Catch a Game of America’s Favorite Pastime
Spring Training in Bradenton
If you’ve ever been to Downtown Bradenton in the spring months you may have found yourself surrounded by an awful lot of black and gold paraphernalia. Don’t be alarmed – you’re only surrounded by hundreds of Pittsburgh Pirates fans who have come to the Bradenton Area to cheer on their beloved Bucs ahead of their regular season.
Few venues embody the Real. Authentic. Florida.™ experience of life in the Bradenton Area more than catching a game at LECOM Park, the southern home of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1969. As the third-oldest stadium (originally built in 1923) that still fields a Major League club, LECOM Park is a preserved piece of our national pastime. The park stands as a physical bond between the sister cities of Bradenton and Pittsburgh.

Known as “Florida’s Fenway,” LECOM Park recently underwent a $10 million facelift, bringing contemporary standards to the Florida Spanish Mission-style facade. The enhancements include expanded game-day fun for fans, including a 19,000-square foot boardwalk spanning the outfield, improved seating, upgraded restroom facilities and new concession locations.
Beyond the ballpark, there is plenty to explore. Whether it’s having a brew before or after a game or choosing to have more of a sophisticated meal outside of cracker jacks and hot dogs, downtown Bradenton offers a plethora of experiences to enjoy once the final out has been recorded.

Breweries
Enjoy a cold one under an expansive canopy of the 150-year-old oak tree at Motorworks Brewing, the largest beer garden in Florida. Motorworks steers into its automotive heritage, paying homage to the building’s original tenant, a 1923 car dealership, through its decor and logo. With plenty of outdoor games to keep the night fun, you probably won’t want to leave, of course until it’s time for the first pitch. Motorworks is also a favorite among locals due to its downtown location, frequent events (try yoga in the beer garden), and ever-growing tap list.
Sun Lab Brewing was once a brewery without a home. Now, it lives across the street from LECOM’s first-base line. Inspiration from the Bradenton Area’s latest addition to its craft beer scene comes from anywhere under the sun – contemporary culinary trends, elevated cocktail scenes, and traditional brewing techniques. Sun Lab always has three favorites on tap and a rotating selection of sours, ales and IPAs along with a weekly open mic.

Restaurants
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal before or after the game, there is a great and diverse selection of restaurants minutes (and sometimes walking distance) from LECOM Park. Village of the Arts eateries are especially popular before games thanks to their close proximity to the ballpark.

Authentic Italian flavors meet authentic Florida at this colorful bungalow-turned-restaurant nearby in the Village of the Arts. Amazing Italian aromas and tastes await you from Remo Mambelli, who emigrated from Padua in the Veneto culinary region of Italy. These a la carte and family style meals feature imported delicacies like mortadella and buffalo milk mozzarella along with decadent homemade pastas and sauces. Hours: 12-2:30 p.m.; 5-9 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday
Cottonmouth Southern Soul Food
When visiting the Pirates southern home since 1969, why not have some southern soul food? Cottonmouth’s flavors have bite, with fried chicken, shrimp and grits, a meatloaf burger and vegan “pasta.” This restaurant space in the Village of the Arts doubles as an art gallery. Add in weekly live music offerings and you have a well-rounded experience in this thriving artisan community. Hours: 4:30-9 p.m., Thursday-Sunday
Easy Transportation from Downtown to Island Life
Take off your black and gold cap and let the breezes from the Manatee River and Tampa Bay swirl around you on the Gulf Islands Ferry, our carefree and car-less way to travel between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island and its beaches. With a stop at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier, it’s a relaxing way to explore Florida’s West Coast and its gulf islands.

Downtown Attractions
This 1.5-mile-long path runs alongside the banks of the Manatee River, offering stunning views of the waterfront. The Riverwalk is ADA-accessible and showcases local art with installations, as well as a skatepark, playground, splash park and Mosaic Amphitheater.
Bishop Museum and Science and Nature
Downtown Bradenton is home to The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, the most exciting museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Aside from it being the area’s largest natural history museum, The Bishop is also home to a state-of-the-art planetarium for exploring astronomical wonders and the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, where you can observe manatees up close and underwater.

So whether you’re returning to the Bradenton Area as an all-time Bucs backer or just a casual fan of America’s Pastime, we think you’re going to love your experiencing downtown Bradenton and at LECOM Park, own crown jewel of baseball.

Find your perfect stay
Whether you”re seeking beachfront bliss, a historic bungalow, or the convenience of upscale amenities, the Bradenton Area has accommodations to suit your every need.

Discover our Charm
Dip your toes in sugar white sands, pull up a chair at locally sourced restaurants and immerse yourself in unspoiled beauty, rich history, and the easy pace of island life.