| Location | 601 Old Coachman Road Clearwater, Florida, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Owner | City of Clearwater |
| Operator | Philadelphia Phillies |
| Type | Stadium |
| Genre(s) | Ballpark |
| Field size | Left field: 329 ft (100 m) Center field: 408 ft (124 m) Right field: 330 ft (100 m) |
| Construction | |
| Architect | HOK Ewing Cole Cherry Brott |
| General contractor | Hunt Construction Group |
| Tenants | |
| Clearwater Threshers (FSL) (2004–present) Philadelphia Phillies (MLB spring training) (2004–present) Big East tournament (2006, 2008–2013) AAC tournament (2014–present) | |
BayCare Ballpark, formerly known as Bright House Networks Field, Bright House Field, and Spectrum Field, is a baseball park in Clearwater, Florida, United States. The home of the Clearwater Threshers of the Florida State League, it opened on February 27, 2004, and can seat up to 8,500 people. The Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball hold spring training at BayCare Ballpark, and it has been the site of the American Athletic Conference baseball tournament since 2014.
History
editPlanning and construction
editBy the early 20th century, many professional baseball teams began the practice of spring training, practicing in warm climates like Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Winter Haven, Florida, before the season started.[1] The Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB) practiced spring training throughout Florida and Georgia from 1901 to 1946 before moving to Clearwater, Florida, in 1947. They originally played at Clearwater Athletic Field and moved to Jack Russell Memorial Stadium in 1955.[2]
Naming rights
editCable television company Bright House Networks purchased the naming rights to the stadium on January 20, 2004. The company agreed to pay $1.7 million over ten years, with the option for two five-year renewals. One-third of the payments went to the City of Clearwater, and the annual payments increased from a $35,000 cost in the first year.[3]
Alterations
editTenants and events
editSpring training
editMinor League Baseball
editCollege baseball
editWhen scheduling conflicts prevented the 2006 Big East Conference baseball tournament from being held at Commerce Bank Ballpark in New Jersey, Bright House Networks Field was chosen as the replacement venue.[4][5]
Facilities
editPlaying field and dimensions
editThe distance from home plate to the outfield wall ranges from 329 feet (100 m) in left field, 408 feet (124 m) in center field, and 330 feet (100 m) in right field.[6]
Seating and design
editConcessions and amenities
editParking and transportation
editAttendance records
editSingle-game attendance
editSeason attendance
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ Jackson, Zoe (March 26, 2018). "Swinging in the Sun: The History and Business of Spring Baseball". Perspectives on History. American Historical Association. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
- ^ Shenk, Larry (February 9, 2023). "Phillies enter year No. 77 in Clearwater". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
- ^ Putnam, Bob (January 21, 2004). "'Take me out to the Bright House...'". Tampa Bay Times. p. 77. Retrieved September 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Auman, Greg (January 18, 2006). "USF, Clearwater to host league baseball tourney". Tampa Bay Times. p. 3C. Retrieved September 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ de la Torre, Vanessa (January 23, 2006). "Baseball event a boon for tourism". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Sheehan, Stephanie (January 17, 2023). "Minor League Ballpark Guide: Clearwater Threshers". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved September 2, 2023.