While a seat in the ballpark can range as high as $30, your blanket and picnic basket can hang out on the knoll for half that. But, it's first-come, first-served. For example, tickets for the March 7 game against Houston are $28 for both field and baseline seats, while it's only $14 on the berm.
"The hotels and the Phillies are telling us that their packages are being sold out, and that sounds consistent with the amount of influx we see right around spring training," said Adel Grobler, spokeswoman for Clearwater's Tourism Board. "It's a good boost for the city not just because its has a major economic impact, but from February to March, the city gets recognized and people can see firsthand the charm Clearwater has. We hope it becomes more of a travel destination even when the Phillies aren't in town."
Thousands will make the trek to see how the Phillies of present and future fare over the next 6 weeks, and to take advantage of Clearwater's charm.
For starters, eating at Lenny's (21220 US Highway 19 North), a popular breakfast destination situated next to Bright House is a must, as is Frenchy's (41 Baymont St.), which is famous for its grouper sandwich. You can also dine at three other Frenchy's owned restaurants - Salt Water Cafe (419 Poinsettia Ave.), Rockaway Grille (7 Rockaway St.) and the South Beach Cafe (351 South Gulfview Blvd.).
"You can feed a family of four on a single Lenny's breakfast," Grobler joked. "[Frenchy's owner] Michael Preston came from French Canada and opened the first Frenchy's 25 years ago. It's a staple in Clearwater and quite honestly the best grouper sandwiches you can imagine."
