Beaufort Co. Council votes to help fund new USCB Bluffton convocation center

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Beaufort County Council voted Monday night to provide more than $11 million toward a planned 5,000-seat convocation center at the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Bluffton campus, a major component of the university’s long-discussed Sandshark 20/20 project.

The decision came after a 6–5 vote, with supporters calling the venue a long-term economic and community asset, while opponents questioned whether county dollars should be diverted from other commitments.

What the project is

USCB’s proposed convocation center would replace the campus’s current 800-seat arena and be designed to host concerts, graduations, community events, and athletic competitions. The broader plan also includes ball fields, according to university and county leaders.

The overall project is expected to cost more than $100 million.

How the county plans to help

Council members considered four options before choosing a funding plan that:

• Repurposes $9.5 million that had been earmarked for the county’s Law Enforcement Center project
• Uses nearly $2 million tied to an increase in the county’s general fund budget.

County officials said the Law Enforcement Center project—intended to bring most Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office resources under one roof—is still in the design phase and not yet shovel-ready.

Supporters: ‘A game changer’

Council member Larry McElynn (District 10), who voted in favor of the funding, said the county needs to invest in what the university can become.

“We have to look forward to seeing what we expect to be happening here and provide the support that’s necessary for this university to thrive,” McElynn said. “I really believe that this will pay benefits in the future as we move forward.”

USCB athletics staff also pointed to the broader benefits of a larger venue.

Brady Grogan, an assistant coach for USCB women’s basketball, said the new facility could draw attention beyond athletics.

“While it is an athletic facility and it does make my job a lot easier and brings a lot of interest on that side, it brings a lot of interest off the court as well with the events you can put on,” Grogan said.

Supporters argued the convocation center could help attract visitors, create more event opportunities, and help retain younger residents in the county.

Opponents raise concerns about priorities

Not all council members supported moving money away from other projects.

Council member Thomas Reitz (District 11) said the county has unfinished obligations that residents were promised years ago.

“They’re looking at things that we promised this community back in 2018 that were never done,” Reitz said. “We’re trying to get that going, so I think it’s very difficult for this council to consider this.”

What happens next

Before the funding becomes available, the council must still pass a Bond Ordinance Amendment, which is expected to be drafted and brought forward for a vote soon.

Even with the county’s commitment, USCB officials said the university still needs to raise about $10 million to fully fund the project and is exploring additional options to close the gap.