This summer marks a major milestone for one of the Grand Strand's most recognizable sports venues. The Ripken Experience® Myrtle Beach is celebrating its 20th anniversary, commemorating two decades of welcoming young athletes and their families to the Myrtle Beach area.
Since opening in June 2006, the facility has become far more than a baseball complex. It has helped establish Myrtle Beach as one of the nation's leading destinations for youth sports tourism, attracting visitors from across the country and generating economic benefits that extend throughout the community.
Over the past 20 years, thousands of teams have traveled to Myrtle Beach to compete on the facility's replica Major League Baseball fields. Those players don't travel alone. Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends often accompany athletes, filling hotel rooms, dining in local restaurants, shopping at area businesses and enjoying attractions throughout the Grand Strand.
The impact of sports tourism reaches far beyond the playing field.
When families travel to Myrtle Beach for a tournament, they often extend their stay to enjoy a beach vacation. Many return later as leisure visitors after being introduced to the destination through youth sports. This creates a powerful cycle of visitation that supports local businesses and jobs year-round.
The facility continues to evolve to meet the expectations of today's traveling families. Recent renovations completed in 2025 included the addition of The Bullpen food and beverage pavilion, new turf at Ebbets Field and upgrades to the retail experience, ensuring The Ripken Experience remains a premier destination for youth baseball.
Its success has also helped pave the way for Myrtle Beach's broader sports tourism industry. Today, the Grand Strand hosts a wide range of amateur sporting events, from baseball and softball to basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf and cheerleading competitions. Sports venues throughout the region collectively attract hundreds of thousands of athletes and spectators annually.
Sports tourism has become an important component of the local economy because it helps generate visitation beyond the traditional summer beach season. Tournaments and competitions bring visitors to the area during spring, fall and winter months, supporting businesses and helping sustain jobs throughout the year.
As The Ripken Experience celebrates its 20th anniversary, it serves as a reminder that tourism comes in many forms. While visitors may arrive for a baseball tournament, their spending supports hotels, restaurants, retailers, attractions and countless local employees.
For two decades, The Ripken Experience has provided unforgettable memories for young athletes while contributing to the economic vitality of the Myrtle Beach area. Its continued success demonstrates the important role sports tourism plays in strengthening our community and supporting the quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Happy 20th anniversary to The Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach—a facility that helped put Myrtle Beach on the map as a premier sports destination and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.
