The BayCare Sound in Clearwater celebrates one year

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The BayCare Sound recently marked one year at Clearwater’s new Coachman Park.

Since opening, Ruth Eckerd Hall says more than 150,000 fans have attended some 50 events.

Vice President of Entertainment, Bobby Rossi reflected on accolades in the first year.

“Awarded the 4th highest grossing boutique amphitheater in the country by Pollstar magazine, right behind Red Rocks, the holy grail of amphitheaters, so in our first year of operating, to be number four in that kind of company right here in Clearwater has just been amazing,” said Rossi. “We’re on our 50th event coming up and we’ve hit all the genres of music from jazz to R&B, to rock to classic rock, to alternative and brought out festival crowds.”

Area businesses say they welcome the crowds.

“Obviously, exposure has helped out tremendously when they’re having entertainers that will draw 5-10 thousand people down here,” said Dale Robinson, Owner of Downtown Pizza.

Some owners say improvements can be made moving forward in managing the crowds coming downtown.

“Nobody knows where the parking is,” said Robinson. “There are a few parking garages, but they’re not doing a good enough job directing people to those parking spots or to the parking garages.”

Rossi reminds there are options.

“There’s over 2,000 spots based in parking garages, open-parking on the streets, there’s free parking behind some of the downtown venues,” said Rossi.

Business owners say they’re looking ahead to see what the second year brings.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunity for the city of Clearwater and the county to use this wonderful venue,” said Dan Shouvlin, Co-Owner of Clear Sky on Cleveland.

Rossi says fans can look forward to a variety of acts, along with new sound and lighting equipment.

“The video screens here are two of the three major screens here that we have purchased that will be available per artists’ discretion at every show,” said Rossi.