Ruth Eckerd Hall names Clearwater waterfront amphitheater, on track for summer opening
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Mar 8, 2023

The waterfront amphitheater at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater has officially been named The Sound.

Susan Crockett, Ruth Eckerd Hall president and CEO, announced the concert venue — which Ruth Eckerd Hall operates in partnership with the city of Clearwater — will be open this summer. Ruth Eckerd Hall was selected by the Clearwater City Council in May 2022 to operate the venue.

“This will be an iconic venue offering a one-of-a-kind experience in Tampa Bay,” Crockett said in a release. “The Sound will host great entertainment in front of Clearwater’s breathtaking sunset and is sure to be an artist favorite.”

Megan Brennan, VP and chief marketing officer at Ruth Eckerd Hall, said they wanted “something special” that captured the venue’s purpose, its “gorgeous coastal location” and “unforgettable sensory experiences.”

Tickets are currently on sale for The Sad Summer Festival on July 7, Michael Franti & Spearhead on July 21 and the Goo Goo Dolls with special guest O.A.R. on July 24. Tickets for Chicago, Kenny Loggins and Billy Currington with Jessie James Decker will go on sale soon.

“We have already announced several concerts playing the inaugural season with plans to announce many more in the coming months,” Bobby Rossi, EVP and chief programming officer at Ruth Eckerd Hall, said in a release.

The Sound is part of the $84 million Coachman Park redevelopment, which will be complete this summer. The amphitheater will have 4,000 covered seats with an additional 5,000 seated lawn.

The venue license agreement says events are scheduled exclusively through Ruth Eckerd Hall. There must be a minimum of 35 events at the venue, and the city will have 10 events each year and the right to use The Sound on July 4 and July 5.