New Amphitheater Opens in Clearwater This Month

CLEARWATER  The Sound, a new amphitheater in Clearwater's Coachman Park, is the region's newest performance venue. Roughly half the size of the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds, it is expected to fill a void between the region's theater spaces and large arenas.

The venue can accommodate 4,000 fans in its covered, waterfront seating, which promoters and bookers say is an increasingly sought-after venue size for performances that are too big for spaces such as Van Wezel, Mahaffey Theater, and Jannus Live, but not quite big enough for arenas like the Yuengling Center (10,400 seats) or Amalie Arena (20,000 seats).

If needed, The Sound can accommodate up to 5,000 additional attendees on its lawn. Boats will also be able to hear the music from the nearby harbor.

The venue will have a free grand opening concert featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick on Wednesday, June 28, and tickets are currently on sale for a full schedule of summer concerts, including top-tier acts like The Goo Goo Dolls, Peter Frampton, Kenny Loggins, and John Fogerty. Tickets went on sale today for The Steve Miller Band's December 14 show.

The Sound will be managed by Ruth Eckerd Hall, which also oversees the Capitol Theatre, the Tampa Theatre, the Palladium, Jannus Live, and other venues in addition to its namesake property. Visit the Ruth Eckerd Hall Experience page for ticket and schedule information.