Bradenton to consider $7.5 million in McKechnie renovations

BRADENTON -- Bradenton officials plan to make a $7.5 million loan to pay for “fan-friendly” renovations at McKechnie Field.

Upgrades would include new seating, enhanced fan plazas, a boardwalk that will encircle the stadium, a tiki bar, more concession stands, restroom improvements and an upgraded sound system, said Carl Callahan, Bradenton’s city clerk and treasurer.

The idea is to modernize the ballfield, which is approaching 90 years old, but retain its quaint charm, he said Wednesday during a City Council workshop meeting.

Renovation plans are expected to go before the county commission and the Bradenton City Council for approval soon, officials said.

They hope the project can be completed in time for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training in 2013.

But there’s also good news for this year’s fans: The city plans to immediately install sidewalks by the ballpark just east of 17th Avenue West and Ninth Avenue West, because in some places there are none and pedestrians are forced into the street.

To pay for the ballpark renovations, the city plans to take out a 20-year loan, repaying it primarily from the county’s “bed tax,” which visitors pay when they stay at a local hotel or resort.

As part of the deal, the Pittsburgh Pirates plan to increase the amount they spend on marketing from $150,000 to $400,000 annually. The money will be used to promote tourism in Manatee County.

The Tourist Development Council is recommending the county raise its annual contribution to the city to help pay for the project, said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“The commission will consider approving a 20-year interlocal agreement with the city of Bradenton that will use tourism -- not ad valorem -- taxes to reimburse the city for up to $400,000 a year to be used for paying debt service on renovations for McKechnie Field,” Falcione said about the project Wednesday.

“This is a win-win for all three parties -- Manatee County, the city of Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates -- and we’re excited to move this project forward, and know all parties will see great results,” Falcione said. “What makes this a great deal is the Pirates are giving us $400,000 a year of in-kind promotions in the Pittsburgh market, to market and promote our beautiful destination.

“We’re giving $400,000 in tourism tax, they’re giving marketing and promotions in the Pittsburgh market, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, central Pennsylvania; more than just the city of Pittsburgh,” he added.

The renovations will also allow McKechnie Field to host sports events, such as high school regional tournaments, that will stimulate the local economy during the tourism off-season, he said.

Both the Pirates and their minor league affiliate, the Bradenton Marauders, play at McKechnie.

The city, which owns McKechnie Field, at one point attempted to finance renovations through a federal grant, but it fell through. The project was delayed while officials scouted for an alternate method of financing.

Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7031.

This story was originally published February 2, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bradenton to consider $7.5 million in McKechnie renovations."