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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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169 reviews from our community

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Newville, Pennsylvania
Top Contributor
148 reviews 148 reviews
67 attraction reviews
Reviews in 56 cities Reviews in 56 cities
40 helpful votes 40 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

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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Clearwater, Florida
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

This venue, which features the very best in all types of entertainment, is staffed by a trained corps of volunteer ushers who make sure you have a positive experience. This complex contains two theaters, and offers a variety of theatre related classes. Their web site will give you all the upcoming performances, I know you'll recognize the names......they also feature... More

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See 3 more reviews by GladtoGoRose for Clearwater
Hickory, North Carolina
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2013

Lots of history..nice small venue..nothing high tech..but good solid event venue. I like the small home town feel.. Easy to get in and out..

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See 7 more reviews by Warehouse2120 for Clearwater
Clearwater, Florida
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 April 2013

We enjoy going to shows at Ruth Eckerd Hall because the acoustic are so good and the seats are comfortable. The caliber of shows are also very good. The only challenge is getting out of the parking lot after a show but we aren't in a hurry so it's no big deal. Always a great evening of entertainment!

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