Look, let's just address the elephant in the room. Most people still call it McKechnie Field. Even though the signs say LECOM Park now—and have since 2017—the ghost of Bill McKechnie is basically baked into the stucco of this place. It's the oldest stadium in the Grapefruit League, and it feels like it. In a good way. But because it was built in 1923, the mckechnie field seating chart isn't some uniform, cookie-cutter bowl you'd find in a modern MLB city.
It's quirky. It's cramped in spots. And if you pick the wrong seat, you are going to spend three hours slow-roasting like a rotisserie chicken under the Florida sun.
The stadium is basically tucked into a residential neighborhood in Bradenton. You’ve got homes on one side and a giant medical school brand on the other. But inside? It's pure baseball. Understanding the layout is the difference between a breezy afternoon with a cold beer and a miserable, sweaty slog where you can't see the shortstop because of a support pillar.
The Shade Game: Sections 1 to 14
If you take nothing else away from this, remember that the sun is the boss here. Most games start at 1:05 PM. By the third inning, the heat index is usually "lava."
Basically, the third base side is your best friend. The grandstand is split into three main covered sections. The roof provides actual, honest-to-god shade, but only if you're far enough back.
Pro tip from a regular: Aim for rows 7 and higher in sections 1-4. Those are behind home plate. If you’re over on the third base side (sections 7, 9, 11), try to snag row 5 or higher. Anything lower than that and you're basically in a glare-zone until about 2:30 PM.
Sections 8, 10, and 12 are on the first base side. These are the "Infield Reserved" seats. Because of how the park is oriented, these get shade earlier than the baseline seats, but you’re still going to be dealing with the sun at your back for a while. Honestly, the first base side can "bake," as the locals say. If you have kids or you’re prone to burning, just stick to the third base line.
Seats to Avoid (The "Pillar Problem")
Since this place has a roof that isn't held up by magic, there are poles. It’s a 100-year-old vibe.
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Some seats in the grandstand have partially obstructed views. It's not usually a total blackout, but having a steel beam cutting through the pitcher's mound is annoying. Also, watch out for the first row of seats above the cross-aisle (Row 7 in sections 1-4). Why? Because when fans walk by to get more nachos, they are at eye level. You’ll be watching the game through a parade of sweaty t-shirts.
The Outfield Boardwalk Experience
In 2013, they did a massive renovation and added a 19,000-square-foot boardwalk that wraps around the outfield. It’s huge. It changed the whole feel of the park.
If you don't care about having a "traditional" seat, the Left Field Bleachers (sections 21, 23, and 25) are where the party is. You’re right there on the boardwalk. It’s social. You can stand, lean on the railing, and actually move around.
- Capacity: The park holds about 8,500 people now.
- The Vibe: It’s way more relaxed in the outfield.
- The Catch: Zero shade. You are at the mercy of the elements.
There’s also a "Left Field Party Deck." It’s a two-tiered area that groups usually rent out. If you can get into a group there, do it. It’s covered and catered. It's probably the most "luxury" experience you’ll get here, considering there are only two actual suites in the whole stadium.
Pricing and Value: Where to Actually Sit
Most people want to be as close as possible. I get it. The Infield Box seats (Sections 1-6) put you right on top of the action. You can hear the players talking. You can hear the pop of the glove.
But if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, look at the Baseline Box. These are sections 15-20 and 22. They are below the main walkway. You’re close to the field, but because they are further down the foul lines, the price drops.
Just a warning: Section 19 and 22 are way down by the poles. You’ll be craning your neck toward home plate the whole game. It’s a literal pain in the neck. I usually skip those unless I’m desperate to just be in the building.
The Grandstand seats (bleachers in sections 15-20 and 22, above the walkway) are the cheapest "seat" options. They’re bleachers, though. No backs. If your lower back is 40 or older, you might want to spend the extra ten bucks for a bucket seat in the Reserved sections.
Navigation and Getting In
The main gate is right behind home plate. When you walk in, you’re basically looking at the back of the catcher. It’s a great entrance.
There’s a public plaza out front because they actually pulled the stadium back from the street during renovations. It’s got a very Spanish-mission style with the white stucco and palm trees. It’s beautiful.
If you’re coming from I-75, just take SR 64 West all the way into town. Don't rely on finding a spot in the tiny 100-car lot next to the stadium. It’s almost always full of VIPs or staff. Instead, look for the local lots or even neighbors charging $10-$20 to park on their lawn. It’s a tradition.
Quick Breakdown of the Layout
- Infield Box: Closest to the dirt. Sections 1-14 (lower rows).
- Infield Reserved: Behind the box seats, mostly shaded.
- Baseline Box: Down the lines, great for catching foul balls.
- Grandstand: Bleacher seating, upper levels.
- Left Field Bleachers: Out on the boardwalk, high energy, zero shade.
What Most People Get Wrong
People assume that because it’s a "Spring Training" park, every seat is good. That's not really true here. Because the park is "shoehorned" into a city block, the angles are weird.
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The Pirates have trained here since 1969, and the Bradenton Marauders play here all summer. The park has seen everything from Babe Ruth to the "Nine Devils" (the Black semi-pro team honored with a marker there). You’re sitting in history.
But history wasn't designed with ergonomic sightlines for 8,500 people.
If you end up in the sun, go to the boardwalk. There are bars and picnic tables where you can find a sliver of cover. The "Fan Plaza" has been enlarged recently too, so there's more room to breathe than there used to be in the 90s.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you are planning to buy tickets for a Pirates spring training game or a Marauders game, follow this checklist:
- Check the Time: Is it a 1:00 PM game? Buy the third base side (Odd-numbered sections 7-11).
- Check the Row: If you want a roof over your head, don't buy anything lower than Row 7 in the main grandstand.
- Dress for the Boardwalk: If you're sitting in the outfield bleachers, wear a hat and polarize those sunglasses. The reflection off the white stucco is no joke.
- Arrive Early: Since the stadium is in a neighborhood, traffic on 9th Street West gets backed up fast. Aim to be there 45 minutes before first pitch.
- Explore the History: Take a walk to the area behind the first base side. There are great food spots and a decent view of the Spanish-mission architecture that makes this place famous.
Don't overthink the "McKechnie vs. LECOM" name thing. Just put the address—1611 9th Street West—into your GPS. Whether you're there for the history or just to see some prospects, getting the right seat on the mckechnie field seating chart is the only thing that stands between you and a really great afternoon in Bradenton.