If you’re looking for a casual and relaxing spot for your spring vacation, look no further than Anna Maria Island. This hidden gem of Florida is removed from the hustle and bustle of the bigger tourist cities. The island itself is only seven miles long and isn’t filled with high-rises and hotels, so you will truly feel like a local strolling down the streets and dining at the quaint restaurants.
For a unique addition to your Anna Maria Island spring vacation, check out the baseball scene. You can watch the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders at the local LECOM Park, just minutes from our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals.
History of the Baseball Teams
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been an active baseball team for over 100 years. While they are currently based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the franchise started in 1876 as the Allegheny Baseball Club. They renamed themselves the Pirates in 1891, and they remained strong throughout the early 1900s, even winning the World Series in 1909. They were successful with in the National League throughout the 1960s and ‘70s and have won over 10,000 games to date.
While the Pittsburgh Pirates are an MLB team, the Bradenton Marauders are a minor league group. The franchise began in 1957 as the Tampa Tarpons, who were then affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies. They changed their affiliation several times throughout the years, and they played their first official season as the Bradenton Marauders starting in 2010. While they had a rocky start, they have gotten more successful over the years and even took the Florida State League title in 2016.
Where is the Baseball Stadium?
Both of these teams hold their spring training in LECOM Park in Bradenton. It takes just 20 minutes to reach the park from Anna Maria Island via FL-64 West. The stadium opened in 1923 and can hold up to 8,500 people. LECOM Park is the oldest stadium that is still used for spring training, the second oldest in the Florida State League, and the third oldest that is currently being used by an MLB team.
Spring Training
Visiting LECOM Park for spring training is a fun way to change up your itinerary. There are a few different ways you can purchase tickets to attend spring training. You can order tickets via phone, online, or in person at the LECOM Park ticket office. Attending spring training at LECOM Park is a fun way to bring the whole family together. You can find parking all around the stadium, then take the short walk inside to enjoy the training, grab a delicious treat, and spend a fun day with your loved ones.
Big Games Coming Up
There are plenty of Anna Maria summer events coming. For the 2020 season, both teams have some exciting games coming up. Watch the Pirates take on the Red Sox on February 26th, watch a match up with the Braves on March 21st, or catch their series versus The Dodgers from April 24th through 26th.
As for the Marauders, they will have a series versus Tampa from April 16th through 19th, as well as a series versus Palm Beach from May 26th through 28th. Moving into the summer, don’t miss their games versus Charlotte from June 25th through 28th.
Coming out for spring training or enjoying a baseball game is fun for the whole family, and LECOM Park is conveniently located near our Anna Maria Island accommodations to get you there in a moment’s notice. We have rentals for every size party and every budget, so you can choose exactly the right option for you. For more information on baseball season around Anna Maria, as well as all of our Anna Maria Island cottages and vacation homes, contact us today!
