Ruth Eckerd Hall
Nonprofit performing arts organization operating four Clearwater, Florida venues — Ruth Eckerd Hall, Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, BayCare Sound, and Murray Theatre — along with off-site event production, the Hoffman School of the Arts, dining, and venue rental services for the Tampa Bay community.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1977
- HeadquartersClearwater, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Ruth Eckerd Hall does
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. is a Florida-incorporated nonprofit performing arts organization headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, operating four distinct venues within the Tampa Bay market: the flagship 1,800-seat Ruth Eckerd Hall, the historic Nancy & David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater, the outdoor BayCare Sound amphitheater, and the intimate Murray Theatre. The organization presents a diversified live-entertainment slate spanning rock and tribute concerts, theatrical productions, classic-album recreations (Classic Albums Live series), orchestral rock tributes (Florida Rock Symphony), classic film screenings (Summer Movies), and family programming, augmented by on-site F&B including Frenchy's Rooftop Terrace Lounge, The Hideaway Speakeasy, premium dining packages, and concessions. A separate off-site production division, Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road (established 1998), books and produces concerts at partner venues including Tampa Theatre, Palladium Theatre, Coachman Park, the PGA TOUR's Valspar Championship, Tampa Bay Buccaneers games, and the Florida Aquarium.
Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of seven streams: ticket sales across multiple venues; an annual tiered membership program starting at $100 (Circle of Stars, Producers, Troupers, Players, Performers) granting multi-venue pre-sale access and benefits; corporate and private venue rentals including the Margarete Heye Great Room; philanthropic donations, planned giving, and corporate/grantor support; on-site F&B concessions and pre-show dining; elevated VIP packages, luxury boxes, and backstage experiences; and tuition revenue from the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts, which serves more than 60,000 students annually through classes, private lessons, chorus, the SchoolTime Series, community programs, and scholarships. Distribution runs primarily through direct channels — the organization's own website (secure.rutheckerdhall.com), the Raymond James Central Ticket Office, individual venue box offices, group sales (10+), and a venue rental program — supplemented by Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road's partner-venue booking and an active social media, eClub newsletter, and industry trade press presence.
The venue has been consistently named a Top 5 theatre worldwide and in the United States for venues with 2,500 seats or less by Pollstar, has received the VenuesNow 2021 All-Stars Award for Theater and Performing Arts Center, and earned multiple ACM, IEBA, and Pollstar Theatre of the Year nominations (2002, 2008, 2020, 2021), with Chief Programming Officer Bobby Rossi entering his 26th season and nominated for Pollstar's Small Venue Talent Buyer of the Year in 2022. Technology is conventional for the segment: digital ticketing with mobile delivery, infrared Assistive Listening Devices at the indoor venues free of charge, Listen EVERYWHERE app integration at the outdoor venue, and accessibility programming coordinated by a dedicated Patron Services function.
Ruth Eckerd Hall firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ruth Eckerd Hall
- Legal name
- Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.
- Website
- https://rutheckerdhall.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1977
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Nonprofit performing arts organization operating four Clearwater, Florida venues — Ruth Eckerd Hall, Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, BayCare Sound, and Murray Theatre — along with off-site event production, the Hoffman School of the Arts, dining, and venue rental services for the Tampa Bay community.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ruth Eckerd Hall industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Performing Arts Venue
- NAICS
- Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Motion Picture and Video Exhibition (51213)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC), Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL), Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG)
Keywords
Where Ruth Eckerd Hall is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Clearwater
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Ruth Eckerd Hall business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling tickets to live performances, concerts, theatrical productions, and movie screenings across multiple venues. Ticket prices vary by event with standard admission and premium seating options.
- Memberships: Annual membership program with multiple tiers (Circle of Stars, Producers, Troupers, Players, Performers) starting at $100 annually, providing pre-sale access, discounts, and other benefits across all venues.
- Venue Rentals: Rental of venues including Ruth Eckerd Hall, Murray Theatre, Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, and Margarete Heye Great Room for private events, corporate functions, and weddings.
- Donations and Philanthropic Support: Donations from supporters to bolster mission and keep performing arts programs alive. Includes planned giving and corporate/grantor support programs.
- Food and Beverage Concessions: On-site dining and concessions including pre-show dining experiences, prix-fixed meals, Frenchy's Rooftop Terrace Lounge, The Hideaway Speakeasy, and general concession stands.
- VIP and Premium Experiences: Elevated Sound Package upgrades, VIP meet and greet packages, backstage tours, and luxury box rentals offering premium seating with additional amenities.
- Education Programs: Revenue from the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts including classes, private lessons, and educational programming for students of all ages.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Annual membership with multiple tiers offering escalating benefits |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Premium concert experience at The BayCare Sound |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Parking and transportation add-ons |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Private luxury box seating for movie nights |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Backstage VIP experience with exclusive access and merchandise |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Ruth Eckerd Hall product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ruth Eckerd Hall operates a multi-venue performing arts complex in Clearwater, Florida, presenting live concerts, theatrical productions, and movie screenings across four distinct venues (Ruth Eckerd Hall, The Nancy & David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, The BayCare Sound, and Murray Theatre). The organization sells tickets directly to consumers, rents venues for private and corporate events, runs an annual membership program, and operates the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts education program reaching over 60,000 students annually.
Product overview
Ruth Eckerd Hall is a multi-venue performing arts complex operating several distinct venues and event series. The core venues include Ruth Eckerd Hall (main concert hall), The Nancy & David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre (downtown movie/concert venue), The BayCare Sound (outdoor amphitheater), and the Murray Theatre (intimate space). Supporting offerings include the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts (education), Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road (off-site events), event series such as Classic Albums Live, Summer Movies, and Florida Rock Symphony, plus membership programs, venue rentals, and digital ticketing services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts: Performing arts education program impacting more than 60,000 students annually of all ages, abilities, and circumstances
- Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road
- The Nancy & David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
- The BayCare Sound
- Murray Theatre at Ruth Eckerd Hall
- Raymond James Central Ticket Office
Products and services
- Ruth Eckerd Hall (Main Performance Venue) Main performance venue offering live concerts, theatrical productions, and special events with world-class acoustics and seating for patrons seeking live entertainment in the Tampa Bay area.
- The Nancy & David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre Historic theater venue in downtown Clearwater featuring concerts, movies, live performances, and luxury box seating options for individual patrons and private groups.
- The BayCare Sound Outdoor concert venue in downtown Clearwater featuring lawn seating, elevated VIP experiences, and general admission pit access for major touring acts.
- Murray Theatre at Ruth Eckerd Hall Intimate theater space within the Ruth Eckerd Hall complex used for smaller productions and community events.
- Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts Educational arts school offering classes, private lessons, and community programs impacting over 60,000 students annually of all ages and abilities.
- Membership Program Annual membership program with multiple tiers (Circle of Stars, Producers, Troupers, Players, Performers) starting at $100 annually, providing pre-sale ticket access, discounts, and exclusive benefits across all venues.
- Venue Rental Services Rental of venues including Ruth Eckerd Hall, Murray Theatre, Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, and Margarete Heye Great Room for private events, corporate functions, weddings, and meetings.
- Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road Off-site event booking and production division producing concerts at partner venues including Tampa Theatre, Palladium Theatre, Coachman Park, and PGA TOUR Valspar Championship.
- Classic Albums Live Series Concert series performing classic albums note-for-note, cut for cut, including Eagles Greatest Hits and Supertramp's Breakfast in America.
- Summer Movies Series Classic film screenings at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre featuring beloved movies with concessions available.
- Florida Rock Symphony Series Rock tribute concert series featuring orchestral arrangements of classic rock music.
Quantifiable outcome
- 60,000+ students impacted annually through arts education programs
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Ruth Eckerd Hall
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Ruth Eckerd Hall technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Ruth Eckerd Hall partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- CBIZminorPreferred partner providing business services to Ruth Eckerd Hall.
- Clearwater GasminorPreferred partner providing gas services to Ruth Eckerd Hall.
- Fitness360minorPreferred partner in the fitness industry located in Palm Harbor.
- Raymond James FinancialminorNamed sponsor of the Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
- Robert's PrintingminorPreferred partner providing printing services.
- WestCMRminorPreferred partner providing medical equipment services.
- Tampa TheatrecoreVenue partnership for Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road events. Tampa Theatre is a historic downtown Tampa venue built in 1926.
- Palladium TheatrecoreVenue partnership for Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road events. Located in downtown St. Petersburg's cultural center.
- Coachman ParkcoreVenue partnership for Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road events. Outdoor venue destination in Clearwater.
- Clearwater Jazz HolidaycoreRuth Eckerd Hall On The Road produces and books the annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday concert event.
- PGA TOUR Valspar ChampionshipminorRuth Eckerd Hall On The Road produces and books the concert at the PGA TOUR's Valspar Championship held at Innisbrook.
- Tampa Bay BuccaneersminorRuth Eckerd Hall On The Road produces and books concerts for the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Florida AquariumminorRuth Eckerd Hall On The Road produces and books events for The Florida Aquarium.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Ruth Eckerd Hall competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Amalie Arena: Tampa Bay's primary large-scale indoor concert venue (20,000+ capacity), home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Operated as a for-profit venue competing for the same touring artists but at a different scale; captures acts Ruth Eckerd Hall cannot host, anchoring the regional live-entertainment competitive set.
- Straz Center for the Performing Arts: Nonprofit performing arts center located in downtown Tampa, within the same Tampa Bay market as Ruth Eckerd Hall. Operates multiple venues (Carole and Manny Hirst Hall, Ferguson Hall, Jaeb Theater) presenting Broadway, opera, comedy, and concerts; competes directly for the same patron base and touring productions.
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Orlando-based nonprofit performing arts complex operating four venues including the 2,700-seat Steinmetz Hall. Closest scale and venue-mix analog to Ruth Eckerd Hall (multiple indoor venue formats, education programs, donor-supported nonprofit). Competes for Florida touring acts and corporate sponsorships.
- Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts: West Palm Beach nonprofit performing arts center with a 2,200-seat main hall plus Persson Hall and the Rinker Playhouse. A Florida nonprofit PAC of similar scale (headcount, multi-venue format, education programming, Pollstar/industry recognition) that competes for touring artist routing decisions across the state.
- MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre: Tampa-area outdoor amphitheater operated by Live Nation in the same Tampa Bay market. Directly competes with Ruth Eckerd Hall's BayCare Sound for outdoor concert touring acts, season pass holders, and amphitheater-format ticket dollars.
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre: Atlanta-area nonprofit performing arts center (2,750-seat main hall plus smaller spaces) operated by the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority. Comparable mid-tier Southeastern US PAC competing for touring Broadway and concert productions at similar scale and ticket economics.
- Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall: Fort Myers-based performing arts venue operated by Florida SouthWestern State College. Presents touring concerts and Broadway productions in a comparable mid-size Florida market. Competes for routing on the same artist circuits as Ruth Eckerd Hall.
- Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts (Jacksonville PAC): Jacksonville, FL nonprofit performing arts center operating Moran Theater, Terry Theater, and smaller venues. Similar multi-venue Florida nonprofit PAC competing for the same touring artist pool and donor base in a comparable metro market.
- Palladium Theatre (Hough Family Hall): Historic performing arts venue in downtown St. Petersburg listed as a Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road partner. Comparable nonprofit-style theater in the same Tampa Bay region presenting concerts, comedy, and theatrical productions to a similar patron base.
Broad incumbents
- Blumenthal Performing Arts: Charlotte, NC-based nonprofit operating the Belk Theater, Knight Theater, Booth Playhouse, and other venues. Larger multi-venue nonprofit PAC serving a comparable mid-tier metro with similar programming, education, and donor-supported model; broader in scope than Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ruth Eckerd Hall social profiles
Digital presenceRuth Eckerd Hall financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ruth Eckerd Hall leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Ruth Eckerd Hall subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Ruth Eckerd Hall funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ruth Eckerd Hall M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ruth Eckerd Hall
What does Ruth Eckerd Hall do?
Ruth Eckerd Hall operates a multi-venue performing arts complex in Clearwater, Florida, presenting live concerts, theatrical productions, and movie screenings across four distinct venues (Ruth Eckerd Hall, The Nancy & David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, The BayCare Sound, and Murray Theatre). The organization sells tickets directly to consumers, rents venues for private and corporate events, runs an annual membership program, and operates the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts education program reaching over 60,000 students annually.
Is Ruth Eckerd Hall a public or private company?
Ruth Eckerd Hall is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Ruth Eckerd Hall founded?
Ruth Eckerd Hall was founded in 1977. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Ruth Eckerd Hall based?
Ruth Eckerd Hall is headquartered in Clearwater, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ruth Eckerd Hall make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Ticket Sales are the primary driver. The others are memberships, venue Rentals, donations and Philanthropic Support, food and Beverage Concessions, VIP and Premium Experiences and education Programs.
Who are Ruth Eckerd Hall's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Amalie Arena, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts (Jacksonville PAC) and Palladium Theatre (Hough Family Hall). Blumenthal Performing Arts is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Ruth Eckerd Hall have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ruth Eckerd Hall.
What industry is Ruth Eckerd Hall in?
Ruth Eckerd Hall's product category is Performing Arts Venue. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAGALAB, Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses), with a secondary code of MPAGALAC, Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues). Its NAICS code is 71131 and its SIC code is 7900.