Hard Rock creditors react to possible new park

When the park filed for bankruptcy in September, it left a long list of creditors. And while many don't expect to see the money they're owed, they are excited about the possibility of new business.

By: Thema Ponton | SCNow
Published: February 13, 2009

The chance of a new Hard Rock Park has some business people wondering what that may mean to them.

When the park filed for bankruptcy in September, it left a long list of creditors. And while many don't expect to see the money they're owed, they are excited about the possibility of new business.

Musician Clark Sullivan said the beat goes on for him, even though Hard Rock Park still owes him thousands of dollars.

Sullivan said hearing about potential buyers for the park surprised him and he is excited about the possibility of a new gig.

Sullivan said, "It made for a hardship this winter, but spring's coming, with another park opening maybe they'll want to use the band and I'd love to be the entertainment director, try to do it right for them."

Sullivan added he hopes the new owners will continue employing local musicians.

And while rock and roll was the theme of the now bankrupt amusement park, Rik Dickinson, president of Encore Video Productions said that may have been what led to the park's lack of success.

"The rock and rollers are baby boomers and they don't go to theme parks, I think these parks have to attract children and teenagers, they aren't all familiar with the Moody Blues and the Led Zeppelins of the world." Dickinson said. And while the park also owes Dickinson thousands of dollars, he says he had a good relationship with the park.

"We did a lot of work for the former owners and hopefully we get to work for the new owners, so when this came about we were happy, glad to hear it because it could be some more business for us, we don't know yet." Dickinson said.

Both men told News13, what they do know, is for a new park to be successful, ticket prices have to come down, and they should to cater to locals.

Hard Rock Park also owes the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce thousands of dollars

In an email to News13, Chamber President and CEO Brad Dean said that will absolutely not keep the Chamber from doing business with the new park. Dean said, “Our relationship with the former owners of Hard Rock Park has no bearing on any new owner. Our mission is to promote, protect and improve local business, and we’re eager to serve any business newcomer to the community. The former park owners were chamber members, and we hope a new owner would also see the tremendous benefit of membership.”