BayCare Sound Information

BayCare Sound was a major part of Clearwater’s efforts to revitalize their downtown area. It all began when general beautification efforts led to the development of several high-rise condos and a large marina, as well as efforts by the Community Redevelopment Agency of Clearwater to bolster housing at all income levels. The redevelopment added several features to the area to attract employers and residents, which led to supercharged interest by public and private investors. New bars, restaurants, and entertainment facilities were created in the area, run-down and classical venues were renovated, and BayCare Sound was formed.

BayCare Sound is one of the wonders of Clearwater’s downtown area since it provides a gorgeous open-air venue for some of the biggest outdoor concerts and festivals in the country. The venue was named after E.H. Coachman, a pioneer elected official who built his home on the site and sold his land to the city in 1916. While originally, the city had planned to use the land to build the Carnegie Library, Coachman’s request that it be turned into a public park was heard and accepted. This led to the venue that concert-goers enjoy today.

Today, BayCare Sound features the Charles Wharton Johnson Pavilion as well as 20 acres of landscaped land and paved walkways that all feature the classic waterfront view. Most events offer general admission for festival-style seating on the lawn, with patrons and guests bringing their chairs or blankets to sit on. There are a few events that offer reserved seating instead. All events also benefit from a variety of food vendors on-site as well as free parking scattered around the local area.

While this general admission seating is used for many concerts and festivals, the biggest event of the year is undeniably the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, a four-day event that has run annually for over 37 years. The event has an average attendance of 35,000 jazz-lovers who come out to check out rising new stars in a variety of musical genres as well as some of the most legendary performers of jazz.

BayCare Sound is proud to be a popular tourist destination for the Tampa Bay Area of Florida. Known for its white-sand beaches, water sports, boating, and fishing, BayCare Sound adds legendary musical performances and timeless celebrations and festivals to what Clearwater has to offer. Best of all, guests and attendees catching evening shows at BayCare Sound will be treated to a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. So book your ticket to an event at BayCare Sound for the best fun around.

The Rich History of The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park

The BayCare Sound’s story spans Clearwater’s musical evolution, from a generous founder’s vision to today’s world-class amphitheater that blends heritage with innovation. Understanding this journey connects every concertgoer to generations who have celebrated art, music, and community on this very waterfront.

How the Music Began for Clearwater

In the early 1900s, the Coachman brothers, Edward and Solomon, played a pivotal role in shaping downtown Clearwater. Their ample contributions to civic development reflected a commitment to building spaces that encouraged community and cultural growth. Edward’s sale of his land to the City of Clearwater in 1943 included his stipulation that the space remain a public park and library, and by 1957, the construction of a modest bandstand began to bring his vision to life.

Local musicians and school bands performed regularly there, transforming the once-quiet park into a vibrant gathering spot for families and music lovers. The sound of live music echoing across Clearwater Harbor quickly became a familiar part of the city’s rhythm, laying the foundation for decades of entertainment ahead.

The Clearwater Festivals That Made History

Coachman Park grew into the cultural heartbeat of Clearwater, Florida. Annual events like the Clearwater Jazz Holiday brought legendary performers to the stage. Crowds witnessed the likes of Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, and Buddy Rich in this location, solidifying the park’s place in America’s jazz history.

The addition of the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival further strengthened the city’s musical identity, blending Florida’s seaside charm with soulful performances. Together, these events drew tens of thousands of visitors, fueling tourism, supporting local businesses, and uniting the community through shared experiences.

Coachman Park became more than just a concert space. It became a symbol of Clearwater’s artistic spirit, where generations gathered under open skies to celebrate music, culture, and connection.

The Modern Transformation

By 2016, the original bandshell no longer met Clearwater’s growing entertainment needs. The Imagine Clearwater campaign aimed to revitalize the waterfront with a larger venue, green spaces, public art, and improved downtown access.

Ruth Eckerd Hall was selected to manage the new facility in 2022. By June 2023, The Sound opened with a weeklong celebration and rave reviews from artists like Ringo Starr and Tommy Shaw. In March 2024, BayCare became the official naming sponsor of the venue, sharing its vision to unite Clearwater’s cultural and community health leaders.

Below are useful pages for further information on BayCare Sound:

BayCare Sound Parking:
Read latest parking options and rules at the BayCare Sound.

Ticket Policies:
Read the latest industry leading ticket guarantee and ticket authenticity policies when purchasing from tickets via this website.

BayCare Sound Seating Chart:
View the BayCare Sound seating chart and read latest information on the various seating options.