Bright House Networks Field
Bright House Networks Field is one of the new and classic sports stadiums located at Clearwater Community Sports Complex. This state-of-the art facility is an effort to consolidate all of the spring training activities at one location. BHNF is a 30.5 million dollar stadium serving the Philadelphia Phillies as their Grapefruit League home and Class A Florida State League Clearwater Threshers as their regular home. The constructions were initiated on October 16th, 2002 and were completed in a period of fourteen months. The total facility covers an area of 17.5 acres. The project was funded by a partnership between Pinellas County, Florida State, City of Clearwater and the Phillies. Completed in the year 2004, the stadium can comfortably accommodate around 8,500 people. The stadium is named after Bright House Networks, a local cable company, which has bought the naming rights of the stadium.
Comparable to any of the best ballparks in the Florida State League, Bright House Networks Field takes the Philadelphia Phillies and their minor league affiliate into their modern age. The brand new facility features a spacious modern stadium with wonderful sight lines and a magnificent 360-degree concourse for the fans to walk around and check out the movements from every possible angle. The amenities at the park include group picnic spots, field and loge box seats, luxury sky box seats, bleachers, a tiki-hut pavilion, children’s play area and an outstanding full view video scoreboard. Apart from 7300 fixed seats, there are 1500 additional grass berm seats where the fans can spread out on blankets and enjoy a closer view of the games. A party deck is located down the left field line where groups ranging from 20 to 300 can take part in a pre-game feast. The tiki-hut pavilion is a great place to enjoy a margarita and several adult beverages besides relaxing in the shaded atmosphere to enjoy the game.
Seasons
Spring Training takes place in the stadium in the months of February and March. From April through Labor Day, the Florida State League's Clearwater Threshers, Single A Affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies make Bright House Networks Field their home. In addition, a whole lot of special events and family festivals are also held in the stadium.
Location
Bright House Networks Field is sited just adjacent to the Phillies' spring-training complex at Clearwater. The location of this stadium is a highly congested area adjoining the intersection of the much crowded U.S. 19 and Drew Street. Route 19 happens to be an intensive construction zone with yearlong developmental projects.
The advantage of this location is its proximity to two large cities of Tampa and Clearwater. The setting of the field is an open recreational area. Very close to the ballpark, you can come across a number of restaurants and shopping. The location of the stadium just adjacent to the permanent workout facility of the Phillies allows the team to center all its minor league facilities and spring training at one complex.
In addition, about seven MLB teams have their spring training homes within an hour’s drive from the Bright House Networks Field. Its strategic presence within a few miles from the famous beaches of Clearwater and Dunedin, downtown Tampa and Tampa International Airport makes it an ideal place for the tourists and visitors to enjoy spring training.
Stadium Facts
Bright House Networks Field features an imposing and attractive architecture. The most attractive entryway is located behind the third base. This entry presents a plaza with a beautiful fountain, ticket windows, and entrance leading to the souvenir shop.
The magnificent towers remind of the famous bell towers seen around Florida. One can clearly visualize a touch of Spanish architecture characterizing several aspects of the architectural designing here. The walls with contrasting colors are quite attractive in addition to the tile roofs and brick accents.
The design of the ballpark follows a classical Floridian architectural pattern and measures 329 feet in the left, 389 feet in the left center, 408 feet in the center and 330 feet in the right. The tile roof on the Southern entrance towers and the red-stucco colored trip found around the seats bestow an imposing classical look and feel projecting a harmonious blend of the ancient and modern.
Bright House Networks Field was designed by a highly reputed architectural team under the able leadership of Ewing Cole and HOK. The contractor of the construction was Hunt Construction Group, one of the giants in the field of sports-facility construction.
Overview of the facilities
There are two parking lots available at the stadium. One is near the first base entrance and the other is behind the third main entry. During the Florida State League season, $2 is charged for a car while $5 is charged during spring exhibition games. Similarly, the ticket charges for spring games are more expensive than for the contests of the minor-league. For a minor league contest only $2 is charged for general admission. One can find the Threshers dugout on the third base side of the playfield.
Down the third base fowl line, there is a fine playground of bright colors. Adjacent to this, one finds "Shortstop Snacks", a concession with kids theme. On first come first served basis, the Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion found beyond the left field wall serves a wide variety of mixed drinks, wine and beer for visitors over 21.
The scoreboard is one of the most fantastic ones featuring a 20-feet color video screen on a standard type black and white message board. You can get a good assortment of Phillies and Threashers items from the beautiful displays at the Diamond Outfitters souvenir shop, Including hats, featured collectibles, and apparel meeting the interests of everyone.
Excepting certain special events and service animals, animals are not allowed inside the ballpark. Visitors cannot carry bottles, food, cans or coolers inside the ballpark. The maximum size of a bag allowed inside the park is 16x16x8. Except at specially allotted smoking sections of the park, smoking is not permitted in most areas. The First Aid Center is found in the main concourse on the first base side.
A thoughtful design and two entrances at the first and third bases enhance a convenient and free movement of traffic inside and within the ballpark. In addition, the wide concourse allows a lot of space for people to visit concession stand.
Once a visitor is at the ballpark, the stadium offers facilities to purchase tickets for future games at the advance tickets window or the customer service area. At the customer service counter, the visitors can also report problems, claim prizes, and check out for lost and found items. Administrative offices are found at the West side of the ballpark adjoining Old coachman Road, which are kept open from Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm.