Going to Bradenton

by tonyplush on Jan 21, 2012 12:50 PM EST

I'm getting a chance for a nice trip to Florida this March, and would love to hear any recommendations/wisdom about getting to McKechnie Field. Are tickets hard to get? Where should I sit? Is there anything to see at Pirate City? Anything else that I need to see in Bradenton?

I'll be staying in St. Pete's and driving down the weekend of 3/16 - 3/17. It's either the Phils or the Rays.

I'd appreciate any stories or help from folks who've made the trek before.

Thanks!

Dan

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

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I’d definitely recommend Pirate City in the morning before McKechnie in the afternoon. You can see a ton of stuff, and it’s completely free.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Jan 21, 2012 12:56 PM EST reply actions

great advice. thanks. wasn’t sure if it was on lock-down when the team was there or not. only info online i could find was how to rent the facility for my amateur team. it would be a great reason to start a baseball team.

by tonyplush on Jan 21, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

found this might help you.

http://home.mindspring.com/~gearhard/bradenton.html

by karreemofwheat on Feb 5, 2012 1:25 AM EST up reply actions

Under the shade on the 3b side

by oldfrothingslosh on Jan 21, 2012 3:39 PM EST reply actions

Phils or Rays

Tickets will be a bit tough to get for those two teams on the weekend. I’d either order ahead or show up an hour or so early. There aren’t any bad seats, but I’d sit on the 1B/RF side for day games so you don’t have to look into the sun. And as Charlie says, you should definitely check out Pirate City.

by epoc on Jan 21, 2012 4:00 PM EST reply actions

Seconding Charlie's and epoc's recs

decent seats always seem to be available. Look up a seating chart if you’re buying on the street, so you know what you’re getting. Parking at McKechnie doesn’t seem to be a problem, esp if you get there early, and it’s nc at Pirate City (just don’t park where the baseballs can get you. That market next to Pirate City is pretty good.

Depending on how long you’ll be in the area, check other parks if you crave NL action. I note from the Bucs schedule of home games, they play only the Phils 3/8 and 3/16, and the Astros 3/24. Every other home game is an AL team. Not that there’s anything wrong with that ;))

Lino Donoso

by Lino Donoso on Jan 21, 2012 4:37 PM EST reply actions

Correction: Phils 3/12 not 3/8

Lino Donoso

by Lino Donoso on Jan 21, 2012 4:39 PM EST up reply actions

Just don't go to Yankee city

ST tickets are like 3x a game at PNC

by Mr. E on Jan 24, 2012 7:55 AM EST up reply actions

It’s also a crappy facility in a crappy neighborhood.

Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!

by WTM on Jan 24, 2012 6:34 PM EST up reply actions

So,

Yankees Stadium South.

________________________________
Free your ass and your mind will follow.

Follow @cocktailsfor2

by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 24, 2012 6:47 PM EST up reply actions

Brighthouse Field is better than Charlotte Sports Park

It’s much newer and feels like one of the MiLB PNC knockoffs… nice place. There’s also better food (in my opinion) in Clearwater: original Hooters, Frenchy’s, Dairy Kurl, Shepherd’s… there’s even a beer store on Gulf To Bay that sells IC Light!!!

by SuperBaes on Jan 22, 2012 12:48 PM EST reply actions

Just make sure you get tickets in advance. Went one time for a Rays game at McKechnie and it was sold out and had to dish out quite a bit to a scalper. With the Phils not being too far away in Clearwater, those could also be a little tough.

You’ll have a blast, it’s pretty awesome. And as others have mentioned, Pirate City is a must see.

by northsidenotch on Jan 22, 2012 11:23 PM EST reply actions