After experiencing a Florida State League game the day before at Steinbrenner Field, I was somewhat apprehensive of going to Bright House Field, home of the Clearwater Threshers and the Phillies Spring Training home. The ballpark looked nice enough, but just because of what I experienced in Tampa, I wasn't holding out great hope. I am glad I was wrong.

I think it might have been because I ended up going on Fireworks night that there was a nice sized crowd, but it was a far cry of what I saw in Tampa. The fans showed out for the Threshers, which is the Phillies affiliate, unlike in Tampa for the Yankees. I think because the Phillies have been around in Clearwater for almost 50 years while the Yankees were around for a little over 15 in Tampa. That might be a reason.

We got there and the outside view said "Florida" with how the architecture was. It had a Spanish-style feel to it on top of the red brick and beams that you know you are going to see the Phillies or the affiliate. It had the script of the caps the Phils have worn on the outside in a nice interval. There was a fountain of a pitcher too, but it was not cleaned and wasn't working. That will be the only gripe I had on the ballpark.

We got inside to see the dimensions of the park resemble that of Citizen's Bank Park, though the walls were larger all around. It is a lovely facility and clean, with plenty of red beams on the concourses and it just had that feel of being in Citizen's Bank Park. For a Minor League park, it was very standard with the upper level having the luxury boxes, but along the third base line had a large team shop, with both Phillies and Threshers gear. On the first base side had concessions. In left field you had Frenchy's, which is more of a tiki bar, which looked great. The outfield you could walk all around as kids were playing catch beyond the outfield wall.

The food was tasty. Now I am not sure personally how legit it is, but there was supposed to be a concession stand that was only found in two places: Philadelphia and Clearwater and it sold (yep) cheesesteaks. I ordered one because I am a cheesesteak nut and it was one of the best cheesesteaks I had. My wife said she felt something was missing on hers, though I didn't have an issue. The hot dogs were pretty tasty as well.

The one thing I really applaud Bright House Field was the field crew themselves. Most sat behind home plate, watching the game and acting like fans until they had to do their normal thing between innings, but that wasn't the reason why. The week before, Hurricane Debby hit the area and flooded the park badly. It was a giant mess. How they handled it was mind boggling because you couldn't have figured they had a hurricane hit there. The only way you could tell was the line score on the main scoreboard (which was fine) was out.

Overall Bright House Field has been one of the best experiences if not the best experience I ever had. I probably would have it better if I went down in March for a Spring Training game, but I am more than content to have what I got that night.

My overall rating of Bright House Field was a 96.5%. I found a lot of things great and nothing wrong (except the fountain) with the park. It is my highest ranking I've given a park, Majors or Minors. If you are in the Clearwater area, I think it is a must you check it out.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE PARK:

1. Food. Great food all around.
2. Staff. Even the vendors and ushers as well as the field crew were very friendly. Save for the field crew, the vendors and ushers were pretty much in their golden years and acted happy to be there. And the field crew gave my children a few game used baseballs.
3. Inside view. Lovely all around.
4. Atmosphere. Felt like a Minor League park. And it was a night where the Philly Phanatic made an appearance while Phinley (Clearwater's mascot)was making fans laugh as well. I love this maybe because of the zero atmosphere I felt in Tampa.
5. Prices. Mostly everything, including souvenirs were under face value.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE PARK:
Actually, save for the fountain, there was nothing wrong with it in my eyes. Amazing place.