Pittsburgh Pirates 2023 Spring Training: A Brief History of LECOM Park

The Pittsburgh Pirates along with the rest of Major League Baseball reported for Spring Training over the last week. Here is a look at the Bucs' Spring home.

Lecom Park, located in Bradenton, Florida, is the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. The stadium, originally named McKechnie Field, was built in 1923 and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to accommodate more fans and improve the playing experience for players.

One of the unique features of Lecom Park is the preserved "Old Florida" architecture, which includes the use of red brick and wrought iron in the stadium design. This gives the park a nostalgic feel and provides a glimpse into the history of baseball in Florida. The spot is pretty nice too, it is hard to beat the Bradenton and Anna Marie Island area during this time of the year.

In addition to hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates for spring training, Lecom Park also serves as the home stadium for the Bradenton Marauders, the Pirates' minor league affiliate team. The stadium has a seating capacity of 8,500 and offers a variety of seating options, including traditional stadium seats, lawn seating, and luxury suites.

Lecom Park is not only a great destination for baseball fans but also for those interested in the history of the sport. The park is home to the Pittsburgh Pirates' museum, which features exhibits and artifacts that document the team's history, including World Series championship trophies and player memorabilia.

The Bucs also utilize "Pirate City" for their actual day to day Spring Training operations. The Pirate City complex was built in the 1960s and has been the team's Spring Training home since 1969. It consists of six full-sized fields, two half fields, and indoor batting cages and training facilities. The complex is also home to some of the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league affiliates during the regular season.