Your Spring Training Travel Agent
Last year I attended Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater for a bachelor party. I couldn’t recommend it more.
At the time of the trip my buddies and I had a couple things going for us because:
A. Officially it was Spring Break at Clearwater Beach
B. The “fruits” that accompany such a weekend in the presence of college coeds were plentiful
At the age of 27, I had officially become a dirty old man. The schedule? Take in the Tampa Bay game on Friday, followed by the Pittsburgh game on Saturday. Drink a couple brew peps and celebrate the ultimate demise of one of my best buddies. So I’ll break this down in three quick episodes if one were a newbie to Spring Training, and could use a quick primer to get to know the surrounding area. So here we go.
The Local Stadium Area
Where we stayed:
The La Quinta Inn, a short 5 minute walk to Brighthouse Networks Field. Also within a 5 minute walk along the US 19 strip was an Econo Lodge, and a Hampton Inn. I overheard the Hampton is where the younger players and career minor leaguers make their home in the spring. So if you want the prospect of playing wiffle-ball with Ryan Howard at 4 am in the hotel hallway, I’d say go Hampton Inn. Otherwise, my group paid $487 (with tax) for a suite at the La Quinta. On four guys that’s just over $100 for three nights. A bargain if you ask me.
Also within walking distance is the Bill Conlin renowned Lenny’s, a beautiful little breakfast spot. I had scrapple on both Friday and Saturday mornings. Yes, scrapple in Florida. So that was the schedule, stay out until 3am, hit Lenny’s around 11:30am, and head the ballpark at 12:30 for the 1:05 start.
Brighthouse Networks Field
Brighthouse was built the same year as Citizens Bank Park, and rumor has it the dimensions of the field replicate the Money Pit. Primary seating areas line the basepaths, as the outfield area is dedicated to Frenchy’s Tiki Bar in left field, and grass berm seating in center and left. An open walkway encircles the park so you can walk around any part of the concourse without missing a play. Overall a very enjoyable park. Concessions are relatively cheap. My primary concession given the nature of my trip was beer. Craft beers such as Sierra Nevada will run you $4.75, while a more economical option is the ice-filled bucket of domestic pints. Five pints per bucket runs $21.
Tickets run from $5 bucks for a grass berm seat to $20 for a box. Those are 1997 Veterans Stadium prices. I know because I worked the ticket phone center that season, $20 got you 200 level, while $6 got you 700 level. The memories.
Quick note, there was a security guard that works the park that could be Andy Reid’s identical twin. Look for him. We ran into him around the Tiki Bar. Everyone was chanting, “Andy! Andy! Andy!” and getting pictures taken with the guy. Hilarious.
After the Game
I’d suggest the Chicago Bar across the street from the ballpark. Deck seating, plentiful TVs, and 110 rotating beer selection. Try the grouper fingers or the Italian nachos. We’d hit this place to catch the NCAA games prior to our night out.
As for the night out, this is where I’ll substantially edit my post since, well, so far the Philly Sports Net blog seems to have reputable standards. But may I suggest Jimmy’s Iguana Bar followed by Sheppard’s on Clearwater Beach.
The End Result
If you haven’t gotten down to Clearwater for the spring, you really should plan a trip in the future. You get the Phils, as well as great weather, restaurants, beaches, and beotches. The best part? It can all be had for under $1,000 including airfare. Drinks not included.
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Posted on January 17, 2007 by Dave | Filed Under Phillies
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I also heavily recommend spring training. I was there with a couple of friends in 2002 and it is such a great atmosphere. We also hit up Daytona Beach that week and I recommend that just as much. All in all, definitely a trip worth taking!
I would love to hit it up every year. But, I’m married now. The dream is over.