MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Myrtle Beach Bowl activities have already begun.
The UConn and Marshall football teams have experienced everything Myrtle Beach and Conway have to offer.
The Myrtle Beach Bowl kicked off in 2020 but had to limit fans due to the pandemic. Now in its third year, it aims to increase visitor numbers and continue growth in the region.
The number of visitors last year was around 6,500 fans. 7,000 fans are expected this year.
The increased number of fans coming to the area means a direct increase in customers for local businesses.
“We have a number of local businesses that are sponsoring the game and they’re seeing an increase in business,” said Rachel Quigley, executive director of the Myrtle Beach Bowl. “For example, the kids here at Ripley’s this morning, it’s a group of almost 50 people from each of the schools here. Then the group of student athletes is like 125 to 150 who go to all these venues in the area.”
Last year, the city generated approximately $3 million in revenue from hosting the bowl game. This year, they aim to surpass that number by keeping as much spending local as possible.
“The players will return to Broadway tonight for Dave and Busters and the Pro-Football Hall of Fame,” Quigley said. “We’re also letting them stay at local hotels, which will have a huge impact on the area and the city of Myrtle Beach.”
There will also be a pep rally at the Hangout at Broadway at the Beach. Local residents will have the opportunity to meet the players and coaches ahead of Monday’s game. If residents cannot come to the pep rally on Sunday, they always have the option of watching a bowl game right on their home lawn.
“They know the bowl game is also a great opportunity for our local residents,” said Jonathan Paris, executive director of sports tourism for the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. “People who are college football fans, there’s a limited number of bowl games out there so it’s a great opportunity for local residents. Now you have the opportunity for her to experience a college football bowl game in her backyard.”
The Myrtle Beach Bowl Game will be played at Brooks Stadium in Conway on Monday. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m
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