LISA FLEISHER TOURISM TALK

Hard Rock unhappy with drill's publicity

For Hard Rock Park, not all publicity is good publicity.

The $400 million theme park has been busy trying to generate hype for its planned opening in April. But when Horry County issued a bulletin to media outlets about an upcoming emergency response drill planned at the site, park officials were appalled and issued a sharp reprimand to the county.

The county, which has been working with the park since October to plan a simulated attack, said the park's objection was over the use of the word "terrorism," though the park would not specify its concern.

"We're very keen to work with the county," park CEO Steven Goodwin said in an interview.

"But I don't think sensationalizing exercises and making it a focus on Hard Rock Park is helpful to us."

The exercise, set for Wednesday, is designed to help emergency workers determine whether they are ready for a real attack.

But last week, after the county sent a news release, the park executive in charge of sales and marketing sent an e-mail to county officials and the media asking for pre-approval over any messages sent to news agencies or the public involving the park.

In the scenario, a terrorist tries to force a plane down over Hard Rock Park by firing a missile from the ground as it approaches Myrtle Beach International Airport. Bits of the plane rain down on Hard Rock Park, but the plane makes it to the airport and crash lands.

The ever-resourceful terrorists made a backup plan, planting explosives in the park - including one with chemicals - that go off after the plane crashes.

These types of drills are common, especially at airports.

The county asked the media to publicize the event so residents are not worried when they see sirens and activity around the park, including ambulances, fire trucks and SWAT teams, county spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier said.

After The Sun News posted a story on its Web site a week ago describing the exercise, park officials started calling the newspaper and the county to try to get the wording changed.

"They were freaking out," Bourcier said.

Though the park's e-mail was vague and did not specify what exactly it objected to, Bourcier said the issue is with the word "terrorism."

Goodwin wouldn't go into exactly what was objectionable, saying: "Hard Rock Park is a very significant trademark and we have to approve releases like that before they go out."

Bourcier said she thought the park would be pleased with the drill, because it would show they are prepared for anything before its big opening.

"I don't get it, to tell you the truth," Bourcier said.

Contact LISA FLEISHER at 626-0317 or lfleisher@thesunnews.com.