Our Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Minor League, Major Charm
Here in Myrtle Beach, some of the best local experiences don’t involve sand or surf! When spring and summer rolls around, one of our favorite things to do is attend a Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball game. From cheering on the Bat Dog to overindulging on ballpark food, it’s always a fun time.
Why We Love Myrtle Beach Pelicans Games
There’s something special about minor league baseball that just feels right — especially here in Myrtle Beach. The Pelicans, an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, play at Pelicans Ballpark, and the whole experience is packed with small-town charm.
We’ve been to several games since moving here — some as a whole family outing and others as date nights for Daniel and me. Either way, we always leave with smiles on our faces and usually a few new Pelicans souvenirs!
Pre-Game Fun
On certain nights, families can play catch on the field before the game starts. Also, find Splash, the Pelicans mascot who’s always up for a photo op!
Stadium Food That Hits a Home Run
Let’s be honest — half the fun of baseball games is the food! The Pelicans don’t disappoint in this department. From classic hot dogs and pretzels, to pizza and popcorn, you sure won’t go hungry!
My go-to is the buffalo chicken tenders with fries. We also like to go on Wiener Wednesdays when hotdogs are half off, and on Taco Tuesdays they offer $2 tacos!
The Real MVP: The Bat Dog
If you haven’t seen a bat dog in action, you’re missing out on one of baseball’s most adorable traditions! The Pelicans’ bat dog (a yellow Labrador retriever) runs out to retrieve bats after hits, and our kids absolutely lose their minds every time. Melody has declared multiple times that this is her “favorite part of baseball.”
Even better, when the Pelicans win, Bat Dog gets to run a victory lap around the bases!
Theme Nights and Special Events
One thing the Pelicans organization does really well is theme nights. We love Family Friday where we can get a $25 family meal deal, the kids can enjoy the Fun Zone, and they put on an impressive fireworks show after the game. They also have regular opportunities to play catch on the field and run the bases.
Check the Pelicans website for their events calendar that lists upcoming themed nights, giveaways, and promotions.
Beyond Baseball Season
The Pelicans Ballpark isn’t just for summer baseball. The stadium hosts various events throughout the year, including a Halloween trick-or-treating event that we attended last fall. The kids got to wear their costumes and walk around the baseball diamond collecting tons of candy and other treats.
This year they are also hosting two food festivals: Pickle Fest and Mac & Cheese Fest!
The Future of Pelicans Baseball in Myrtle Beach
Recently, there’s been some concern about the future of the Pelicans in Myrtle Beach. MLB has raised their standards for minor league facilities, and there’s talk about needed upgrades to keep the team here. As relatively new locals who have quickly fallen in love with the Pelicans, we’re hoping hard that the necessary investments will be made to keep our team in Myrtle Beach for years to come.
Tips for Your Pelicans Game Visit
If you’re planning to attend a game, here are some quick tips from our family’s experiences:
- Check the weather – We’ve been rained out more than once! The team does offer rain checks, but it’s still disappointing.
- Arrive early – Give yourself time to explore the stadium and enjoy any pregame activities.
- Wear sunscreen – Even for evening games, those first few innings can be sunny!
- Dress in layers – When the sun goes down, it can get a bit chilly!
- Look up theme nights – Check the promotional calendar online to find the most fun night for your family.
- Bring a card – The Pelicans Ballpark is a cashless venue.
- Sit along the first base line – For the best view of the bat dog in action!
Batter Up!
Whether you’re a baseball fanatic or just looking for a fun family night out, Pelicans games offer that perfect blend of sports, entertainment, and community that makes Myrtle Beach special. It’s one of those experiences that reminds us why we chose this area as our forever home after years of traveling.
Looking for more family-friendly activities in Myrtle Beach? Check out our posts on Things to do in Myrtle Beach in spring or Exploring Broadway at the Beach!
