I’ve heard many people rave about going to Clearwater, Fla., to watch the Phillies during spring training. One of my friends goes every year with a group of relatives.
Despite being an avid Philadelphia sports fan, I had never made the trip. Between airfare, hotel, Ubers and food, it’s not a cheap trip. However, after discovering it was logistically possible to fly to Clearwater, catch a game, and fly back to Philly all in one day, I figured I could experience Phillies spring training on a budget.
2:55 a.m.
My alarm rang. Believe it or not, I was very excited. Despite having only slept around three hours, I knew a fun day was ahead. My clothes were already laid out on my chair, and my bag was packed with everything I needed. I took a quick shower, ate a banana and drove off to the airport. The first flight out of Philly to Tampa was at 5:40 a.m., and if I wanted this to work, I could not miss it.
3:51 a.m.
I arrived at The Parking Spot, a lot close to the airport which would shuttle me to the airport terminal. At just $24 for the day, it was cheaper than an Uber, and it was too early to take Regional Rail. This was my first time trying one of these parking services, and I was impressed that a shuttle arrived at my car within two minutes after I parked. I was not expecting this level of service at 4 a.m.
4:15 a.m.
I got dropped off at Terminal E and, as I walked toward the TSA security lines, I was blown away by the crowd. How were there this many people at the airport at 4 a.m.? In the past year I’ve flown out of PHL about 10 times, and I’ve never seen the line this long. This could take up to an hour, and cause me to miss my flight. An adventure over before it could begin! What a nightmare!!
5:03 a.m.
Good news: I got through security in time. Bad news: My flight was delayed by almost three hours. I could not believe how quickly I passed through the security line, only to be met with a massive delay. The silver lining of this was that it would not affect my ability to get to the Phillies game on time. The flight was so early that even a delay this big would get me to Tampa about two hours before the first pitch. To kill my three hours in travel limbo, I purchased a day pass at a newly opened airport lounge, where I was able to grab a big breakfast — and a nap in a quiet room. Not quite worth the $100 day pass, but I didn’t regret it.
7:57 a.m.
The plane to Tampa was successfully boarded. I was blessed with an exit row seat, giving me virtually infinite legroom. Mind you, I did not pay extra for this exit row seat. It was pure luck. The roundtrip plane ticket was $181, although it likely would have been cheaper if I had booked it more than eight days in advance. Still, this whole trip would come out cheaper than an Eagles ticket in the lower bowl, so I felt this spring training trip was a reasonable deal.
11:20 a.m.
Touchdown in Tampa. The flight was easy enough, I had slept through most of it. I did not have to order an Uber to Clearwater because my cousin, David, who lives in Florida, came to pick me up. As a thank you, I brought a cheesesteak with me from Philly and gifted it to him. No, it was not 100% fresh — I purchased it the night before — but David was very happy to indulge in our city’s top delicacy.
12:10 p.m.
While in the sunny state of Florida, I wanted to enjoy the sun, and not just at the ballpark. Yes, this trip was short, but it did not mean I couldn’t stop at the beach. Clearwater is known for its beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it there. Instead, we made a 20-minute pit stop at Courtney Campbell Causeway Beach, which was right off the highway on our way to the ballpark. While not as fancy or secluded, it was a well-kept little beach, only 15 minutes from the ballpark, making it a perfect stop for this quick trip. I changed into my shorts, walked around in the sand, walked ankle-deep into the water, and got back into the car. Thanks to the flight delay earlier, my beach time got cut from about two hours to 20 minutes.
1:07 p.m.
Traffic going to BayCare Ballpark was heavy, and our little beach excursion cost us the first inning. I did not expect parking to be so hectic, but after an $18 parking fee, we were ready to go in and see what spring training ball was all about.
1:19 p.m.
By the time we found a spot in the “berm” seating section, it was already 4-0, Phils. The berm seats give you access to the grassy, general-admission area beyond the outfield, and are generally the cheapest tickets you can buy. I paid $43 for my ticket. In the berm, fans can sit, lay down a towel and picnic while watching the game — though unlike Philly’s Citizens Bank Park, you cannot bring outside food into Baycare Ballpark. Before sitting down, David and I took a lap around the ballpark, put on some complimentary 30 SPF sunscreen, and bought some lemonade.
2:02 p.m.
Kyle Schwarber hits a three-run home run. It’s now 8-1 Phillies in the bottom of the second inning. This crazy travel itinerary is starting to look very much worth it. I can already feel myself burning up in the sun, which is a feeling I haven’t felt back home since September. The complimentary sunscreen absolutely saved my skin today, I had not planned for the intensity of the Florida sun.
2:50 p.m.
After sitting for a while, I decided to walk around the ballpark. At 11-3, the game was essentially in the bag and I wanted to explore some more, since it was my first time at this stadium. I was very impressed by all the food options available: hot dogs, cheesesteaks, seafood baskets, nachos, candy, burgers … and that isn’t even half of it. This may be a spring training game, but there was no shortage of variety. I did, however, find the merch store underwhelming. There was some selection of unique spring training merch, some of it tropical themed, but it was still limited. As much as I wanted to buy something, nothing stood out to me.
3:18 p.m.
Max Kepler smashes a three-run home run. It’s now 14-3, Phillies, in the bottom of the sixth inning. This is becoming a core memory for me as a Phillie fan. I cannot believe how many runs I’m seeing.
4:37 p.m.
The Phillies win, 16-9. I’m rushing out of the stadium to make my 6:25 flight back to Philly. The airport is about 40 minutes away with rush-hour traffic, I’m going to cut it very close. I felt a little burnt and tired, but I was more than satisfied with this trip. All that was left to do to make this a success was to make the flight home.
5:22 p.m.
Arrival at Tampa International Airport. I said a quick goodbye to David, and rushed into the airport. I thought I was cutting it extra close, but after checking the departures screen, I saw the flight was delayed by an hour. We were in the clear, for sure.
7:30 p.m.
I boarded the flight back to Philly, and I did not get blessed with an exit-row seat this time. The exhaustion of this day trip is finally setting in, and I fell asleep shortly after takeoff.
10:09 p.m.
Touchdown in Philly. I slept for the majority of my flight, and I was eager to get home and sleep. The three hours of sleep I got the night before was really hitting me now.
10:45 p.m.
I’m back in my car in the parking lot, with a 20-minute trip home.
11:30 p.m.
I’ve tucked myself into bed after a crazy day of traveling. Excluding the lounge pass I bought, my day trip came out to $266. I would absolutely go to Clearwater again for spring training, but I don’t think I’d do it as a day trip again — although knowing me, I might end up doing it again if the flight’s cheap enough.
8.5/10 Philly experience
(Editor’s note: The Phillies open their season in Washington, D.C., against the Nationals, on Thursday, March 27. The home opener is Monday, March 31, at 3:05 p.m., vs. the Colorado Rockies. Here’s the full season schedule.)
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2025-03-20 17:53:30
