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BRADENTON -- The City of Bradenton's McKechnie Field redevelopment has won the award for Design Excellence by the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA).
The Design Excellence Award recognized McKechnie Field's redevelopment for exhibiting superior form and function.
These renovations to the ballpark were designed and built by Fawley Bryant Architects and NDC Construction, respectively.
McKechnie Field, the Spring Training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and summer home of the Bradenton Marauders (Pirates’ minor league team), was renovated during the offseason to provide fan-friendly amenities and enhance the facility’s appeal as a sports tourism destination.
The redevelopment, which was completed in time for the 2013 Spring Training season, has transformed how fans experience the baseball stadium and increased Spring Training attendance by a net 20% over other league teams, said Rick Fawley, president of Fawley Bryant.
"It’s not just about baseball anymore,” he said. “The new outfield boardwalk circumnavigates the stadium allowing patrons to just sit and relax or interact with the players in the bullpens. Expanded concession areas in the Fan Plaza feature a variety of menu items and an upgraded sound system.”
Other improvements include a tiki bar on the new boardwalk; new concessions and restrooms; more comfortable infield seating with seats that flip up to provide for better accessibility between rows; permanent roofs above the infield seats and more.
“This is just another example of how the remarkably talented team at Fawley Bryant can take a vision and execute it in a way that makes everyone comfortable," Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston said. "McKechnie Field is not only fan friendly, but family friendly as well. The increased attendance is testimony that the wonderful design works for the Pirates and for the City of Bradenton.”
Brady Woods, the City's Development Services & Zoning Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the City, Pirates and Fawley Bryant.
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