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All 66 Clearwater Attractions »

Ruth Eckerd Hall

1111 North McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 791-7400
Ranked #5 of 32 attractions in Clearwater
4.5 of 5 stars 55 Reviews
Type: Theaters
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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55 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    37
    12
    5
    1
    0
Date Rating
Holiday, Florida
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

value and ambience made for a memorable theater experience More

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See 3 more reviews by mfl070707 for Clearwater
Clearwater, Florida
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

This is a nice venue, especially for a smaller metropolitan area, and it attracts big name stars and programs. I've seen Bill Crosby perform there a couple of times and the size of the theater suited a solo performance. However I was disappointed by Riverdance, after previously seeing it on Broadway, because they cut the number of dancers and the... More

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See 5 more reviews by ClwMurph for Clearwater
Orlando, Florida
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

The people who run it do such a good job of bringing in such a non-stop variety of entertainment. From soup to nuts all year round. More

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See 3 more reviews by Marc T for Clearwater
New Port Richey, Florida
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2012

I attended the Florida orchestra's performance tonight at Ruth Eckerd Hall. What a delight. Perfect accoustics, short walk parking, courteous service by ushers. Every seat is a good seat. Already booked another concert in August. Going to see Meat Loaf!!! Very nice intimate feel. How lucky we are to have this awesome jewel in our community! More

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Belleair Bluffs, Florida
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2012

REH gets good performers and shows, and the seating is OK - a middle aisle would make it a lot better! BUT .... getting in and out by car (and there is NO public transportation available) is a real hassle. Even exiting the theater after a show is ridculus because almost everyone goes out the same set of doors. If... More

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Tampa, Florida
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2012

Agree that acoustics are fab. and there is no bad seat. The aisle deal is not an easy fix but minor in the grand scheme of things. I am surprised that fire marshall group does not require better / quicker egress; i.e. more aisles. I will say that the rows are nice and wide so you can walk through with... More

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Orlando, Florida
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2012

This location is an incredible place to see a concert. It holds around 2,000 people and the sound is just incredible. I went to the Creed Concert on Saturday and it was absolutely incredible. What a great time. Creed Rocked as well by the way. Great venue that I will be going to again. More

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Lutz, Florida
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2012

This was our first time at Ruth Eckerd Hall and won't be our last. It is a great venue and not a bad seat in the place, although we were almost center about 11 rows from the stage. They offer a wide variety of acts of Broadway musicals, Singing acts, etc. More

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See 4 more reviews by GaryDassatti for Clearwater
Parrish, Florida
Top Contributor
72 reviews 72 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 26, 2012

Don't get me wrong. Ruth Eckerd Hall is clean and well maintained. There seems to be ample parking, and there is really not a bad seat in the place, well that is if you don't mind tiny seats. However, on my first visit to the venue, the thing I was struck by is the fact that there is no center... More

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Clarksburg, West Virginia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012

Recently visited Clearwater for spring vacation. My daughter and I are huge DAUGHTRY fans, and planned the vacation around the concert on Wednesday. I would agree with a previous review that the rows are long. We were in the fifth row near the end. During the opening acts, people were in and out of their seats getting drinks, food, etc.... More

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See 8 more reviews by gkatsmom for Clearwater

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