Destination Offers Pirates, Peanuts & Cracker Jacks
BRADENTON, Fla. (February 10, 2011) –New this year, the Pittsburgh Pirates will play on 80,000 square feet of new Celebration Bermudagrass installed at the state-of-the-art McKechnie Field. Adding to the ideal, ball-playing Florida weather, several area accommodators are making it easier – and more affordable – for families and fans to enjoy a few days of baseball fun and Florida sun this March. Three hotels have stepped up to the plate with special rates and unique travel packages that include everything needed to enjoy a game at Pirate City, from popcorn and peanuts to Cracker Jack. Visitors can also head over to Anna Maria Island, just 30 minutes from McKechnie Field, and witness a historical Spring Training display, “The Boys of Winter--Spring Training and the Island Connection”, at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. The display pays tribute to the Boston and Milwaukee Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates teams who have played in Bradenton over the years, their players and their families. Several notable players built homes on Anna Maria Island in what is known as the ‘Baseball Zone’ while others spearheaded the creation of the Island Youth Center and adjacent baseball fields, now known as the Anna Maria Island Community Center.
The spring training packages and special rates being offered by Bradenton area hoteliers include:
Courtyard by Marriott Bradenton Riverfront – (866) 824-1658, www.courtyardbradenton.com
Only two miles from McKechnie Field and located along downtown Bradenton’s riverfront, the Courtyard by Marriott Bradenton Riverfront offers Pirate fans accommodations where their favorite players stay. Guests enjoy a winning night in deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two in the Bistro and baseball-themed welcome bag complete with peanuts and Cracker Jack. Rates start at just $169 tax per night. To book, call (941) 747-3727 and use booking code: BED.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lakewood Ranch – (941) 552-4000, www.fairfieldinn.com/srqfi
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lakewood Ranch offers their Spring Training package from $119 per night, including deluxe accommodations in a double or king bed room, complimentary breakfast for two, and a custom baseball-themed welcome package that includes popcorn, peanuts and Cracker Jack to enjoy at the game. To book, call (941) 552-4000 and request the Spring Training package.
Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch – (866) 782-4401, www.hilr.com
A Certified Florida Green Lodging Property and ranked as Intercontinental Hotel Group’s Number One Full-Service North American Hotel,Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch offers their Spring Training package from $119 per night, including deluxe accommodations in a double or king bed room, complimentary breakfast for two at their award-winning Alamo Steakhouse & Grill, and a custom baseball-themed welcome package that includes popcorn, peanuts and Cracker Jack to enjoy at the game. To book, call (941) 782-4400866-782-4401866-782-4401 and request the Spring Training package.
In addition to these three unique travel packages, more than 6,000 rooms are available in the Bradenton area and can be booked utilizing the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s new ‘book direct’ option on its web site – www.annamariaisland-longboatkey.com.
* All packages are based on availability. Restrictions apply based on individual property. Contact individual properties for terms and conditions and to book a package.
About Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key
Ideally located between Sarasota and Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key, and on the mainland, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, form a magical margin along Florida’s beautiful southwest coast with their small town, Old Florida charm, breath-taking scenery, funky dining and shopping districts, and miles of sugar-white sands. The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes tourism to Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch through domestic and international advertising, public relations and marketing efforts. For more information, call (941) 729-9177, ext. 231 or visit www.AnnaMariaIsland-LongboatKey.com
