Pirates To Celebrate Spring Training With Bradenton Block Party

BRADENTON, FL — The Pittsburgh Pirates will kick off the upcoming spring training season with a downtown Bradenton block party on Saturday.

It’s the first time the block party has been held since 2020, Craig Warzecha, general manager of the Bradenton Marauders, told Patch. “We’re hearing a lot of people, anecdotally, are excited about the event…It’s always the unofficial kickoff to spring training.”

The free block party will run from 5 to 9 p.m. along Old Main Street between 3rd Avenue and Manatee Avenue, according to a news release from the team.

Activities throughout the evening include a photo booth, face painter, balloon artist, a kids zone, vendor tables featuring team sponsors and community organizations, and live entertainment from DJs and the 1960s cover band Yesterdayze.

The event is also an opportunity for fans to meet several Pirates’ players during autograph sessions throughout the evening, Jim Trdinich, director of player relations, told Patch.

The following players are scheduled to appear at the block party:

• 5 to 6 p.m. – pitchers Chase De Jong and JT Brubaker
• 6 to 7 p.m. – pitchers Mike Burrows and Quinn Priester
• 7 to 8 p.m. – outfielder Cal Mitchell and second baseman Nick Gonzales