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Ruth Eckerd Hall

1111 North McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 791-7400
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Ranked #5 of 28 attractions in Clearwater
Type: Theatres
Owner description: Ruth Eckerd Hall's near perfect acoustics have received rave reviews from artists, technicians and audience members since opening in 1983. Combined... more » Owner description: Ruth Eckerd Hall's near perfect acoustics have received rave reviews from artists, technicians and audience members since opening in 1983. Combined with state of the art equipment, comfortable amenities and world class entertainment, it's no wonder that it has been recognized as one of Tampa Bay's best concert halls numerous times as well as a finalist for Pollstar's Theater of the Year twice. In 2003, the Hall's audience chamber received a complete refurbishment, its 2,180 seats were reconfigured to accommodate more patrons with disabilities, and lobby and restrooms were expanded.Ruth Eckerd Hall has continental-style seating. Almost every patron prizes a center seat and continental-style provides the maximum possible. There are no support columns, no obstructed views. Seating is sloped and staggered. For safety and comfort, the aisle space is wider than traditional layouts; entry and exit can be made while patrons remain seated. There are 14 sets of double doors leading out from the audience chamber. With this configuration, a full house can be cleared in a matter of minutes.Among the original community leaders who conceptualized building a performing arts center this side of Tampa Bay, was Jack Eckerd. During construction, Mr. Eckerd designated a significant contribution as a birthday gift to his beloved wife, Ruth, making the dream a reality. The Hall proudly bears her name. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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172 reviews from our community

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Tampa, Florida
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

East to get to and park. Immaculate, well run place with very friendly and helpful staff. Not too large, so every seat is good and acoustics are good too.

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Santa Maria de Dota, Costa Rica
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
34 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Ruth Eckerd isn't as nice as Mahaffey, but it is quite a step up from the other venues in the area. Great place to see a show.

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See 3 more reviews by kipnoodle for Clearwater
Tampa Bay FL
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Nicely designed with good acoustics and viewing. Nice selection of performances. Valet parking a big help.

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Newville, Pennsylvania
Top Contributor
151 reviews 151 reviews
68 attraction reviews
Reviews in 56 cities Reviews in 56 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

While vacationing in St. Pete we saw a concert here, Crosby, Stills, Nash. The facility is showing its age as in the performance hall the ceiling around the HVAC diffusers shows signs of damage. It seats 2,180 and features continental seating, with no center aisle and was a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design opened in 1983. Given the only access... More

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See 2 more reviews by OBX717 for Clearwater
Michigan
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

They seem to get great act and the sound and seating is better than most places. Easy to get to, easy to exit. One of our favorite places to watch shows or play shows

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See 4 more reviews by tapwaterconchs for Clearwater
Olympia WA
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Was just there a few night ago to see Boz Scaggs. Not sure how many venues are inside this building, because I've always seen artists in the same audtorium. Sound system is good, seating is okay (no center aisle) because one often has to squeeze past people to get to your seat. They have a lot of musical artists....like 6... More

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See 9 more reviews by PetLuvR for Clearwater
Safety Harbor, Florida
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

There is not a bad seat in this hall. The sound is wonderful no matter where you are. The other rooms are perfect for smaller acts.

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Denver, Colorado
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

I've been to the Eckerd Hall for two events in the last few months. There are no bad sight lines. However, if you're in the middle of the house, the sound mix will be distracting because it appears that the speakers are directly over your head.

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See 2 more reviews by Jim H for Clearwater
Safety Harbor, Florida
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

If you like an easy in and easy out venue and a place with great acoustics, check this out. We have seen many concerts here and all seats are decent. Highly recommend seeing a live concert here.

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See 4 more reviews by BuckeyeDan1010 for Clearwater
Tarpon Springs, Florida
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2013

Wonderful small venue without a bad seat in the house. The sound is great, the stage is great, the valet parking is great, the ushers are amazingly great.

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