LECOM Park

Diehard fans can find baseball history beyond LECOM's ballpark. Manasota Memorial Park, a cemetery approximately 3.5 miles southeast of the stadium, is the resting ground for six major league players, including Hall of Famers Paul Waner and Bill McKechnie. – Nicholas Dauk

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Despite the field being overrun with Pirates and Marauders, the family-friendly atmosphere of LECOM Park makes it one of the most wholesome areas of Bradenton. LECOM Park is the official spring training field for the MLB's Pittsburgh Pirates (though the team completes preseason workouts at nearby Pirate City). The Bradenton Marauders, the Pirates' Florida State League affiliate, take over the bases when the Buccos return to Pittsburgh for Major League Baseball's opening day.

Historical Significance

LECOM Park has welcomed the Pirates since 1969; it's seventh team to call Bradenton home for spring training. The Bradenton Marauders, however, are relatively new to the ballpark: their inaugural season was 2010, bringing Minor League Baseball back to Bradenton for the first time since 1926.

Visitor Experience

General Impressions

Folks that find their way to LECOM Park are generally pleased with the experience, praising the staff, the diversity of food options, and the relatively shaded seats. Though the majority think there's no bad seat in the ballpark, others have cried foul that they cannot see the scoreboard from some spots. This ballpark is also appreciated for its old-school design, though some fans think it's due for renovations.

Parking and Transportation

Plenty of paid parking is available at LECOM Park, though you can also access it via the No. 2 bus.

Hours of Operation

Gates open for Pirates spring training games 90 minutes prior to the first pitch. LECOM Park is typically not open to the public outside of game days and special events. Game times for spring training and Marauders games will vary.

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets to spring training games for the Pittsburgh Pirates and regular season games for the Bradenton Marauders are priced by date and seat. Tickets for a Pirates game may run between $29 and $56, while Marauders games may run between $9 and $20. All other special events at the ballpark will have their own ticket prices.