Horry County has already spent $4M to jump start this major project. Here’s what to know.

Amid the region’s powerhouse entertainment venues, one offering is noticeably absent: An arena-sized facility to host agricultural and equestrian events.

Horry County’s multi-million dollar purchase last year gave officials 500 acres of timberland in the western reaches now being eyed for a venue proponents say could unlock a potent new economic driver.

“I want to see some dirt moving here quick, because we’ve got an opportunity here that I don’t think any other county in the state has,” Horry County Council member Al Allen said.

Before any of that can happen, there are big decisions to be made: The county hasn’t even decided on a design or cost parameters — though newly released projections indicate a market to support its construction.

There’s no timeline for the project as a county council subcommittee continues exploring the idea.

“We cannot imagine not actually having a million people coming through here over time,” said Charles Johnson, principal at a Chicago-based consultancy working with the county.

Johnson said there are roughly 400,000 horses across the Carolinas and Georgia involved with equestrian sports alone.

Horry County is said to be modeling its facility after Clemson University’s T. Ed Garrison arena in Pendleton as well as similar arenas in Georgia and elsewhere, and is likely to be similar in size and capacity.

Clemson’s arena, for example, sits on 80 acres and has 440 horse stalls, four riding rings, more than 60 pens for cattle and livestock auctions and 70 sites for RVs and campers.

Of course, a larger arena could mean space for large concerts, fair, specialty shows and other events — boosting economic development and tourism to an undeveloped swath of Horry County.

Land records show that Horry County last September bought 498 acres along Hardwick Road for $4.4 million - about 8 miles from downtown Conway.

Officials combined federal coronavirus funds, a tax incentive program with Horry Electric and proceeds from a coquina mine sale to acquire the land from Timbervest Partners.

Consultants plan to meet with stakeholders including chambers of commerce, carnival operators, school boards and lodging associations to evaluate potential other uses and year-round demand.

Johnson said there’s another wildcard in play as well when looking at the long-term viability or a western end arena.

“I think I-73, when it comes through, will change the nature of this site,” Johnson said. “We don’t necessarily see strong commercial development in the short term but in the future this is going to be a pretty vital, vibrant area,” he said.

This story was originally published August 8, 2023 at 5:00 AM.