Spring Training
McKechnie Field, which is named after Pittsburgh native, former Bradenton resident and Hall of Fame manager Bill McKechnie, was originally built in 1923 and was renovated in 1991-93 to become one of baseball's finest facilities.
The renovations included new grounds, wide access ramps, concession stands, kiosks and improved sight lines, all while maintaining a ballpark's classic ambiance. The palm-tree lined park was integrated into the already 1920s Spanish-mission style by using masonry, stucco and structural steel materials. McKechnie Field was even pulled back from the street, allowing for the creation of a public plaza and walkway around the park. Inside McKechnie, fans moved closer to the field by expanding seating capacity from approximately 4,200 seats to more than 6,500 seats.
In 2006, the city of Bradenton received a grant from the state of Florida to upgrade the Pirates' Spring Training facilities. The upgrades include lights and a new visitor's clubhouse at McKechnie Field and new offices, dormitories, renovations to the minor league clubhouse and a fifth practice field at the minor league complex.
Bradenton is the 16th different training site used by the Pirates since 1900:
Selma, AL - 1900; Thomasville, GA - 1900; Hot Springs, AR - 1901-14; Dawson Springs, KY - 1915-17; Jacksonville, FL - 1918; Birmingham, AL - 1919; Hot Springs, AR - 1920-23; Paso Robles, CA - 1924-34; San Bernardino, CA - 1935; San Antonio, TX - 1936; San Bernardino, CA - 1937-42; Muncie, IN - 1943-45; San Bernardino, CA - 1946; Miami Beach, FL - 1947; Hollywood, CA - 1948; San Bernardino, CA - 1949-52; Havana, Cuba - 1953; Fort Pierce, FL - 1954; Fort Myers, FL - 1955-68; Bradenton, FL 1969-present
Nestled between the tropical blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the North, the Bradenton Area -- and Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria and Longboat Key -- is a great place to explore historic attractions, fishing adventures, golf and shopping.
Bisected by the Manatee River, the small city of Bradenton lies on the river's southern shore with the municipalities of Palmetto and Ellenton to the north.
Located 1/2 mile West of Highway 41 on 9th Street West at 17th Ave. West.
From North (St. Petersburg): Go over Skyway Bridge to Exit 5 (US19 South). Continue on 41 South (Bradenton/Sarasota). Make a right turn onto 17th Avenue West and continue to McKechnie Field.
From South (Sarasota): Take Route 41 North to Cortez Road, go straight onto Business 41 and turn right onto 17th Ave. West. Ballpark is located at intersection of 17th Avenue West and 9th Street West.
From Interstate 75: Exit I-75 at S.R. 64 West (exit 220 if traveling south, exit 220B if traveling north). Go west on Route 64 to 9th Street West and turn left to the ballpark.
From Interstate 75: Exit I-75 at S.R. 64 West (exit 220 if traveling south, exit 220B if traveling north). Proceed west towards Bradenton and make a left on 27th Street East. Pirate City is approx. a mile on the left.
From McKechnie Field: Head west on 17th Ave. West and make a right onto U.S. 41. At first stoplight, make a left onto 26th Ave. East. Follow until 27th St. East, make left. Pass Mixon Fruit Farms -- Pirate City is on the right.
From South (Sarasota): Travel North on US 301. Cross S.R. 70 and make a right onto 38th Ave. East. Make first left onto 27th St. E. and Pirate City is a mile up the road.
From North (St. Petersburg): Travel south on I-275 over Skyway Bridge to Exit 5 (US19 South) and continue on US41. Cross Manatee River and follow signs for SR64 East. Take 64 East and make a right onto 27th St. East. Pirate City is a mile down on left.
