Philadelphia Phillies have secured major public backing for a $205 million overhaul of their spring training facility at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida.
Pinellas County officials approved an $85 million contribution funded through tourist development taxes, in a 6–1 vote. The decision marks the largest public funding component of the project, which also includes contributions from the state of Florida and the city of Clearwater.
The upgrade plan includes renovations to locker rooms and batting cages, expanded seating, and a broader redevelopment vision that incorporates a residential, dining, and retail “Ballpark Village†built on newly acquired adjacent land.
The Phillies, who have trained in Clearwater since 1947, are also expected to extend their long-standing lease through 2047 under the new agreement.
While supporters of the deal argue it strengthens local tourism and economic activity, one county commissioner criticized the structure as “lopsided,†highlighting ongoing debates over public funding for professional sports facilities in the United States.
Construction is expected to modernize one of MLB’s most historic spring training sites while anchoring the Phillies’ long-term presence in Florida.