Visit Myrtle Beach Challenges Visit Tucson in Tasty Mouth-Watering Baseball Wager

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., June 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Brad Dean, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, tourism destination promoter for the Myrtle Beach area which includes hometown team, Coastal Carolina University, and Brent DeRaad, president and CEO of Visit Tucson, tourism destination promoter for southern Arizona including Tucson, home to the University of Arizona, today announced a friendly destination versus destination wager on the result of the 2016 College World Series (CWS) Finals.

The improbable baseball match-up of two young, talented college baseball teams prompted the Myrtle Beach, SC and Tucson, AZ communities to wager an unbelievable tasty bet – one that really speaks to putting your money where your mouth is.

Myrtle Beach and Tucson are both known for culinary dining options designed to whet any appetite using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, which their award-winning chefs incorporate and create into amazing mouth-watering meals.

The city of Tucson, world-renowned for their chef-focused cuisine, recently became the first city in the United States recognized for its gastronomy by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  Similarly, the Myrtle Beach area prides itself on not only its fresh Carolina Coastal cuisine, but also an extensive list of award-winning chefs and dining venues.

"Dining and the culinary arts are one of several key reasons why many folks travel. So, we are putting our money where our mouths are and supporting our hometown team, Coastal Carolina, by making a gastronomy wager with Visit Tucson.  When Coastal Carolina beats Arizona, the Visit Myrtle Beach staff will feast on southwestern cuisine prepared in person by one of Tucson's top executive chefs," said Brad Dean, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.  "We appreciate Brent DeRaad and the Visit Tucson team accepting our challenge for the CWS finals.  Needless to say, the Visit Myrtle Beach team is looking forward to enjoying some fine southwestern cuisine on our sun-kissed beaches, thanks to Visit Tucson!"

"As we head into the CWS Finals, we are extremely optimistic about Coastal Carolina's ability to clinch the title given they own the nation's best record of 53-17," stated Dean.  "It's a special time for our entire community, but even more personal for CCU's head baseball coach, Gary Gilmore, who since joining the team in 1996 has talked about his lifelong dream of taking his alma mater to the College World Series.  When Coastal wins the CWS championship title, we're anticipating a very emotional celebration for Coach Gilmore and his Chanticleer team on this once in a lifetime opportunity."

"Myrtle Beach's cuisine is diverse and delectable, but we at Visit Tucson can't wait to experience their incredible seafood," said Brent DeRaad, president and CEO of Visit Tucson.  "Both Myrtle Beach and Tucson are well known for their culinary offerings, which attract and delight visitors from throughout the world.  On the slim chance that Arizona loses, Brad Dean and his team at Visit Myrtle Beach will be in for a treat as we serve up Tucson offerings from our nation's 'Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food.'

"Coastal Carolina's run through the College World Series has been remarkable, but it's about to strike midnight for that Cinderella," said DeRaad.  "Arizona has shown remarkable resilience this season and will continue to demonstrate the power of the Pac-12 Conference in the College World Series finals, bringing a fifth College World Series trophy back to Tucson."

In addition, the losing organization will make a $1,000 donation to the winning region's Boys & Girls Club to promote youth sports in their community.

The first game of the best-of-three championship series is at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. Arizona time) today, Monday, June 27, 2016. Game two will be on Tuesday, June 28 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. Arizona time), with game 3 (if necessary) to be played Wednesday, June 29 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. Arizona time).

About The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Since 1938, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has stood as the unified voice of the Grand Strand's business community. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the MBACC its five-star accreditation, one of only several chambers in South Carolina to earn this distinction. The MBACC serves Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Little River, Atlantic Beach, Garden City Beach, Loris, Conway, Aynor, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island. For more information, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is the proud recipient of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives' "2015 Chamber of the Year" award.

About Visit Myrtle Beach

The Myrtle Beach area, popularly known as the Grand Strand, stretches from Little River to Pawleys Island, comprising 12 distinct cities along the South Carolina coast. Home to 60 miles of sandy beaches, an assortment of entertainment and family attractions, Southern hospitality and world-class golf, the Myrtle Beach area presents the quintessential vacation experience. For more information, go to VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

About Visit Tucson

Visit Tucson is the official destination marketing organization for Tucson and southern Arizona. Its mission is to drive economic development by connecting visitors with their ideal travel and meetings experiences. Visit Tucson is financially supported by the City of Tucson, Pima County, and the Town of Oro Valley and more than 500 individual and business partners. For more information, go to VisitTucson.org.

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SOURCE Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce