The Threshers Tiki Bar
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Where: In the left-field concourse at Bright House Networks Field, 601 Old Coachman Road, Clearwater; (727) 442-8496
Hours: The Tiki Bar is open during and up to three hours after Clearwater Threshers baseball games. The Philadelphia Phillies minor-league team opens its home schedule April 9 at 7:05 p.m. against the Dunedin Blue Jays. For a complete schedule, go to web Threshersbaseball.com.
Cover: The cost of a baseball ticket: $8 (premium box), $6 (field box) and $3 (berm seating).
Signature drink: The Red Thresher: Malibu mango rum, Bacardi rum and Rum Runner mix.
What to wear: In the spirit of baseball and the boys of summer, shorts and T-shirts work best (especially anything with a Phillies or Threshers insignia).
The scene: The Tiki Bar has a vibe that can't be found anywhere except a minor-league stadium. There's the smell of fresh-cut grass, roasted peanuts and hot dogs. Fans pack the bar, drink cold beer and forget the action on the field. It's America's pastime at its best.
Specials: We know this joint is about the atmosphere, but another attraction is the bucket of five domestic beers for $18.50. Wednesday's happy hour features a new drink special each week, and all drinks are two-for-one on Thursday.
The scoop: Drinking beer at a baseball game is nothing new. But there is something unique and pure about attending a minor-league game. The sights, sounds and smells make for memories that we'll carry with us well beyond the final out. While The Tiki Bar respects those baseball traditions, it's really more about the party. Most of the fans are locals, and many of them don't even watch baseball.
Since Bright House Networks Field opened in March of last year, The Tiki Bar has become a major draw. The Wednesday happy hour is one of the busiest in Clearwater and Thursday night is like walking into a packed cookout at your friend's new pad.
Young professionals kick off the evening at the bar, check the scoreboard occasionally, then celebrate a victory with a live band or local DJ. Threshers baseball might be the attraction on the field, but the Tiki Bar has an essence all its own.
Insider secret: If you wait until the top of the eighth inning, you can enter the ballpark for free and head straight to the bar.
By Doug Van Sant
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