Spring training, Thu, Feb 25, Time TBA local
MLB and its players need a new labor deal before the 2027 season. Until one is signed, dates could change, so pick rooms you can cancel.
Pittsburgh Piratesat Philadelphia Phillies
BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater. Fly into TPA.
Build the questWhat we know about BayCare Ballpark
Where visiting fans stay
From a specialist guide- Clearwater Beach. 15-25 min by drive. Fan guides recommend the beach over the hotels by the ballpark. You get the Gulf, Frenchy's grouper sandwiches and sunset dinners, and the ballpark is about 7 miles east on Drew Street or Gulf to Bay Boulevard.
- Downtown Clearwater. 10-15 min by drive. Cheaper than the beach and about 4.5 miles from the ballpark. Hotels include the Residence Inn Clearwater Downtown, and the beach is a short drive over the causeway.
- US 19 near the ballpark. 5 min by drive. Chain hotels such as the TownePlace Suites Tampa Clearwater put you minutes from the gates and from the Carpenter Complex morning workouts. There is little to do here at night.
- Dunedin. 15 min by drive. A walkable small downtown with breweries, about 6 miles north. Stay here if you plan to see Blue Jays games at TD Ballpark on the same trip.
Around the stadium
From a specialist guideGetting in from the airport
From a specialist guideGetting to the stadium
Checked at the sourceGetting in
Checked at the source- Bag policy: Bags up to 16 x 16 x 8 inches are allowed and inspected. Everyone passes a metal detector, so put phones, cameras and keys in the bowl. There is no re-entry.
- Cashless: Not cashless. Concessions, merchandise and parking take cash or credit and debit cards. An ATM is on the first base side of the main concourse, next to Customer Service.
After the final whistle
From a specialist guideOne thing to avoid
From a specialist guideBars near the stadium
Checked at the sourceFrenchy's Tiki PavilionBefore or after
601 N Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater, FL 33765 (inside the ballpark, beyond the left field wall)
A tiki bar beyond the left field wall with mixed drinks, beer and wine for fans 21 and over. Seats around the bar are first come, first served during spring training.
Away fans: spring crowds mix fans of every team, and visiting fans sit side by side with Phillies fans.
Original HootersBefore or after
2800 Gulf To Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33759
The Clearwater location of the Original Hooters group sits on Gulf to Bay Boulevard just south of the ballpark. It is an easy stop on the drive back to the beach.
Away fans: a wings and beer stop with a mixed crowd of Phillies fans and visitors.
Frenchy's Original CafeDistrict
41 Baymont St, Clearwater, FL 33767
A small Clearwater Beach cafe where Frenchy's Super Grouper sandwich made its debut. It is the classic post-game stop for fans staying on the beach.
Away fans: a beach cafe, not a team bar. Everyone is in flip-flops.
Sidequests in Clearwater
Listed in the order they happen. Each one earns points.
- Ritual65 points
Chase autographs down the left field line
Phillies players sign along the left field line in Sections 118 to 120 until about 30 minutes before first pitch. Be there when the gates open two hours early.
Free. 2 hours before kickoff
- Photo25 points
Photo with The Ace statue
A bronze statue called The Ace, honoring the Phillies' Hall of Fame left-hander, stands in front of the west entrance. It is the easy team photo on your way in.
Free. 1 hour 40 minutes before kickoff
- Eat40 points
Delco's cheesesteak at the ballpark
Delco's Cheesesteaks brings a Philadelphia classic to Clearwater, sold at the Strike Out Cafe and Home Run Grille stands. Fan guides call it the one thing to eat here.
$. 45 minutes before kickoff
- Ritual65 points
Watch a morning workout at the Carpenter Complex
Before and between games the Phillies work out on four fields at the Carpenter Complex, right next to the ballpark, and you can see in from the left field concourse too. Workouts usually start mid-to-late morning and run into early afternoon, and watching is free.
Free
- Outing50 points
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
A working marine rescue and rehab center on the way to Clearwater Beach, with dolphins and a manatee rehab center that guests can view. It makes a good morning before a beach afternoon on a day with no game.
$$$
- Double header75 points
Blue Jays game at TD Ballpark
TD Ballpark in Dunedin is about 6 miles north, so a second park is one short drive away. The Phillies visit there on March 13 and March 21, 2027, and the Blue Jays play 15 home games that spring.
$$
- Drink40 points
A drink at Frenchy's Tiki Pavilion
The tiki bar beyond the left field wall is the social center of the ballpark, with mixed drinks, beer and wine for fans 21 and over. Seats are first come, first served, so grab one early or watch a few innings standing at the rail.
$$. 1 hour after kickoff
- Eat40 points
Wings at the Original Hooters
The Original Hooters group runs this Gulf to Bay Boulevard location about 1.6 miles from the ballpark. It is a quick, loud stop for wings and a beer after a day game.
$$. 4 hours after kickoff
- Eat50 points
Grouper sandwich at Frenchy's Original Cafe
The grouper sandwich is the Gulf Coast meal to eat on this trip, and Frenchy's Super Grouper debuted at this small Clearwater Beach cafe. Go after the game and walk to the sand.
$$. 5 hours after kickoff
Seats and views
Where each part of BayCare Ballpark sits, and what you see from it.
Fans post the view from their seats, section by section. See the views at BayCare Ballpark