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Ruth Eckerd Hall: BayCare Sound reports record attendance, stronger regional draw and sustainability gains
Summary
Ruth Eckerd Hall officials told Clearwater city leaders the BayCare Sound had its busiest season to date in 2025, remitting $781,631 in surcharges to the city (a 70% increase over FY24), ranking among the top amphitheaters worldwide for venues under 10,000 seats, and cutting single‑use plastic drinkware through reusable and biodegradable cup use.
Ruth Eckerd Hall officials told Clearwater city leaders on Nov. 3 that the BayCare Sound hosted 58 events in 2025 and remitted $781,631 in venue surcharges to the city for fiscal year 2025, a 70% increase from the $455,500 remitted in FY24. Megan Brennan, vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer for Ruth Eckerd Hall, said the season included the venue’s highest‑grossing and largest‑capacity shows to date and that the Sound is now ranked third among amphitheaters worldwide in the category of venues with 10,000 seats or fewer.
The presentation emphasized the venue’s economic impact on downtown Clearwater. A survey of ticket holders found 61% of respondents traveled from outside Pinellas County and 67% dined out when attending a show; of those who dined out, 91% reported dining in downtown Clearwater. Brennan said 86% of surveyed attendees reported they were “very likely” to return.
Brianna Roberts, vice president of event operations, described sustainability measures implemented at the Sound. The venue reported saving more than 125,000 single‑use plastic drinkware items from landfill through reusable aluminum cups, canned beverages, and a program to sell reusable cups. The team estimated roughly 450 cubic yards of recyclable material diverted during the season and noted new biodegradable rice‑based cups for pit‑area attendees and expanded on‑site recycling and reduced paper use through video displays.
Roberts also said staff have begun energy audits and are piloting solar lighting backstage, mobile ticket kiosks downtown, and expanded digital signage to reduce paper programs. The presentation said planned 2026 bookings already included 17 confirmed shows and an additional set of offers and holds under negotiation.
The council thanked Ruth Eckerd Hall staff for the work and for data showing the venue’s regional draw and local spending, and asked staff to continue pursuing sustainability and access improvements.
