City to Consider Plans for McKechnie Field Renovation at Next Meeting

McKechnie Field

BRADNETON – When visiting McKechnie Field, die-hard baseball fans are overcome with a sense of nostalgia. After the first Major League team arrived there in 1923, they discovered that second base was 14 inches lower than home plate, and the outfield was two feet lower than second base.  In a joint venture between the Cardinals and the city, the ball field was constructed with a grandstand and bleachers for $2,000. Today, expectations are a little different -- and so are city budgets. 

At the next Bradenton City Council meeting, members will consider approving plans to acquire a $7.5 million loan for McKechnie field renovations including increased seating, an improved sound system and scoreboard, tiki bar and a 360-degree boardwalk that will circumnavigate the stadium. Additional bathrooms, concessions and entryways are also part of the “fan-friendly” proposals. 

“Fans love the quaintness of the atmosphere, but they would like to see more modern amenities at McKechnie Field,” said Public Works Director Claude Tankersley.

The Pittsburgh Pirates organization currently has a 30-year lease to utilize McKechnie Field during spring training and the minor league Marauders also play on the field. 

“You are going to see all kinds of information come up regarding this venture, because the city council will have to approve all these plans,” said Tankersley. 

The county’s Tourist Development Council plans to increase their annual contribution from about $230,000 to $400,000 to help pay off the city’s 20-year loan agreement with Bank of America. The understanding has to first be approved by the Bradenton City Council, then the Manatee County Commission to pass. 

The Pittsburg Pirate organization currently contributes the equivalent of $150,000 annually to market Bradenton as their home away from home. They will be upping their support as well.

Tankersley said a 300 feet sidewalk would be constructed to address parking from Popi’s restaurant to a new microbrewery located on 17th Avenue adjacent to the ball field. During season, cars park all the way to the street forcing large groups of pedestrians to walk in the road instead of safely on the sidewalk. 

“This is a public safety issue,” said councilwoman Marianne Barneby.

Tankersley addressed a similar issue on Ninth Street. On weekdays, traffic is often backed up to accommodate clusters of pedestrians. This problem might be solved with the boardwalk and additional centerfield entrance. 

“That way you are taking approximately 1000 people off of Ninth,” said Barneby. 

Amenities should be finished for spring training of 2013. 

“There are lots of things we’d like to incorporate,” said Tankersley, “We just have to prioritize to keep it within the budget.