$1.2 Million Design Agreement for Pittsburgh Pirates’ Bradenton Complex Set for Approval

Key Information

• Project Cost: $1.22 million
• Architecture Firm: Fawley Bryant Architects
• Location: LECOM Park, Bradenton, FL
• Project Components: New baseball field, renovations, batting tunnel, retail facility
• Approval Date: March 12, 2024

The Bradenton City Council is poised to approve a contract worth $1.22 million to engage a local architecture firm for the design of a third baseball field at LECOM Park, along with renovations to an existing field and structures. This contract is part of the consent agenda for the council’s meeting on March 12.

In December 2024, the council endorsed the recommendation to award the design contract to Lakewood Ranch-based Fawley Bryant Architects, with the upcoming vote aimed at executing this contract.

The project scope includes designing a third baseball field that mirrors the dimensions and features of PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who hold their spring training at LECOM Park. Among the features are 300 seats behind home plate and protective netting along 9th Street West and 13th Avenue.

Renovations to the existing practice field will provide new dugouts, seating for 300 spectators, enhanced field lighting, a scoreboard, and necessary repairs to the field perimeter following adjacent building demolition, as stated in the project details.

Furthermore, the proposed contract includes plans for a pre-engineered 4,500-square-foot metal batting tunnel adjacent to the visitors’ clubhouse and stadium bullpen. This facility will enable player practice in any weather, featuring roll-down vinyl for lightning protection and will be equipped with performance-measuring technology, synthetic turf, and two batting lanes.

A separate 2,500-square-foot building will be developed to accommodate retail operations, concessions, restrooms, and storage.

Additional site enhancements in the scope of services include:

• Expansion of the VIP parking lot to the intersection of 9th and 17th streets
• Grass parking for 550 cars to the east of the LECOM Park home clubhouse, designed for a future fourth baseball field
• New paved parking lot for 300 cars accessible from 13th Street
• A monument sign at the northwest corner of the site

A three-level parking garage is proposed as a future development, but is not included in the current project scope.

As part of the contract, Fawley Bryant will conduct schematic analysis, site engineering development, and design services; generate construction documents; provide cost projections; assist with bid preparation; and oversee construction administration. Monthly progress reports to the city of Bradenton will be a requirement.

According to the project timeline, predesign will take 30 days, schematic design will last 60 days, design development will require 60 days, and construction documentation will also take 60 days. Bid negotiations are expected to span 90 days, while construction administration is set for a full year, although this timeline may be adjusted as necessary.

This initiative represents a significant step in the ongoing modernization of LECOM Park, the third-oldest ballpark currently in use by a Major League team. Originally opened in 1923 as City Park, the ballpark saw updates prior to the 2025 season, including new facilities for women, expanded locker rooms, and improved workout spaces.