Myrtle Beach Pelicans to charge for parking as stadium needs improvements

As the Myrtle Beach Pelicans begin their 2026 season, the team is introducing a new $10 parking charge for home games.

The change comes as the facility works to meet $20 million for improvements required by Major League Baseball standards.

Starting April 14, game day parking at Pelicans Ballpark will cost fans $10 per car – but some locals are exempt. Free parking is available to Myrtle Beach residents and staff with city parking decals, as well as season ticket members with packages of 22 games and above.

The stadium used to be majority owned by the city of Myrtle Beach, with Horry County owning 30% of the facility.

Then, after a previous lease failed in Horry County Council last June, Myrtle Beach City Council voted to take full city ownership of Pelicans Ballpark, accepting $6 million from Horry County and extending the team’s lease for 30 years.

In the 2025 fiscal year, Myrtle Beach paid more than $320,000 to outside companies for services and consultations related to the Pelicans. After negotiations, Horry County agreed to pay $8.25 million of the required $20 million for renovations. The Minor League Baseball team will pay the city $850,000 annually for the first 20 years and $950,000 annually for the remaining 10 years.

“This is more than an investment in a ballpark, it’s an investment in our community,” Myrtle Beach Pelicans President Ryan Moore said in a statement. “Pelicans Ballpark has always belonged to the people of Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, and these upgrades ensure it continues to be a place where families, friends, and fans come together to create lasting memories.”