Bluffton council backs USCB 'SandShark 2020' arena and sports-complex proposal

Bluffton Town Council voted to approve a resolution expressing support for the University of South Carolina Beaufort's SandShark 2020 project, a proposed multipurpose arena and sports complex intended to bring athletics and event capacity to the USCB campus.

Justin Rice, area executive for the Lowcountry Division of First Citizens Bank and current board chair of the USCB Education Foundation, asked the council for the town's support and described the project's anticipated regional benefits, including expanded capacity for athletics and potential to host tournaments and other events. Rice said state representatives had allocated $47,000,000 toward the project but acknowledged a remaining funding gap; he said the university and partners are pursuing additional public and private contributions to close the delta.

Rice outlined planned facilities: on-campus softball, baseball, and track and a convocation/arena building with an expected seating range of roughly 3,400 to 3,700, subject to continued value engineering for cost targets. He said the facility would primarily serve USCB athletics but would also be available for rentals and smaller concerts, managed by third parties.

Council member motioned and the council approved the resolution by voice vote. The vote was procedural; council provided support but did not commit town funds at the March 10 meeting.

The resolution is an expression of local support while the university and its partners continue to finalize funding and design details.