Myrtle Beach’s Premier Sports Venues Set the Pace
In a destination where the surf meets the sidelines, Myrtle Beach continues to prove it’s more than just a beach town—it’s a sports tourism powerhouse. This year marks a major milestone moment with the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center celebrating its 10th anniversary, while the newly renamed Styers Athletic Complex unveils major renovations and brand-new turf across all nine fields.
Together, these standout venues reflect a community-wide commitment to delivering elite experiences for athletes, fans, and event organizers alike.
A Decade of Excellence at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center
Spanning 100,000 square feet with a column-free hardwood playing area, the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center is the largest indoor court complex in the region. With 8 basketball courts and 16 volleyball courts, the facility has been a magnet for tournaments, athletes, and fans since opening its doors.
“This milestone means we’ve proven our commitment to bringing economic impact through sports,” said Jonathan Paris, Executive Director of the Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance. “We’ve also provided much-needed access for our growing local community.”
Over the past decade, the Sports Center has hosted everything from ESPN-televised American Cornhole League (ACL) events to youth archery nationals and showcases that welcomed future NBA talent during their high school years. Recent upgrades—including a complete floor resurfacing and installation of energy-efficient LED lighting—ensure the venue continues to meet the evolving needs of athletes and organizers.
This summer, the Sports Center will welcome major youth basketball and cheer events, including the NTBA Boys and Girls National Championships, and cap off the season with the USA Table Tennis U.S. Open Teams Championships.
Styers Athletic Complex: Honoring Legacy, Elevating Performance
In the outdoor space, the Styers Athletic Complex is experiencing a transformation of its own. Formerly known as Grand Park, the facility was renamed in honor of Colonel Thomas “Buddy” Styers, a decorated veteran and community leader who played a vital role in redeveloping the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base into the vibrant Market Common district.
Under its new name, the Styers Athletic Complex has undergone extensive renovations. Field turf has now been installed across all 9 fields, providing a consistent, high-quality playing surface regardless of weather or game volume. Natural grass fields were laser-graded and re-sodded, fencing and dugouts were rebuilt, and new batting cages, restrooms, and sidewalks were added.
“The new turf allows for great performance and consistency,” Paris explained. “These fields are used over 300 days a year, so maintaining best-in-class surfaces is critical.” The complex continues to host a diverse slate of events—from youth baseball, softball, and soccer to adult softball, lacrosse, 7-on-7, and tackle football.
This summer, it will again host 10 weeks of softball and baseball tournaments, including the 25th Annual Triple Crown Summer Nationals Youth Baseball Tournament—one of Myrtle Beach’s longest-standing sports tourism partnerships. “Triple Crown is one of our longest standing partners in sports tourism, and we’re looking forward to celebrating 25 years with them,” Paris reflects.
A Unified Vision for Sports in Myrtle Beach
Both the Sports Center and Styers Athletic Complex are key players in Myrtle Beach’s broader sports strategy, led by the Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance. This collaborative group ensures alignment across venues, shares best practices, and promotes the region as a premier sports destination.
“Our venues are well-managed, constantly upgraded, and supported by a tourism infrastructure that turns a tournament into a full-fledged experience,” Paris said. “That’s the magic of Myrtle Beach—you’re not just playing, you’re exploring 60 miles of beach, hundreds of attractions, and world-class hospitality.”
Looking ahead, the community remains committed to staying at the forefront of sports tourism, always open to new events, sports, and opportunities to grow.
A Lasting Legacy
As Myrtle Beach continues to grow as a national sports destination, its venues are evolving right alongside it. The newly renamed Colonel Thomas “Buddy” Styers Athletic Complex and the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center are more than just facilities—they’re cornerstones of a community-wide commitment to excellence in sports tourism. From major renovations to upgraded technology and improved guest experiences, these venues are being reimagined for the next decade of game-changing events.
“Our venues are built for sports tourism—these facilities are really the best in class,” says Jonathan Paris of the Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance. “They continue to adapt, evolve, and provide exceptional experiences. You’re always in great hands when you host here.” With world-class infrastructure, a dedicated team behind the scenes, and a setting unlike any other, Myrtle Beach is poised to lead the future of sports on and off the field.
