$1.2M design contract for Pittsburgh Pirates' Bradenton facility nears approval

The Bradenton City Council is set to hire a local architecture firm for $1.22 million to design a third baseball field for LECOM Park as well as renovate an existing field and structures. The contract is listed as a consent agenda item, meaning it will likely pass without discussion as part of several other actions, at the council’s March 12 meeting.

In December 2024, the Bradenton City Council approved recommendation of the award for the design contract to Lakewood Ranch-based Fawley Bryant Architects, and the March 12 vote is to execute the contract.

The scope of services calls for the design of a third baseball field replicating the characteristics and dimensions of PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team that conducts spring training at LECOM Park. Seating for 300 behind home plate and netting along 9th Street West and 13th Avenue are among some of the other features included in the scope.

Renovations to the existing practice field will include new surface dugouts, 300 spectator seats, new field lighting and scoreboard, and adjusting and repairing the field perimeter due to the adjacent building demolition, according to the scope of services.

In addition, the proposed contract includes design of a pre-engineered, 4,500-square-foot metal batting tunnel building near the visitors clubhouse and stadium bullpen area. It will be created so players can practice regardless of the weather, with roll-down vinyl for lightning protection, and will include performance-measuring technology accommodations, synthetic turf and mounds for two batting lanes.

A 2,500-square-foot building will house retail, concessions, restrooms and storage.

Here are some additional site improvements outlined in the scope of services:

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

A three-level parking garage is listed as a future development, which is not included in the project scope.

Fawley Bryant will provide schematic analysis, site engineering development and design services; create construction documents; come up with cost projections; help prepare bid packages; and handle construction administration as part of its contract. Fawley Bryant must give progress reports to the city of Bradenton each month.

The project schedule shows predesign shall be completed in 30 days, schematic design in 60 days, design development in 60 days, construction documents in 60 days, bid negotiations in 90 days and construction administration in 365 days. The contract notes that construction time may require adjustment.

This marks the latest in the efforts to update the ballpark, which is the third-oldest in use by a Major League team, according to MLB.com. It opened in 1923 as City Park. Before the 2025 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates and city of Bradenton unveiled some updates, including facilities for women, a commissary, expanded locker room and workout area.