A bowl game should feel bigger than four quarters, and that’s exactly what we’ve built on the Grand Strand. We sit down with Tony Ferrante to unpack how the Myrtle Beach Bowl moved from an ambitious idea in 2018 to a nationally televised showcase that lifts players, fans, and the local economy—all while keeping the beach-town heart intact.

Tony takes us behind the scenes on the ESPN partnership and conference tie-ins with the Sun Belt, MAC, and Conference USA, explaining why Myrtle Beach stood out: a unique destination, strong civic support, and a perfect venue at Brooks Stadium in Conway. We talk through the 2020 launch during COVID, the careful operations it demanded, and the steady growth since—measured in attendance, broadcast viewership, and hotel nights that fuel small businesses through the holidays. You’ll hear how selections really happen, including last year’s Coastal Carolina storyline and what it means to prepare when you might learn your teams minutes before the reveal.

We go deep on what makes a great bowl experience for student-athletes: extra practice time for coaches, real rewards off the field, and thoughtful touches like team nights at Dave & Buster’s and Topgolf. Tony shares insights from three decades in college athletics at Troy—what travel itineraries work, which details matter most to players, and how consistent processes keep chaos out of game week. We also dive into community and sponsorship strategy: why local partners like Visit Myrtle Beach and the chambers are essential, how brands benefit from aligning with a rising regional event, and simple marketing moves that stand out, like swag people actually keep.

If you care about sports business, leadership, or the magic that happens when a city rallies behind an idea, you’ll find a playbook worth borrowing. The Myrtle Beach Bowl kicks off Friday, December 19 at noon. Join us, subscribe for more behind-the-scenes conversations, and leave a review to tell us who you want to see take the field next.