The Phillies are on pace to shatter spring training attendance records at Brighthouse Networks Field this spring. Almost every home game the team breaks the previous home game’s record of largest crowd in stadium history. Thousands of fans make the 1,100 mile trip south, but when do they go and how do they get there?
The best time of year to go to Clearwater is the third week in March, the weather is the most consistent and Phillies fans still mix with spring breakers. Fans looking to get great weather and avoid spring breakers should go as late in March as they can. The first three weeks of March are the most popular for college spring break.
Phillies fans that elect to make the pilgrimage to Clearwater in late February or early March must realize even though they are in Florida, not every day will be 80 degrees and sunny. It is common for the high to only be 60 degrees at that time of year. Fans should plan to stay a minimum of four days in Florida to guarantee they experience at least one quality Florida beach day along with a two Phillies games.
Most Phillies fans fly to Clearwater. Phillies fans that decide to fly, should book their flight before Christmas. Round trip flight prices within a month of a fan’s intended arrival date to Clearwater could be as high as 700 dollars round trip for one ticket. Fans that are 
flying should book well in advance.
Despite the current record high gas prices, driving to Clearwater is still the cheapest way of getting there. Economy four cylinder vehicles can make it to Clearwater on 2 and a half tanks of gas.
Phillies fans interested in a road trip to Clearwater better have patience. It is a 17 and a half hour drive from Philadelphia to Clearwater. It is crucial to leave Philadelphia by 3 am in order to avoid the Washington D.C. morning rush hour.
It is important to stay within 10 miles an hour of the speed limit from Virginia south. State police are hiding on the side of the road every 2 miles or so, especially in Virginia and North Carolina.
The 14 hour mark is when Phillies fans will hit the Florida border, at that point they feel great, but be warned Florida is the longest state to drive through. Phillies fans will have to drive two hours west followed by two hours south to reach Clearwater; this part of the drive is the worst.
Fans that find it best to relieve themselves road side during their drive should think twice about using that method in Florida. The writer of this article found out the hard way, snakes and mosquitos will await those looking to create their own roadside bathroom.
Fans should arrive in Clearwater between 8:30 and 9:00 pm. The best advice is to go straight to bed. A 17 and a half hour drive will leave fans stressed out and exhausted.
