| McKechnie Field (now known as LECOM Park) is the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. And up until 2010 that was the only professional ball that was played here. It underwent major renovations in 1993, but still remains a rather basic park. The seating is split into three distinct sections - one behind home plate, and one along each baseline. Approximately 1/3 of the seats are covered. The seats are comprised of plastic folding down chairs, buckets seats, and backless metal benches. Because of all the plastic and metal, the park has a rather cheap feel to it. Lights were added before the 2008 season, so now night games can be played here. This was the last spring training venue to install lights. The concourse area is located behind the home plate and first base grandstands. It features plenty of concession stands with high quality ballpark fare - the best of which are the foot long hot dogs. Because of its location on a busy road, parking is quite limited and only available in private lots (most charging $5). The atmosphere here is one of the most laid back you'll find in Florida, probably because Pirates fans tend to be less than rabid. Just a nice, comfortable park to take in a Grapefruit League game. And starting in 2010, it will also be home to a Florida State League team, as the Pirates bought the Sarasota Reds and moved them here. Extensive renovations have been made here in recent years, including the addition of an outfield concourse.
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