BayCare Ballpark to undergo renovations amid larger plans
The BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, which serves as the spring training center for the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team, is poised to undergo several upgrades and renovations.
An annual structural inspection of the 8,500-seat stadium found multiple leaks in the roof and cracks in the concrete. Additionally, the 20-year-old sound system is obsolete and will need to be replaced.
“An acoustical engineer began investigating this over years ago, and we’ve delayed that [the sound system replacements] until today,” Clearwater Parks and Recreation Director Art Kader said during an Oct. 30 Clearwater City Council work session.
Kader said there are many “dead spots” around the city-owned ballpark where the current system does not function. Some of the speakers are also rusted.
“It [the project] will replace an analog system with a digital system, which in turn will enhance the overall quality of sound and improve the fan experience,” Kader said. “The new system will not interfere with any future expansion plans being proposed by the Phillies.”
The Phillies have pitched a $320 million upgrade plan to the stadium and training complex, accompanied by a proposed $250 million 13-acre “Ballpark Village” residential and shopping area along U.S. Highway 19 N.
The renovation would include the addition of 2,000 seats, an outfield pool and upgrades to the Carpenter Complex, which includes the four baseball fields, training facilities and offices.
The renovations would make BayCare Ballpark a year-round-utilized facility, according to reports.
The Ballpark Village development would be financed by the Phillies while the team is asking Pinellas County to finance the stadium upgrades through tourism taxes. A timeline for the project has not been discussed.
Amid the grand long-term plans, Kader informed council members the identified repairs should be addressed as soon as possible.
The city officials unanimously approved to move forward on entering a roughly $1.344 million contract with Pinellas Park-based Risk Khors Construction for the renovations. Per the agreement, the city would transfer $600,000 of Penny for Pinellas Funds as part of the funding.
The sound system replacement and repairs will take 90 days to complete before spring training commences in 2024.
The ballpark, constructed in 2004, is also home to the Clearwater Threshers Single-A Minor League team.
