McKechnie Field to Host 2014 All-Star Game

Alen Hanson 2013 All-Star MVP photo by secondshotphoto.com

BRADENTON – The Bradenton Marauders have announced that the 2014 Florida State League All-Star Game will be played at historic McKechnie Field next June. Bradenton, in its fourth season in the FSL, will be hosting its first All-Star Game. The 53rd annual game will pit the top players in the FSL South against the best of the FSL North.

“The Marauders are thrilled to host the FSL All-Star Game in Bradenton,” Pittsburgh Pirates Senior Director of Florida Operations Trevor Gooby said. “Hosting this signature event will provide us with the opportunity to showcase the new look of historic McKechnie Field and to show the League and all of its teams’ fans that Bradenton is a great baseball town and a wonderful community.” “We also are excited to give our great fans the opportunity to watch the League’s best players square off against one another.”

McKechnie Field has been hosting baseball in Bradenton for 90 seasons. It is the oldest Spring Training ballpark in Major League Baseball. During this past off-season, the historic ballpark received a $10.5 million renovation to add new and upgraded fan amenities.

Highlights of the project include the addition of an outfield boardwalk with new bleacher seats, a full-service bar and group spaces, expanded concessions facilities, additional restrooms and a large fan plaza inside the main gates.

The Florida State League was formed in 1919. It presently includes 12 teams split into two six team divisions. The regular season is 140 games split into two 70 game halves. The champion at the end of each half qualifies for the playoffs. The All-Star Game is played at the end of the first half.

The 2013 All-Star Game was played Saturday at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin. Marauders shortstop Alen Hanson was named MVP of the FSL South’s 8-1 win. A Marauder has taken MVP honors in two of the last three seasons, with former Marauder Aaron Baker winning the award in 2011.

The Bradenton Marauders begin the second half of the Florida State League season by hosting the Charlotte Stone Crabs Thursday, June 20 through Saturday, June 22. Games begin each night at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. The Marauders have won the FSL South Division Championship in the second half in two of their first three seasons.

The Marauders open the series against the Tampa Bay Rays High-A affiliate on Thursday,  with Ladies Night. In addition to being a Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser, there will be giveaways and drink specials just for ladies. Everyone can enjoy $1 sodas and select $1 draft beers. A post-game DJ will keep the party going after the game at the Kona Bar built by NDC Construction.

Friday, June 21 is 80’s Night featuring a post-game concert by SuperBot. The game is also a Happy Hour Friday presented by Pier 22 Restaurant. Between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. there will be 500 free hot dogs given away at the outfield concessions stand and $1 sodas and select $1 draft beers from Kayem and Cheney Brothers at the Kona Bar built by NDC Construction and the Yuengling Plaza Bar.

Alen Hanson 2013 All-Star MVP photo by secondshotphoto.com

Saturday, June 22 is a night for princesses to enjoy a night at the ballpark. Before the game, there will be a dads and daughters pregame catch on the field from 6:00 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Free horse and carriage rides will be offered to fans from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 

Princesses are encouraged to dress up and compete in a costume contest. Need help finishing off that perfect princess look? Free princess makeup will be provided onsite by Becky Sharman Avon. Princess hairdos and nails will be offered by The Olive Branch, also free of charge. The night culminates with a spectacular princess-themed fireworks show presented by Budweiser and Bright House Networks.

Fans don’t have to wait for the home stand to start to enjoy a great night out at McKechnie Field. The Kona Bar built by NDC Construction will open for happy hour on Wednesday, June 19 at 5:00 p.m. Ladies drink for free from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Local performing artist Frankie Lombardi will be performing. 

Frankie tours with and is a member of ‘Dickey Betts & Great Southern’ along with music legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Member Dickey Betts, founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. The bar is open for happy hour every Wednesday when the Marauders don’t have a home game. Other upcoming non-gameday Wednesday happy hours include June 26, July 3, and July 10. 

The McKechnie Field ticket office is open on non-game days from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday-Friday and closed on weekend non-game days. On Monday-Saturday game days, the ticket office opens at 1:00 p.m. and closes at the conclusion of the game. On Sunday game days and special games with 10 a.m. start times, the ticket office opens two hours prior to the game.