Discovering Clearwater: Bright House Networks Field

The main attraction of Clearwater, Florida is Bright House Networks Field.  Since 2004, Bright House Networks Field and the surrounding facilities have been home to Phillies Spring Training.  BHN Field is a state of the art facility with something to offer everyone.  The stadium itself has a ton of great features including the outfield berm, the tiki bar, the full circle walk around, and the close proximity seating.

The tiki bar is a great feature of BHN Field.  Formally known as Frenchy's Tiki Pavilion, it offers fans a great place to hang out and grab a drink before and after the game.  Most of the time, there is live entertainment after games.  Perhaps the coolest aspect of the tiki bar is that after games, some of the players come up to have a drink and talk with fans.  I once got to meet Ryan Madson and Placido Polanco who happened to be hanging around the tiki bar after the game.  If you really want autographs or just the opportunity to meet some of your favorite players, the tiki bar is a great place to do just that.

Another great aspect of BHN Field is the full circle walk around.  Sometimes spring training games can get hot and boring.  BHN Field offers a full circle walk around that allows fans to walk around the entire perimeter of the stadium similar to how Citizens Bank Park is structured.  The full walk around allows fans to get up and go for a walk before, during, and after games.

Probably one of the coolest features of BHN Field is the outfield berm.  Located in left center and right field, the outfield berm is basically just a grassy hill where fans can stretch out and watch the game. The berms are a great place to catch batting practice before the game, and also hang around after the game as well.  On weekend games, the berms fill up pretty quickly.  But during the week, you should have no problem getting enough room.

The best part of BHN Field is the close proximity seating.  BHN Field is home to the Single A Clearwater Threshers during the summer, and the minor league stadium offers seats that get you extremely close to the action.  Being such a small stadium, there really aren't any bad seats.  Personally my favorite place to sit is in the upper section along the first base line.  The advantages to sitting in the upper section include shade from the sun, less crowded concourse, and a better view of the game.  Don't get me wrong, I like sitting close to the action as much as anyone else.  But games at BHN Field can get really hot, and relaxing in the shade beats burning in the sun for me personally.

Overall Bright House Networks Field truly is a gem.  As I stated in a previous article, I've been to other team's spring training stadiums, and none of them even compare to BHN Field.  BHN Field is truly an awesome place to watch Phillies Spring Training.

I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed reading this mini series that I have put together over the past month.  It is my hope that you use these articles to help in your enjoyment of Phillies Spring Training trip either this year or in the future.  And now that spring training is all but over, let the countdown to opening day officially begin!