Model of New McKechnie Field

This model of the new McKechnie Field (1611 9th St. W) took center stage at the field during groundbreaking ceremonies on September 15, 1992. Officials from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bradenton, and Manatee County attended the event. The ceremony marked the start of the major construction that was a condition of the 20-year contract the Pittsburgh Pirates renewed with the city of Bradenton to get the field up to their standards within a 3 year period. Some renovations occurred earlier in the year with new dirt, clay, and sod installed, as well as a new padded fence.