Every March for more than 40 years, a very popular rite of spring has taken place on Florida’s Gulf Coast. As residents put away their winter sweaters and spring moves into high gear, the Pittsburgh Pirates arrive in Bradenton to play their spring training games.
 
Our ballpark, the Spanish mission-style McKechnie Field, was built in 1923 and renovated in the 1990s. It’s now one of baseball’s finest facilities. Named after Pittsburgh native, former Bradenton resident and Hall of Fame manager Bill McKechnie, it’s a throwback to the bygone days of baseball, hot dogs and roasted peanuts.
 
Our city exudes a friendly Southern charm, and our surrounding islands welcome baseball fans of all ages. Pirate City, the training facility for the Pirates, is just five miles from McKechnie Field. Average high temperatures of 77 degrees and palm trees swaying in balmy breezes make spring training the perfect time to visit Bradenton.
 
The game schedule includes more than 30 games, about 15 of which are home games. The Pirates’ home opener is generally at the very end of February. Season highlights include home games against the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays.
 
As the season approaches, single game and season tickets become available for purchase. Don’t miss this time-honored event at historic McKechnie Field. Click here for tickets.