BayCare signs naming rights deal for Clearwater concert venue
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Feb 27, 2024

BayCare Health System has acquired the naming rights to The Sound, the concert venue within Clearwater's Coachman Park.

The 4,000-seat waterfront amphitheater will be known as The BayCare Sound, pending Clearwater City Council's approval. A vote is scheduled for March 7.

In a contract negotiated by The Superlative Group Inc., BayCare and the city have agreed to a 10-year naming rights deal. BayCare will pay $475,000 for the naming rights the first year, and the annual payment increases by 3% each year. Over the 10-year term, BayCare will pay over $5.4 million, the city said. The health system also has the option of a 10-year extension of the existing contract when it expires in 2034.

"BayCare is excited to expand our longstanding relationship with the city of Clearwater and create a foundation for future communitywide collaborations at The BayCare Sound venue," Lou Galdieri, BayCare co-chief operating officer, said in a statement. "The BayCare Sound partnership furthers our shared commitment of investing in the communities we serve and, together, building healthier, more active and engaged communities across all of West Central Florida."

BayCare also has the naming rights to the Philadelphia Phillies spring training facility in Clearwater, BayCare Ballpark.

"We are incredibly excited to have The BayCare name on this venue. Having such a well-respected community institution associated with this community treasure is the perfect fit," Susan M. Crockett, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO, said in a statement. "We look forward to celebrating together as The BayCare Sound continues to rise in the rankings."

Ruth Eckerd Hall was chosen to manage the amphitheater over Tampa's Vinik Sports Group in a contentious vote in 2022.