only space, Pelicans Ballpark has several family-friendly features, including an on-site playground and games for the kids.
Of course, everyone is a kid at the ballpark, and that includes those old enough to enjoy the weekly Thirsty Thursday promotion featuring $1 drafts, and $2 Tacos and Tall Boys Tuesday.
Other weekly promotions include Wiener Wednesdays (buy one, get one hot dogs), Fish Fry Fridays featuring fresh seafood and $2 craft beers, Fireworks Saturdays with a post-game pyrotechnics display, and Family Sundays featuring face-painting, inflatable play stations and the chance for parents and children to play catch on the field before the ballgame.
Guests at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort should keep an eye out for the Pelicans’ unique nightly special promotions, such as Bark at the Park (April 24) that invite fans to bring their dogs to the game; Comic Book Hero Night (April 25) with special appearances by your favorite superheroes, and Prom Night (May 31) for fans to flash back to their high school dance days.
One of the highlights of the summer honors the Pelicans’ past affiliation with major league clubs. The Atlanta Braves Weekend (June 1-2) pays tribute to the first parent club with an appearance by former star Brian Jordan. The Pelicans also honor current Braves manager Brian Snitker, the Pelicans manager in the inaugural 1999 season, with a jersey giveaway night.
The Pelicans also host Cubs-a-Palooza (July 12-13) to celebrate its current affiliation with the 2016 World Series champions. This year’s Cubs-a-Palooza features an appearance from former Cubs manager Lou Piniella and a special giveaway of Cubs’ merchandise. The Pelicans also routinely feature future and current Cubs’ stars doing minor-league rehabilitation stints.
Guests at Compass Cove Oceanfront can enjoy a fun night out at the ballpark for a fraction of the cost to many Myrtle Beach attractions. For more information, tickets and a full summer schedule, visit www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com.
