Ruth Eckerd Hall

1111 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759, USA

Address:	1111 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759, USA
Phone:	+1 727-791-7400
Site:	rutheckerdhall.com
Rating:	4.4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

robert sheridan

This is a review on how Ruth Eckert Hall crushed my 13 year old sons dream of actually meeting the Rock and Roll Hall of fame nominees - the Zombies! We paid $300 for the Ruth Eckert Hall "Meet and Greet"with the Zombies...My son...the ONLY child at the venue... was looking forward to meeting the legendary band and arrived in Clearwater theatre two hours early since there was no instruction that came in the envelope with the tickets mailed months earlier....there werent many people at all at that time...we were early...so we thought...we walked around to see where people were assembled for the meet....we bought Zombies merchandise...still no sign..then asked a staff member where exactly do we go...he looked directly at my son, as if he did something wrong, and stated "You missed it! Its over!" I reminded him show doesnt start until 2 hrs...Kept my cool...went to another staff member....Stepanie...who was much nicer and pleasant...attempted to make it right but management denied her (and me and my son) for a "Meet and Greet" with no explanation of why or how we missed out...other than "policy." No definition of policy was given...No refund given for the "Meet and Greet" ...the delivery was harsh...hence, any attempt protesting on my behalf .....I truly sensed...would more than likely escalate with these folks... remaining couteous was the right option in setting an example as a Dad....etc...long story short...we were crushed...if they only knew what huge fans were...it was a small venue and yes...plenty of time to spare...the second row...our row, was the "meet and greet" row...me and my son were the only people in that row...the rest? They eventually filtered back over an hour to tell us how awesome Rod Argent and the other band members were...got to take picture with them...etc....... Today I called the ticket office to see where communication collapsed ...a Ruth Eckert manager initially addressed me as "the guy" that missed out on a Barbara Eden "Meet and Greet"..and then recanted. He confused me with another "Meet and Greet" case he was dealing with... (seems to be a pattern going on here)...anyway...turns out there was an email sent a few days before on details of where to go and exactly when... and somehow I should have known to check one of five email SPAM accounts before our arrival...I stated I was there at the time the email requested..as proof..we have the sales receipt with time for the merchandise we purchased...then a myriad of excuses followed...i.e., Ruth Eckert is not affiliated with the "Meet and Greet" organization...which may be true ... (although the $300 Meet and Greet" charge on the card went to Ruth Eckert) .....then the excuse came that we were not at the desk when the group departed for the Meet and Greet....so on...so on...Again...today.. no refund on the "meet and greet" fee I was charged...no apologies...no attempt to make it right..or any offers to make it right...basically stating its over and nothing they can do now .....essentially failing to step back ...seeing the big picture...and just man-up.....Our crime ? Father and son getting pumped up months ahead for this one event...learning all about their new songs ... arriving early to meet Rock legends...and having ..whoever is in charge..allow nebulous "policy" to over ride the ONLY kid at the concert.. who simply wanted to shake hands with Giants...when the "meet and greet" was still in session....Mismanagement doesnt even touch this....management targeted the only child present....my child....and ultimately deflated him....and thats the real truth.. Policy or not...enough said...

Linda Aston

I have been attending concerts and performances at REH for over twenty-five years. That may be coming to an end. My husband and I recently attended a concert of the very talented musician, Harry Connick, Jr. Throughout the concert over thirty people walked back and forth in front of us, carrying beer, wine, and other drinks. I cannot emphasize how distracting it was to endure this continuous stream of people. Not between sets, but continuous, side doors opening and closing, people walking across us. I contacted REH the next day to inquire about this. Their response was to the effect of, “Yes, the bar stays open throughout the performances and people are allowed to come and go at will. This policy will not be changing and you will have to live with this change in theater etiquette.” I was astonished at the flippant response from such a historically dignified concert hall. This was so disappointing after spending over $200 for this performance. In contrast, I attended a Lighting hockey game whereby the ushers insisted that no one is allowed to enter the arena rows during a play as to not distract the spectators from their enjoyment of the game. Amazing how a hockey arena, known for beer guzzling rowdy fans, adheres to a stricter etiquette than the Ruth Eckerd Hall. Sadly, my theater dollars will be spent driving the extra distance to the STRAZ Theater in Tampa.

Rich Keyes

We went to the Capitol theatre last night to see Dr John and Ive never been so disappointed in an event at a Ruth Eckerd venue!!! One of, if not the primary reason, I love and patronize Ruth Eckerd is the intimacy and overall ambience of the venue. Last night all seemed good until Dr john took the stage. The stage manager or crew had placed a music sheet stand and light directly in the line of sight of many in the audience. We could not even see Dr John nor could we see the piano keyboard to experience his great talent. Early on, I complained to the head usher that a simple lowering or adjustment of this obstruction would benefit many who came to see him play. Well, nothing was done and the concert was ruined for us and many others as well. As for needing this obstruction.....Dr John played one song as he turned toward this obstacle! It should have been moved or removed from this spot directly in front of the main performer! It was a total waste of time and money! I should not be expected to attend an event at your venue and not be able to see the performers face!!!! Or, in this case, see his fingers on the keyboards for which he is famous....it was an awful experience....

Amanda Savas

Rene has got to be one of the BEST venue managers out there EVER! She is detail oriented, nice, caring, attentive, and is basically "inside your head" to know exactly what you want. She was a 100% NON-STRESSFUL vendor for our wedding, and I felt so at ease knowing our reception was in her hands. I literally did not worry about one thing with Rene. The Great Room was being renovated all summer and literally, our wedding was the first one in the room. I visited the venue 2 days before the wedding, and although there was still construction workers around the room, Rene assured me there would be no issues for Saturday...she was 100% correct. The room was BEAUTIFUL and her staff did such an amazing job. If youre looking for a venue that is different from others you have seen (i.e. country clubs)...this is the place for you. The cocktail hour can be out on the 3rd floor terrace which makes it even more beautiful. Check this place our for sure and calm your nerves by working with Rene. Shes awesome!!!!

Michelle Carey

Girls night at Ruth Eckerd tonight to see the Tampa Bay Ballet perform Dracula. We went early and enjoyed the pre-show dinner. The dinner is buffet style and the choices were limited but very well done. Tonight we had mixed green salad with gouda and strawberries and creamy chicken soup to start. The main coarse consisted of roasted potatoes, broccoli, and blackened chicken and/or garlic rubbed steak. It came with a complimentary soda or glass of wine as well as water, tea and coffee. An open bar was also available. The bartender told us in advance that mixed drinks were $10. The staff throughout the evening were friendly and helpful. The performance was wonderful. There are no obstructed views. The seats are on the small side so a packed house feels a little crowded. The Tampa Ballet performed beautifully and we already plan to see them again. We all had an excellent time and cant wait to go back!