McKechnie Field Renovations Set to Begin

McKechnie Field is about to get a makeover designed to fit in with the county's image and appeal as a sports tourism destination.

The tourist development tax will pay for the $7.5 million renovation to provide fan-friendly ammenities to the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Tourist Development Tax is a fee included in charges for visitor accommodations in Manatee County.

Fawley Bryant Architects and NDC Construction, both Manatee County businesses, have been selected to do the design and construction.

Renovations will include:

• McKechnie Field will become a 360-degree ballpark with the addition of a boardwalk traversing the outfield.
• Concessions, restrooms and a specialty bar will be added on the boardwalk at centerfield.
• New, more comfortable seats will replace the existing infield seats.
• Additional seating, in the form of two sections of covered outfield bleachers, will bring the ballpark’s capacity to approximately 8,500 from the current 6,500.
• Permanent roofs will replace the existing, temporary shade coverings above infield seating along the first- and third-base lines.
• Bullpens will be moved to the outfield where fans will be able to observe pitchers and catchers from the boardwalk.
• Concession stands and restrooms in the concourse will be replaced and updated.
• Additional areas will be available in the Fan Plaza for activities behind the stands.