Myrtle Beach to Host Prestigious NCAA Division III Track & Field Championship in 2024
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Myrtle Beach is proud to host the NCAA Division III Track & Field Championship in May 2024 at the renowned Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium. This marks one of 450 host site selections announced today by the NCAA, representing the first NCAA National Championship in the City of Myrtle Beach. The event is set to attract approximately 600 elite athletes to the Grand Strand.
"We are thrilled by today's NCAA announcement. This championship will draw top Division III track athletes from across the nation to compete for individual and team titles on our beaches. We look forward to extending our renowned hospitality and delivering an exceptional competition environment," said Karen Riordan, President & CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau (MBACVB).
Today's announcement culminates a rigorous unified competitive bid process for NCAA championships and preliminary rounds, which began in August 2019. The NCAA received over 3,000 bid submissions by the early February 2020 deadline.
"Our commitment to sports tourism includes supporting the local bid process through our NCAA-affiliated institution. We are delighted that our region has been selected to host an NCAA championship and eagerly anticipate further partnerships with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and local communities to highlight our destination," said Matt Hogue, Director of Athletics for Coastal Carolina University.
This national event will bring track & field competitors from nationwide to Myrtle Beach for individual and team championships. Coastal Carolina University will serve as the official NCAA host institution, with the City of Myrtle Beach, MBACVB, and Sports Alliance playing key roles on the Local Organizing Committee.
NCAA sports committees selected host sites based on criteria emphasizing outstanding student-athlete experiences and compliance with sport-specific bid requirements.
Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune added, "We're excited for 2024, when we partner with Coastal Carolina University to host this NCAA Division III Track & Field Championship. Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium is an outstanding venue that will impress all. On behalf of the city, we welcome these college athletes and coaches to Myrtle Beach."
This championship builds on Myrtle Beach's growing track & field legacy. The city annually hosts major collegiate spring meets in March, including the Myrtle Beach Collegiate Challenge and the Alan Connie Shamrock Invitational.
"Our Sports Alliance promotes our premier sports facilities and amenities, making Myrtle Beach ideal for teams, athletes, and families," said Jonathan Paris, Executive Director of Sports Tourism for Visit Myrtle Beach. "We're excited to fuel this sports tourism momentum by welcoming the NCAA Division III Track & Field Championship."
About the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Established in 1938, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the unified voice for the Grand Strand's business community. It holds the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's prestigious five-star accreditation—one of few in South Carolina. The MBACC represents Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Little River, Atlantic Beach, Garden City Beach, Loris, Conway, Aynor, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, Socastee, and Carolina Forest. Learn more at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.
