Discover Football in Myrtle Beach: Events, Leagues & Games

Myrtle Beach is known for its beaches and boardwalk, but it’s also home to a passionate football community. Whether you’re a fan of Friday night lights, local leagues, or just want to join a fun pick-up game, there’s always football action happening here.

This guide will walk you through the Myrtle Beach football scene — including where to watch games, how to participate in leagues, and what makes the Grand Strand a great destination for football fans.

Explore Football Events in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach hosts football for every age and skill level. From kids learning the game for the first time to adults competing in flag football, there’s a spot for everyone.

Popular football events include:

• Youth Football Leagues – Programs that build fundamentals, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

• Flag Football Tournaments – Fast-paced, non-contact competition for adults and families.

• High School Football Games – Friday night lights with strong local support.

• College Football Nearby – Coastal Carolina and other programs within driving distance draw plenty of local fans.

• Charity Football Events – Community games that raise money for local causes.

👉 Local resource tip: The Myrtle Beach Football League provides information on sign-ups, schedules, and skills training opportunities in the area.

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Youth players gear up for a flag football game in Myrtle Beach

Where to Watch Football in Myrtle Beach

If you’d rather cheer than play, Myrtle Beach has plenty of venues with exciting atmospheres:

• Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium (Myrtle Beach High School) – Home of the Myrtle Beach Seahawks, this stadium is known for hosting Friday night lights, playoffs, and community events.

• Carolina Forest High School Stadium – A powerhouse program with passionate fans, the Panthers’ home games are always packed with energy.

• Brooks Stadium (Coastal Carolina University) – Just minutes from Myrtle Beach in Conway, Brooks Stadium is home to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, one of the most exciting college football programs in the country. The teal turf and energetic “Teal Nation” make it a must-see game day experience.

• Local Sports Bars & Restaurants – Perfect for catching college and NFL games with friends in a lively setting.

Tips for attending games:Arrive early for good seats, check the weather since most games are outdoors, and support local teams by grabbing concessions or merchandise.

Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium

College Football Near Myrtle Beach

While Myrtle Beach doesn’t have its own Division I college football program, the area is surrounded by universities with strong teams that locals and visitors love to support. The biggest draw is Coastal Carolina University, but there are also other options within driving distance for college football fans.

Coastal Carolina University (Conway, SC)

Located less than 20 minutes from Myrtle Beach, Coastal Carolina University is home to the Chanticleers football team, a program that has risen quickly in the college football world. Competing in the NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference, the Chanticleers have earned national attention in recent years for their exciting offense, unique teal turf at Brooks Stadium, and passionate student section known as “The Teal Nation.”

• Game Day Experience: Coastal games feature lively tailgating, high-energy fans, and a stadium atmosphere that rivals much larger schools.

• Why It’s Popular: For Myrtle Beach locals, Coastal is essentially the hometown team. Many families attend games regularly, and the Chanticleers have even appeared in national bowl games, giving them wider recognition.

• What to Know: Brooks Stadium seats about 20,000 fans, so tickets are usually available, but big games (like conference matchups) can sell out fast.

Charleston Southern University (Charleston, SC)

About an hour and a half south of Myrtle Beach, Charleston Southern University fields the Buccaneers football team. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) within the Big South Conference.

• Game Day Experience: Smaller crowds than Coastal, but a tight-knit atmosphere with strong community ties.

• Why It’s Popular: Many Myrtle Beach families with ties to Charleston make the drive down for games. It’s also a good option for those who want a quieter, more traditional small-college football environment.

• What to Know: Games are typically more affordable and easier to attend for families compared to larger stadium experiences.

Other Nearby College Football Teams

If you’re willing to travel a bit farther, you’ll find more college football experiences:

• University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) – About 3 hours from Myrtle Beach, home to the Gamecocks of the SEC. Big crowds, big rivalries, and a classic college football atmosphere.

• Clemson University (Clemson, SC) – Roughly 5 hours away, the Clemson Tigers are one of the nation’s powerhouse programs with multiple national championships. For diehard fans, it’s worth the trip.

How to Experience College Football Near Myrtle Beach

• Attend Home Games at Brooks Stadium – The closest and easiest way to catch D1 football while staying in Myrtle Beach.

• Join Tailgates & Fan Clubs – Many locals tailgate before Coastal games or organize watch parties at sports bars.

• Follow Schedules Online – College football season runs from late August through December, so plan your Myrtle Beach visit to catch a home game.

  
  

Brooks Stadium at Coastal Carolina University during a football game

Join Football Leagues and Clinics in Myrtle Beach

For those who want to play, Myrtle Beach has programs year-round. Options range from youth leagues to adult flag football, with both recreational and competitive formats available.

Youth Programs

• Flag Football for Beginners – A safe, fun intro to the game.

• Tackle Leagues – Competitive options for more advanced players.

• Football Camps & Clinics – Skill-building sessions offered seasonally.

Adult Opportunities

• Recreational Flag Football – Perfect for fun and fitness. Some organizations, such as the Myrtle Beach Football League, run structured seasons year-round, while many standard flag leagues in the area operate mainly during the spring and summer months.

• Competitive Leagues – Higher-level play for athletes seeking more serious competition.

• Pick-Up Games – Organized casually through community centers and social media groups.

Why join? You’ll stay active, make friends, and be part of the growing Myrtle Beach football community.

Plan Your Visit Around Football

Want to add football to your Myrtle Beach trip? Here’s when to come:

• Fall (Sept–Nov): The peak of football season with high school rivalries, Coastal Carolina home games, and college football watch parties all across town.

• Spring & Summer: The most active time for recreational flag football leagues and youth football camps. Most standard leagues run during these months, making it a great time to both watch and play.

• Year-Round Options: Some organizations, such as the Myrtle Beach Football League, run structured flag football seasons year-round. This ensures there are always opportunities to get involved no matter when you visit.

How to stay updated:

• Local league websites and registration portals

• Community event calendars

• Social media groups and sports pages for last-minute games or sign-ups

Youth flag football players face off in a one-on-one matchup during a game in Myrtle Beach

Embrace the Football Spirit in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach offers a football culture that welcomes players and fans alike. Whether you want to watch a high school rivalry, join a league, or simply enjoy the community atmosphere, this coastal city has something for you.

By exploring the different football opportunities available, you’ll experience the true spirit of the game in one of South Carolina’s most popular destinations.