Pelicans Break Attendance Records on National Night Out

Fans filled the Coastal Federal Field on National Night Out.

A special pre-game ceremony honored families of fallen local officers.

On August 5, 2003, the Pelicans teamed up with GlassPro to present National Night Out at the ballpark. The event was a nation-wide event focused on crime and drug prevention, but also proved to be a huge success in one other way – a sold out ballpark. Across the country, more than 9800 communities joined the effort, with more than 33 million people attending.

Over 6,000 fans flocked to Coastal Federal Field to watch the baseball action and take part in the National Night Out offerings. Local fire, police, sheriff, EMT and military units were on hand to talk to citizens, answer questions and hand out information. Local children were also fingerprinted free of charge for ID cards by Horry County Police COPE officers.

Opening ceremonies touched the hearts of those in attendance. Members of various emergency teams unfurled a large American flag and two police honor guards were on hand to present the colors. Also joining in the observance were the families of three fallen local police officers and a NYPD officer who was injured in the September 11th tragedy. A bagpipe band, a local police officer singing the anthem and taps being played brought a tear to many fans’ eyes.

National Night Out is a nationwide event, promoting a police-community partnership. Featured as an opportunity for crime, drug and violence prevention, the night encourages personal safety and neighborhood unity. National Night Out has been observing this special night for over 10 years. August 5th was the first National Night Out for the Pelicans but is slated to be an annual event.

Thanks to MB’s Angela Barwick for this capcom story.