Aquarium Sets Attendance Record During Spring Break

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium set its third best attendance day at its main facility and saw a record combined visitors at both the Island Estates and downtown Clearwater facility recently during spring break.

The 5,695 visitors to see Winter the dolphin, Hope, Rufus and other marine animals at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Island Estates facility March 26 is the third highest day in attendance, according to Michael Atwell, spokesman for the aquarium.

“With regards to the record for both facilities, I have asked for this information and will pass it along as soon as I have it,” he said.

Aquarium officials presented a $160 million plan to develop a 203,000-square-foot facility where City Hall is currently located in March, saying the expanded facility could double its capacity.

Last year, more than 700,000 visitors packed the Island Estates facility. Winter's Dolphin Tale Adventure in the Harborview Center attracted more than 315,000 people to downtown.

Officials expect millions more visitors in the coming years.

An economic impact analysis created by the University of South Florida forecasts approximately 800,000 visitors to the aquarium next year and estimates 2.3 million by 2016.

Because of these visitors, the Tampa Bay area economy would see a boost of approximately $580 million in 2013 with gradual increases each year, with an estimated $1.7 billion impact in 2016.

The 20-page study took about nine months to complete. It used detailed information culled from various economic indicators since the Dolphin Tale movie's November 2011 release.

Some residents have questioned the impact of those visitors, saying many might come to downtown to visit the displays of movie sets and props at the Harborview Center. A Downtown Neighborhood Association survey showed many of those visitors scuttle back to the Jolley Trolley or marina for the boat ride back to Island Estates.

Florida Aquarium officials also questioned the feasibility of the numbers.

Doug Montgomery, chairman of the aquarium, said the facility in Tampa was expected to bring in 1.8 million visitors and the 150,000-square-foot facility would be built for about $50 million. However, the aquarium has never had a million visitors, and the city was left with $84 million in bonds.

“We have awareness they don’t have,” said David Yates, Clearwater Marine Aquarium CEO. “The movie doesn’t end today. This awareness goes on for years and years.”

Top attendance days:

• 6,085 - April 4, 2012
• 5,747 - April 3, 2012
• 5,695 - March 26, 2013

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Visitors:

• 2006: 78,000
• 2009: 155,000
• 2010: No figures available
• 2011: 214,000
• 2012: 750,000

Related coverage:

• Florida Aquarium Official Warns Clearwater: Look Closely at the Numbers
• Poll: Would You Support $160 Million Clearwater Marine Aquarium Plan for City Hall?
• $160 Million Aquarium Plan Needs Clearwater Voter Support First
• Expanded Clearwater Marine Aquarium Could Bring Two Million People Downtown
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium Plans Could Bring Changes to Coachman Park
• What Clearwater’s Saying: Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s $160 Million Expansion
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium Eyes City Hall for $160 Million Expansion
• Downtown Neighbors Track Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Visitor Impact

Sign up for the free Clearwater Patch email newsletter to stay connected to your community.