Conway Council approves $42,000 hospitality-tax grant for Coastal Carolina’s Banana Ball

Conway City Council on Nov. 17 unanimously approved a $42,000 economic development grant to Coastal Carolina University to support a two-day Banana Ball event at Brooks Stadium in March 2026. Staff said the grant request would consume the remaining funds in this year’s $150,000 economic development grant budget.

City staff explained the council established a $150,000 annual economic development grant program; earlier awards this budget year totaled $107,530, leaving about $42,470 available. Coastal Carolina University requested $42,000 to help stage the Banana Ball, described by staff as a two-day event that draws touring entertainment and visitors to the region.

Council members asked questions about the funding source and public benefit. Staff clarified that the grant is offered by the city but the money comes from the general fund allocation tied to hospitality-related revenues. Councilmember concerns included whether the award should be charged specifically to hospitality-tax receipts; Miss Helms moved to approve the grant with direction that the cost be covered from the hospitality-tax bucket, and the motion carried unanimously.

Mayor (name not specified) and other council members framed the award as an economic-development effort expected to bring visitors to Conway and to generate activity for downtown businesses. No member objected; the council did not add conditions beyond the funding source direction. Council did not record a roll-call vote with named tallies; the mayor called for members to indicate assent and announced the motion carried unanimously.

The council’s action approves the grant at first/full passage as stated on the meeting record. The event is scheduled for March 2026; staff and the university will coordinate details and any required city permits or operational support.