Myrtle Beach Convention Center

Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Name	Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Caption	Exterior view
Location	Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Opened	1967
Expanded	2000, 2014
Owner	City of Myrtle Beach
Operator	ASM Global
Capacity	8,000 (arena)

Myrtle Beach Convention Center is a multi-purpose complex located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, serving as a regional venue for concerts, conventions, trade shows, and sporting events. The center anchors the Myrtle Beach boardwalk and sits near the Atlantic Ocean, linking tourism-driven organizations such as the Horry County hospitality sector and state-level entities like Visit South Carolina in event attraction and promotion. It functions within a network of Southeastern convention sites including Charlotte Convention Center, Columbus Civic Center, and Greensboro Coliseum Complex.

History

The center opened in 1967 amid tourism growth tied to coastal development like the expansion of U.S. Route 17 and the rise of resort brands including Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Sea Pines Resort. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s it hosted tours by major entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, and Elton John, while conventions from organizations like the American Dental Association, National Rifle Association, and American Library Association used the venue. In the 1990s the facility became part of regional event strategies alongside venues like the Florence Civic Center and Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and partnerships with promoters including Live Nation and AEG Presents increased touring shows. Post-2000 expansions reflected trends promoted by entities such as the International Association of Convention Centres and municipal redevelopment plans led by the City of Myrtle Beach.

Facilities and Architecture

The complex contains an arena with seating for up to 8,000, exhibit halls, meeting rooms, and a ballroom, designed to accommodate exhibits comparable to those at the Orange County Convention Center and Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Architectural features reflect coastal design influences similar to projects by firms that worked on Hilton Head Island developments and the South Carolina Aquarium. The facility includes rigging and production infrastructure used by touring companies including Cirque du Soleil and broadcasters such as ESPN for sporting events. Back-of-house spaces meet requirements of professional organizations like the National Association of Broadcasters and labor unions represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

Events and Programming

Programming ranges from fan conventions and trade shows to concerts and collegiate tournaments, attracting promoters such as Pax South and organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors and Society for Human Resource Management. Sporting events have included tournaments affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association and high school championships under the South Carolina High School League. Entertainment acts include residencies and touring productions booked through agencies like William Morris Endeavor and venues have hosted fairs associated with agricultural groups such as the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation. Seasonal programming aligns with regional festivals including the Myrtle Beach Bike Week, events organized by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, and consumer shows promoted by Smithsonian Affiliations partners.

Economic and Community Impact

The center drives visitor spending that benefits hotels operated by chains like Marriott International, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and supports local restaurants collaborating with organizations including the National Restaurant Association. Economic impact studies mirror analyses from institutions such as Brookings Institution and Southeastern Tourism Society, documenting effects on employment in Horry County and tax revenues collected by the City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County Government. Community partnerships have involved non-profits such as the United Way and cultural institutions including the House of Blues Myrtle Beach and Broadway at the Beach entertainment district. The center also functions as an emergency staging area in coordination with agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and South Carolina Emergency Management Division during regional crises.

Management and Operations

Operational oversight has involved municipal stewardship by the City of Myrtle Beach and private management firms including ASM Global and predecessors in venue management. Booking, marketing, and sponsorship efforts align with destination marketing organizations like Visit Myrtle Beach and national associations such as the International Association of Venue Managers. Event security and logistics coordinate with law enforcement entities including the Myrtle Beach Police Department and Horry County Sheriffs Office, while concessions and catering contracts have been awarded to vendors similar to Compass Group and Aramark. Technology integrations for ticketing and production utilize platforms associated with Ticketmaster, Eventbrite, and broadcast partners like NBC Sports.

Renovations and Expansion

Major renovation phases occurred in 2000 and around 2014 to modernize exhibit space, meeting technology, and patron amenities, comparable to upgrades made at the Raleigh Convention Center and Savannah Convention Center. Capital projects have been funded through municipal bonds issued by the City of Myrtle Beach, hospitality fee revenues managed by Horry County authorities, and public-private partnerships modeled on developments involving entities like The Related Group. Improvements have targeted ADA compliance in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards, HVAC modernization, and rigging upgrades to accommodate touring productions from companies such as Disney Theatrical Group.

Transportation and Accessibility

The center is accessible via U.S. Route 17 and close to South Carolina Highway 31, with regional air service at Myrtle Beach International Airport and intercity rail and bus connections via carriers such as Amtrak and Greyhound Lines. Local transit connections include services coordinated with the Coast RTA and parking strategies mirror those at comparable coastal facilities like Virginia Beach Convention Center. Proximity to cruise terminals, marinas, and attractions such as Myrtle Beach State Park enhances multimodal access for attendees arriving by automobile, air, and charter services.

Category:Convention centers in South Carolina Category:Buildings and structures in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina