Local Government Bradenton City Council Approves Plans for McKechnie Field Upgrades

BRADENTON – The Bradenton City Council unanimously approved plans for $7.5 million in upgrades to McKechnie Field on Wednesday, hoping that the improvements will make the facility more attractive to potential fans. The historic park, which has hosted such legends as Babe Ruth, Stan Musial, Ted Williams and Lou Gehrig will get a major updating to include covered outfield bleachers, a boardwalk and a tiki bar.

Manatee County will contribute funding for the project, through the tourist development tax, which is paid by area visitors when staying at hotels. The city took out a $7.5 million loan earlier this year to cover costs, but stresses that local property taxes will not be involved. While the Pittsburgh Pirates routinely draw robust crowds for spring training games at the stadium, their minor league high-A affiliate, the Bradenton Marauders, have struggled to attract fans since their inaugural Florida State League Season of 2010, the first time the park hosted minor league play in 85 years. 

The city plans for the construction, which will increase capacity by about 2,000 (8,500 total seats), to be complete in time for spring training in 2013, when the park will celebrate its 90th anniversary. The facility, which was originally called City Park, was built in 1923 when it hosted the Bradenton Growers, one of the FSL's charter teams. Over the years, the Red Sox, Phillies, Braves and A's have all used it for spring training headquarters, though the Pirates have made it their southern home since 1969, one of the longest spring training tenures in MLB.