Season of sports kicks off at Myrtle Beach

This winter, the Myrtle Beach area has a packed roster of top sports action for fans of every age.

From basketball and football to the uniquely American game of cornhole, teams and fans can experience big ticket games while enjoying The Beach’s mild coastal climate.

The sporty lineup includes the Myrtle Beach Invitational college basketball tournament, the Myrtle Beach Bowl college football game, and the American Cornhole League (ACL) Collegiate Cornhole Championship.

All three hit the national airways on ESPN networks.

Additionally, at the high school level, The Beach will roll out the red carpet to host its 44th annual Beach Ball Classic, a girls’ and boys’ basketball tournament, and the 77th annual Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl, a statewide football challenge formally known as the North-South Game.

“Sports events bring high energy to the Myrtle Beach area year round, especially in our winter months when we welcome cool breezes and competitions at the highest level,” said Jonathan Paris, Executive Director of Sports Tourism for Visit Myrtle Beach.

“Our local community eagerly gears up to welcome these teams, athletes, families and fans.”

Here are some of the sporting highlights happening in the coming months:

Myrtle Beach Invitational (Nov. 21-22 & 24): Eight college teams from around the country battle it out at Coastal Carolina University (CCU) in this fast-paced, 12-game tournament. Competing at the sixth annual invitational are the men’s teams from Ohio University, Middle Tennessee State University, University of South Florida, University of Portland, Bradley University, Texas State University, Princeton University and Wright State University. Tickets on sale now.

Beach Ball Classic (Dec. 20-23, Dec. 27-30): This high school girls’ and boys’ basketball showdown features the nation’s top young talent at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and Myrtle Beach Sports Center, with HTC cable channel airing many of the games. The men’s dunk contest is a must-see segment of the event.

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl (Dec. 21): South Carolina’s top high school seniors clash at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium in Myrtle Beach for this North-South postseason football game. A tradition since 1948, the all-star game will kick off at noon.

Myrtle Beach Bowl (Dec. 23): Returning for its fifth year, this college bowl game is a festive season highlight. The teams participating in this college football showdown will be announced on Selection Sunday on Dec. 8, and feature teams from two of three conferences: Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference and the Sun Belt Conference.

ACL Collegiate Cornhole Championships (Jan. 2-5, 2025): Taking place at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center, this annual tournament attracts highly skilled college athletes from across the country to compete for national titles in singles and doubles events. Additional divisions include the pro league, high school and open play.

For more info on sports and other major events: VisitMyrtleBeach.com. 

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