...that the MAC tourney in Cleveland is sponsored by VisitMyrtleBeach.com?

Nah. That area is inundated by Ohioans throughout the year. So much so that many locals complain about it, albeit lightheartedly.

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/ohioans-hav...

I am actually more intrigued by


1) the idea that we have a sponsor that isn't Marathon Oil or another entity doing it as a civic involvement project, and

2) the fact that there might be real revenue involved (or is it just TV ad purchases?)

I guess we'll learn the answer to #2 this week if every other commercial is a picture of the Grand Strand's endless empty beaches (Hah!)

I don't know, I could see Myrtle Beach area businesses supporting that group with some coin.

Makes sense - the traffic flow takes folks from the MAC area down 77 to 74 - right to the beaches. Advertise to your strength - in essence - hold your beachhead.

The Myrtle Beach tourism marketing budget is a little over $20 million a year. They do a fair amount with sports marketing - including the Big South Conference where they spend upwards of $400,000 - $500,000 a year.

Since it is a public entity which uses tax dollars (hotel tax funds everything) all of their expenditures are public and are usually posted quarterly, so will know specifics sometime over the summer. My guess is a few hundred thousand total over a couple of years (e.g., $400,000 for 3 years).

I'm sure they will have a comprehensive program - ads on broadcasts and programs, on-site (and court) branding and displays, etc. Probably a promotion for visiting. Also have tie in to on campus promotional program for Spring Break going forward.

Good sponsor for the conference.