Ruth Eckerd Hall: World-Class Entertainment on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Just a short drive from our vacation rental, Ruth Eckerd Hall stands as one of the premier performing arts venues in the southeastern United States. This 2,180-seat concert hall has earned recognition as one of the top five concert halls in the nation, thanks to its near-perfect acoustics and intimate atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a Broadway musical, a legendary rock concert, side-splitting comedy, or an evening with the Florida Orchestra, Ruth Eckerd Hall delivers an unforgettable experience.
About the Venue
Ruth Eckerd Hall opened in 1983 after the Kapok Tree Corporation donated 38 acres to the City of Clearwater with the stipulation that a performing arts center be built on the property. Named after Ruth Eckerd, wife of drugstore magnate Jack Eckerd, the 73,000-square-foot venue now hosts over 200 concerts and events each year, drawing more than 350,000 visitors annually.
The hall features continental seating with no center aisle, meaning every seat offers clear sightlines to the stage. Artists, technicians, and audience members consistently rave about the warm acoustics that make performances feel both grand and intimate.
Address: 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, FL 33759
Box Office: (727) 791-7400
Website: rutheckerdhall.com
Box Office Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sunday: Closed (opens 1 hour before performances)
What to Expect
Ruth Eckerd Hall offers an impressive variety of performances throughout the year. Here’s a sampling of what you might catch during your visit:
Broadway Musicals
The 2025-26 Broadway season brings touring productions of hit musicals to Clearwater. Recent and upcoming shows include:
- Moulin Rouge! The Musical – The spectacular spectacular comes to life with stunning sets and over 70 pop hits
- Tina – The Tina Turner Musical – The electrifying bio-musical chronicling the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
- The Book of Mormon – The nine-time Tony Award-winning comedy from the creators of South Park
- Pretty Woman: The Musical – Featuring a score by Bryan Adams
- Mean Girls the Musical – Tina Fey’s hilarious adaptation of her hit film
- Come From Away – The heartwarming true story of 7,000 passengers stranded after 9/11
- Riverdance – The iconic Irish dance spectacular
- Stomp – Where brooms, garbage cans, and hubcaps become percussion instruments
Rock & Pop Concerts
Major touring acts regularly stop at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Recent performers include:
- Brit Floyd – The world’s greatest Pink Floyd tribute experience
- Joe Satriani & Steve Vai – Guitar legends in an intimate setting
- YES – Progressive rock pioneers
- Gov’t Mule – Southern rock powerhouse
- UB40 – Reggae legends
- Gene Simmons Band – KISS co-founder brings his solo show
- Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes – Flamenco and rumba masters
- Blackberry Smoke – Southern rock at its finest
- Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Grammy-winning Americana
Comedy
The hall regularly hosts top comedians in its main auditorium and the more intimate Murray Studio Theater:
- Kevin James – Stand-up from the King of Queens star
- David Spade – SNL legend and actor
- Bill Murray and His Blood Brothers – Comedy icon with musical guests
- Jerry Seinfeld – The master of observational comedy (past performer)
Classical & Orchestra
Ruth Eckerd Hall serves as a regular performance venue for The Florida Orchestra, Tampa Bay’s premier symphony. Throughout the season, you can experience:
- Symphony classics featuring Brahms, Beethoven, and Sibelius
- Pops concerts with guest vocalists
- Special themed performances like “Love and Destiny” and “Femme Fatale”
Family Entertainment
The venue offers programming for all ages:
- Ninja Kidz Live – YouTube stars bring their first live stage show
- Mutts Gone Nuts – Canine comedy and tricks
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland – Aerials and acrobatics with holiday music
- A Christmas Carol – The Dickens classic with special effects
- Annual Family Theater Series throughout the school year
Tribute & Nostalgia Shows
The popular Matinee Collection features afternoon performances (1:00 pm start times) perfect for a relaxed day out:
- Elvis Birthday Bash – Annual celebration of the King
- Stayin’ Alive – The ultimate Bee Gees tribute
- RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles – Note-for-note recreation of the Fab Four
- A1A – The official Jimmy Buffett tribute show
- 117 Years of Broadway – All-star cast performs show-stopping numbers
- Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson – Moonwalking memories
- The Bronx Wanderers – High-energy family band spanning every decade
- So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience – Sweet Caroline and all the hits
Dining Options
Upstage Dining / Dimmitt Lounge
Ruth Eckerd Hall offers exclusive pre-show dining in the Dimmitt Lounge. The package includes appetizers, dessert, and one alcoholic beverage or soda for $29. Reservations are recommended—it’s a great way to make your evening extra special.
Concessions
The modern lobby features bars and concession stands where you can grab drinks and snacks before the show or during intermission. The venue operates primarily on a cashless basis, so bring a credit or debit card.
Parking & Arrival
Parking: FREE on-site parking in the Ruth Eckerd Hall lot. Arrive early for popular shows as the lot can fill up.
What to Bring:
- Your tickets (mobile or printed)
- Valid ID if purchasing alcohol
- Credit/debit card (cashless venue)
- Light jacket (the hall is climate-controlled and can be cool)
Bag Policy: All bags are screened at entry. Bags must fit under your seat without obstruction.
Not Permitted: Cameras, recording devices, outside food/beverages, alcohol
Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible with wheelchair seating and companion seats available on all levels. Contact the box office at (727) 791-7400 for accommodations.
Ticket Information
Ticket prices vary by performance, typically ranging from $29 to $100+ depending on the show and seating location. Budget-friendly options are often available in the upper levels, while orchestra seats offer the most intimate experience.
Ways to Purchase:
- Online at rutheckerdhall.com
- By phone: (727) 791-7400
- In person at the box office
Group Sales: Groups of 15 or more receive discounts. Call (727) 712-2717 or email GroupSales@rutheckerdhall.net
Pro Tip: Sign up for the free eClub at rutheckerdhall.com to get access to pre-sales and special offers before tickets go on sale to the general public.
The Murray Studio Theater
For a more intimate experience, check out the Murray Studio Theater, a smaller venue within the Ruth Eckerd Hall complex. This black-box style space hosts jazz, folk, ethnic music, cabaret shows, comedians, and other performances best enjoyed by smaller audiences. Many shows sell out quickly due to the limited seating.
Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts
Ruth Eckerd Hall is also home to the Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute, offering classes, camps, and private lessons in voice, drama, musical theater, on-camera acting, and various instruments for children and adults. If you’re interested in more than just watching performances, check out their educational programs.
Good to Know
- Capacity: 2,180 seats
- Seating Style: Continental (no center aisle) – Orchestra, Loge, Mezzanine, and Dress Circle levels
- Children Policy: No age limit, but children under 3 are discouraged from adult shows
- Shows Per Year: 200+ events
- Best Seats: Every seat has good sightlines, but Orchestra and Loge offer the most immersive experience
Getting Here from Our Vacation Rental
From: 1731 Clearwater Dr, Largo, FL
To: Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater
Distance: Approximately 6 miles
Drive Time: 12-15 minutes
Directions:
- Head north on Clearwater Largo Rd
- Turn right onto East Bay Dr heading east
- Turn left onto McMullen Booth Rd heading north
- Ruth Eckerd Hall will be on your right after approximately 2 miles
Alternate Route:
- Head north on Clearwater Largo Rd
- Continue as it becomes Keene Rd
- Turn right onto Gulf to Bay Blvd (SR 60) heading east
- Turn left onto McMullen Booth Rd heading north
- Ruth Eckerd Hall will be on your right
Whether you’re catching a touring Broadway blockbuster, laughing along with a world-famous comedian, or experiencing the Florida Orchestra in one of the nation’s finest acoustic spaces, Ruth Eckerd Hall offers an evening you won’t forget. Check the schedule before your trip—with over 200 shows a year, there’s almost always something worth seeing.
