HORRY COUNTY, SC- A busy weekend ahead for sports tourism in the Grand Strand. The new Myrtle Beach Sports Center hosts the Southeast Alliance Volleyball League for it’s first tournament on Saturday morning. In addition, Coastal Carolina University is hosting the Big South Championship Basketball tournament.
Sports Center staff spent most of Friday doing last minute preparations. Approximately 50 teams are expected to attend the event, including spectators. Marketing Manager Mark Beale said sports tourism is a growing part of Myrtle Beach’s economy and the city needed an indoor facility large enough to hold events.
“Several event owners have been coming here for years but they’ve been spread out over 12, 15 sometimes 20 different gym locations around the county. Now we can keep them right here,” said Beale.
Coastal Ale House Kitchen Manager Danny Richardson said anytime a sports tournament comes to town, it directly affects business.
“There’s definitely a big increase in food sales and beverage sales,” said Richardson.
Restaurants aren’t the only businesses that benefit from the athletes and their fans. Hotels and shopping centers are also impacted. Richardson calls it a win/win situation.
According to Richardson, sporting events attract people from all over the country.
“Not just from the south a lot of people from up north and midwest,” he said.
Randy Salon traveled from Cleveland to watch his son play.
“Being in Ohio we’re landlocked, so it’s very nice to watch the waves come in and listen to it for awhile.”
While the tournaments bring people to Myrtle Beach, Richardson said it’s the beach and entertainment that keep them coming back.
