Major improvements at Bright House Field in Clearwater officially kicked off the spring training season for the Philadelphia Phillies.
In the shadow of U.S. 19 in Clearwater sits Bright House Field. Outside, the satellite trucks are parked and fans are scooping up tickets. Inside, the grass is fresh and green and the dirt is combed beautifully.
The “P” does not stand for "pretzel," but for "Phillies." The boys of summer are back in their spring training home.
On Wednesday the Phillies unveiled a brand new video board and LED display. The organization also showed off its new food options and a few pieces of merchandise.
The day, though, was about baseball. It was about the Phillies returning to Clearwater as the city prepares to celebrate its 100 years of existence.
“We’re real proud of that relationship we’ve had with the Phillies all these years,” Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos said.
People shivered a few times as the winds blew and the overcast skies settled in, but those who are from the frigid cold Northeast are sweating with anticipation.
“It’s great to be out here," Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp said. "You know, you have weather in the 70s, not as nice a day today. The sun’s shining just about every day and, you know, it’s great weather for baseball."
Baseball is back in the Tampa Bay area. For many that has a nice ring to it, and they all know soon the seats will be full.
Bright House Field is named after Bright House Networks which is the parent company of Bay News 9, Bright House Sports Network, and News 13.