The laid-back town of Bradenton, Florida, is struck with spring fever each year when the Pittsburgh Pirates arrive with bats and balls in hand. The town’s state-of-the-art Pirate City Training Complex, outfitted with the 6,562-seat McKechnie Field and four practice fields, serves as the team’s spring training venue throughout February and March. From June through August, the Gulf Coast League Pirates, the Pirates’ minor league affiliate, call the complex home. Choose from an array of nearby lodging options, many of which are less than a 15-minute car ride away.
Who’s On First?
- A number of hotels are on First Street, less than 10 minutes from the training complex. Days Inn Bradenton – Near the Gulf has an on-site cafe and is next door to a handful of fast food restaurants. The hotel allows kids 17 and under to stay for free and permits pets of 60 pounds or less for a fee. Enjoy a host of recreational amenities at Siesta Inn and Suites, including tennis and shuffleboard courts and a heated outdoor pool with a sundeck. Guests also receive free passes to a nearby gym. End the day with a drink at the hotel’s outdoor bar.
Waterfront Digs
- Book a room on the banks of the Manatee River. Less than 15 minutes from the stadium, in the adjacent town of Ellenton, Sleep Inn and Suites Riverfront provides a complimentary hot breakfast each morning and a free newspaper on weekdays. All rooms include microwaves and refrigerators, and some have whirlpool tubs. The Courtyard Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront is about five minutes from the complex. Take a dip in the outdoor pool with sweeping views of the river or enjoy outdoor dining at the barbecues and picnic area in the courtyard. In addition to an on-site bistro and bar, the hotel has a coffeehouse and sundries store.
- Penny Pinching
- Enjoy budget-friendly accommodations throughout Bradenton. Kids 17 and under stay free at Motel 6 Bradenton as long as they occupy the same room as a family member. Pets also stay free of charge. Some of the rooms have microwaves and refrigerators. There’s also an outdoor pool lined with lounge chairs. Sunrise Inn provides basic accommodations at discounted rates. Take a swim in the outdoor pool or wash your clothes in the guest laundry facilities. The parking lot has ample room for large trucks. Both hotels are just a little more than five minutes away from the baseball stadium.
Shopaholics
- Stay near Ellenton Premium Outlets, an outdoor outlet mall with approximately 130 shops. Comfort Inn Near Ellenton Outlet Mall serves a free hot breakfast each morning and is just a few minutes from an assortment of sit-down restaurants. Some rooms include kitchenettes and whirlpool bathtubs. Guest laundry facilities and an outdoor pool are also on site. Best Western Plus Bradenton Hotel and Suites permits up to two dogs per room, with a weight limit of 40 pounds, for a fee. Additional pets may be allowed based on the discretion of the front desk staff. The hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast and late checkout upon request. Both hotels are just under 10 minutes from the baseball complex.
