Myrtle Beach area entertainment venues got green light to reopen. Here’s where they stand
Myrtle Beach area concert venues, performance halls and theaters are working to reopen after being closed since March in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The situation looks different at each venue, though most will require masks and have implemented seating arrangements at least 6 feet apart to allow for social distancing.
The venues will also open with their occupancy cut.
S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster announced the reopening of such venues Wednesday during a press conference.
“We are not going to close South Carolina,” he said.
The decision came as a surprise to some businesses due to the spike of cases and deaths in the area. Legends in Concert chief operating officer Brian Brigner said he was “very surprised by the announcement.”
Some venues have opened or announced plans, while others, like Legends in Concert, are scrambling to quickly put the pieces together.
Live entertainment
Medieval Times
Medieval times will be back Aug. 8.
Guests will be required to wear masks and will be screened for fever with contactless temperature checks before entering, according to the venue’s website.
Medieval Times also asks that “you please stay at a sword’s length from your fellow Royals.” There will be limited seating and a minimum of 6 feet between seated parties.
The venue stated it will disinfect high-touch areas multiple times per show and staff will not be signing autographs.
Pirates Voyage
Pirates Voyage has reopened to some employees, a phone call inquiry confirmed. However, it does not appear shows will take place anytime soon.
“As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying regulations in South Carolina, our first thoughts are with the safety of our cast members and guests,” Ellen Liston, the parent company’s spokesperson said in an email response to The Sun News. “The new 250 person maximum assembly (and continued 6’ social distancing) restrictions implemented by Governor McMaster on Wednesday, July 29 are understandable and were made to control the potential spread of the pandemic but do not allow reasonably feasible operations for large venues like Pirates Voyage.
“We look forward to brighter days ahead when we can reopen our Myrtle Beach Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show facility and once again bring back the excitement and safe family fun we have produced for nearly thirty years!”
The Carolina Opry
The Carolina Opry has canceled shows through Aug. 7. The Sun News reached out to the venue through phone calls and Facebook messages but has not yet heard back. Therefore, a potential reopening date is unclear at this time.
The Carolina Opry has been advertising sales of virtual performances while it has been closed.
Alabama Theater
Alabama Theater has canceled its shows until through least Aug. 9, but a list of rescheduled shows can be found at https://www.alabama-theatre.com/COVID19. Some of the shows, however, are still TBA.
House of Blues
The House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach reopened Monday, July 27 and a couple of the shows canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic have been rescheduled.
Halestorm has been rescheduled for April 15, 2021 and Iration’s Coastin’ Summer Tour with Tribal Seeds and more has been rescheduled for July 6, 2021. HOB stated that tickets purchased for both initial events will be honored while advising those looking to purchase other available tickets to reach out to its point of purchase.
Legends in Concert
Brigner said Legends in Concert is working to get everything together in order to open back up. As with the other businesses, it may take time to get all the employees back together and do necessary prep work to reopen as soon as possible.
Theater of the Republic, Conway
TOR posted on its Facebook page recently that it does not plan to reopen “until it is safe for all involved” and has decided to wait despite the governor’s proclamation.
“We hope you understand our difficult decision.”
Asher Theater, Myrtle Beach
Has events scheduled for Aug. 8 and beyond, according to its website.
Movie theaters
As of Sunday, none of the area’s movie theaters appeared to have reopened yet.
Cinemark at Myrtle Beach, Coastal Grand Mall: A phone call was met with no answer.
Stone Theaters Grand 14, The Market Common: A phone call was met with a voice recording that said the theater was still closed, though there were hopes to reopen sometime in July.
AMC Classic Myrtle Beach 12, Myrtle Beach Mall: A phone call was met with no answer and there were no listed showings scheduled online.
B&B Theatres Conway 12: A phone call was met with no answer and there were no listed showings scheduled online.
Gentlemen’s Clubs
Thee Dollhouse, North Myrtle Beach: Marketing director Jenny McCauley said the club will open at 4 p.m. daily, have a happy hour from 4-8 p.m., sell alcohol until 11 p.m., and sell food from open to close. The nightly closing time will be determined by the amount of business. Facemasks will be required to enter and will be available at the door.
Treasure Club, Myrtle Beach: Plans to reopen Monday at noon and stay open until 2 a.m.
The Masters, Myrtle Beach: Plans to reopen Monday 1 p.m.
Pearls Cabaret/Club Drip, Atlantic Beach: According to Club Drip’s Facebook page, the venue was planning to open at 8 p.m. Sunday night. It advised that it would stop serving alcohol at 11 p.m. Pearls opens daily at noon.
Staff writers David Wetzel and Alan Blondin contributed to this report.
This story was originally published August 2, 2020 at 2:58 PM.
