Questions on spring training, prob. Phils, last week of March

[DTF955]

I can't believe I've been to Treasure Island so much and never the spring training sites around it, but I wasn't much into baseball in the '70s when my grandparents, mom, and I would go, and the last few years when I started going again with my parents I've just had too much fun soaking up the sun and swimming and stuff.

However, this year I'm determined. Parents and I want to go to a game, and since the Phils' schedule is out, I'm thinking Clearwater, it seems closest (Treasure Island is just above St. Pete). I know Tampa wand Bradenton would only bemaybe 5 miles further, but the Yankees and Red Sox would probably be too budy, and Tampa's Devil Rays are just...well, the Devil Rays :-) Seriously, I figure I'll go with the closest one, and the one with the schedule out already.

My questions are as follows:
1. When do people usually show up for these. I know it's more relaxed, and I get the sense of players mingling with fans a bit more, but it will be a week before the season starts, so does that mean it'll be more like a regular season atmosphere?

2. What kind of foods are at the minor league places - about same as regular ballpark fare at their respective stadiums back north?

3. What are some good restaurant recommendations in the Clearwater area, as that's like the city we will drive up to, and it'd be nice to have someplace to go after the game.

Thanks, and if you want to recommend the Yankees' or Red Sox' or Devil Rays' spring training site, go ahead. Maybe some other year I'll try there, too.

[DevilRays1969]

If you're in Treasure Island, you really can't go wrong with Spring Training. Of course the Devil Rays would be closest (straight shot down Central Ave) but the Phillies are probably about 30 mins away. Also the Blue Jays' ballpark is about 10 mins. away from the Phillies' ballpark. Tampa's about 30 mins. away but they sell out the day tix go on sale. Bradenton's about 30-45 mins and it's worth the drive if you want to see spring training like it used to be in an older ballpark.

Now to answer your questions:

1) If the stadium & training complex are on the same site, go early if you want autographs. Otherwise, plan to arrive about an hour before gametime because of traffic.

2) Food is about the same as at major league ballparks--of course the Phillies have cheesesteaks.

3) There is an Old Chicago in the Bright House Field (Phillies) parking lot. It's Chicago style pan pizza (as the name implies) and they have a HUGE beer list. I'll also recommend Dominic's Capri (Italian) which is on Clearwater Beach on Mandalay Ave. (the main drag) kitty corner from a very large hotel that I think now is a Hilton but it's been a Holiday Inn and a Radisson in the past. Also I haven't been but I have heard good things from friends/family about Island Way Grill--it's off the Memorial Causeway on the way to Clearwater Beach. Mike Alstott is a part owner.