Are you going to Clearwater? It’s important that you know this.
An excerpt of this story appeared in Todd Zolecki’s Phillies Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And sign up to receive it in your inbox on a regular basis.
Traveling this spring to Clearwater, Florida?
We solicited inquiries from Phillies supporters regarding Spring Training last week. We received a great deal. What most people wanted to know about Clearwater’s food and beverage options. That should come as no surprise. However, we also received inquiries concerning autographs, workouts, and the overall fan experience at Carpenter Complex and BayCare Ballpark.
These are a few chosen queries that address the most popular subjects:
When do the Phillies practice? How can we find out? Are any of the practice fields accessible by foot? — Pam F.
You can watch workouts at Carpenter Complex (and sometimes even batting practice inside BayCare Ballpark) if you are in Clearwater prior to the Grapefruit League home opener on February 25 at BayCare Ballpark. Feb. 14 is the first day of the pitchers and catchers’ workout. February 19 is the first full-squad workout date. Although exact times vary daily, a typical workout window is from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Once more, timings differ.
Visitors can stroll to each of the complex’s four fields. There is no cost to enter. Camp for minor league players begins on March 1. Usually, those workouts take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Which food at the ballpark is a must-try? — Sue P.
There are three locations for Delco’s Steaks: BayCare Ballpark, behind home plate, Dunedin, Fla., and Chadds Ford, Pa. Great cheesesteaks, should you be in the mood for some Philly while visiting. There were beers from nearby breweries like Coppertail Brewing Co. and Big Storm Brewing Co. last year
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To find out more about BayCare, click this link.
If you want to limit your trip to baseball, there are hotels close to BayCare that can be reached on foot. Renting a car and staying on Clearwater Beach (or close to the beach) is what I advise. Numerous chain hotels as well as other lodging options are available there and in the vicinity on Sand Key. I heartily recommend Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise if you are traveling with children. A well-liked destination for families is Pier 60.
If I’m a fan, there are probably three places I’d sit. The first two are the seats in front of the tiki bar in left field and the berm in the outfield. Very relaxed, very fun, very Florida. If you don’t want to be in the sun for three hours, look for a place in the shade underneath the overhang behind home plate.
BayCare Ballpark is the best park on Florida’s West Coast. (I haven’t been to the parks on the East Coast, but others tell me BayCare beats them.) If I wanted to send you to another ballpark, I’d send you to nearby Dunedin. Not necessarily because the Blue Jays’ place is awesome, but because downtown Dunedin is awesome. A bunch of great restaurants along Main Street. If you’re interested in local beers, Dunedin cannot be beat. There are at least five breweries within about a mile of one another, including 7venth Sun and Dunedin Brewery.
