
Myrtle Beach Kicks Off Winter Sports Tourism Season with Myrtle Beach Bowl and Beach Ball Classic
The Myrtle Beach Bowl and the Beach Ball Classic are just around the corner, signaling the start of the winter sports tourism season in Myrtle Beach. Athletes, families, and fans from across the nation are descending upon the Grand Strand, bringing energy and excitement to this coastal destination.
Watch as the CC News Network reports live, along side ESPN, from Brooks Stadium, bring you the best in South Carolina sports.
A Double Header of Sports and Tourism
This year marks the 5th Annual Myrtle Beach Bowl, an event typically featuring two out-of-state college football teams. However, this year’s game has a unique twist as local favorite Coastal Carolina University (CCU) will face off against the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). While some worry that the local presence might reduce the influx of out-of-town visitors, Myrtle Beach’s Executive Director of Sports Tourism, Jonathan Paris, remains optimistic.
“We think that’s a really fun, unique aspect to have the local team,” Paris told WBTW. “And it really gives our local community and all of our local CCU fans an opportunity to see the Chanticleers play in a home bowl game. We also think there’s an opportunity for Coastal fans and alumni that live outside the region to come back and make a weekend out of it and go to the bowl game.”
The Myrtle Beach Bowl kicks off Monday, December 23, at 11 a.m. at CCU’s Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina. With CCU playing on home turf, the game promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with Chanticleer pride.

Coastal Carolina Football: A Fresh Start
The Myrtle Beach Bowl also marks a significant moment for Coastal Carolina football as they transition into a new chapter under head coach Tim Beck. Leading the charge is redshirt freshman quarterback Tad Hudson, making his debut as a Division I starter.
“There’s a lot of excitement at practice because there are a lot of guys that haven’t played much, but now they know they’re going to,” Beck said at a press conference. Hudson, a four-star recruit with an impressive high school record, has been patiently waiting for his chance to shine.

Hudson threw for 7,325 yards and 76 touchdowns during his high school career at Hough High School in North Carolina. As he steps onto the field for the Chanticleers, fans are eager to see how this talented young quarterback will perform under the spotlight.
Challenges and Opportunities
Hudson’s debut comes amid significant roster changes, including the departure of Coastal’s top quarterbacks via the transfer portal. Beck described the evolving landscape of college football as akin to “free agency,” emphasizing the challenges of building a consistent program. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the opportunity the Myrtle Beach Bowl presents.
“There’s no better stage than a bowl game to show what these guys can do,” Beck said. “We’re excited to see how they respond.”
The Beach Ball Classic: A Legacy of Excellence
Adding to the excitement is the Beach Ball Classic, a basketball tournament with over 40 years of history in Myrtle Beach. Featuring men’s and women’s teams from South Carolina and across the country, the tournament will run from December 27 to December 30 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
Paris highlighted the event’s significance for both tourists and the local community. “They can remember seeing Kobe Bryant play there or different players,” he said to WBTW. “And so, it’s got a really strong sort of tradition in the community as a great community event. They take a lot of pride in the fact that the Beach Ball’s been here for that long.”
Sports Tourism and Local Life
The winter sports season brings more than just tourists to Myrtle Beach. According to Paris, events like the Myrtle Beach Bowl and Beach Ball Classic enhance the quality of life for local residents by offering world-class sporting experiences.
“As our destination continues to grow, and more people are moving here to be our year-round residents, we’re now providing them with great opportunities to go to a bowl game, see Division I basketball, take in the World’s Strongest Man,” he said. “Yes, it’s generating tourism, but it’s also great for the quality of life of our local residents.”
Myrtle Beach: A Unique Sports Destination
Paris emphasized Myrtle Beach’s unique appeal as a sports tourism destination. “What’s always going to set us apart is we’re at the beach,” he said. “We’ve got 2,000 restaurants. We’ve got 150,000 rooms. We’ve got Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing. Just countless things for them to do.”
With premier sports events and unparalleled attractions, Myrtle Beach continues to solidify its reputation as a must-visit destination for athletes, families, and fans alike. Whether it’s football, basketball, or just enjoying the coastal charm, the winter sports season promises something for everyone.
Myrtle Beach Bowl: Key Details
Who:
- Coastal Carolina University (CCU) Chanticleers vs. University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners.
- Players, coaches, fans, and families from both teams.
What:
- The 5th Annual Myrtle Beach Bowl, a college football postseason game.
- Coastal Carolina’s redshirt freshman quarterback, Tad Hudson, is making his debut.
Where:
- Brooks Stadium, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina.
- Located near Myrtle Beach, offering a unique coastal setting.
When:
- Monday, December 23, 2024.
- Kickoff is at 11:00 a.m. ET.
How:
- Buy Tickets Here
- Organized as part of Myrtle Beach’s winter sports tourism season.
- The game will be broadcast on ESPN, attracting local and national audiences.
- Tickets available through official channels, offering fans an opportunity to support CCU on home turf.
This year’s bowl game is not just about football; it’s a significant event for the local community and a showcase of Myrtle Beach as a premier sports tourism destination.