Updated October 2026 · By Danny Nappi, Tampa Bay local and founder of Vacation Florida
Spring training in Bradenton is old-school baseball at its best. The Pittsburgh Pirates play at LECOM Park, one of the oldest ballparks in the Grapefruit League, and Anna Maria Island’s beaches are about 20 minutes away. Here’s the full 2027 home schedule, tickets, getting there and where to stay.
The Short Answer
Pirates spring training 2027 is at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida. The Pirates open at home on Friday, Feb. 19, 2027, vs. the Toronto Blue Jays and play 15 of their 30 spring games at LECOM Park, with the last home game March 20 vs. the Orioles. The best base is Anna Maria Island, about 20 minutes away, or downtown Bradenton, a few minutes from the ballpark.
Pirates Spring Training 2027 Home Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., Feb. 19 | Toronto Blue Jays | Spring opener |
| Sat., Feb. 20 | Detroit Tigers | |
| Tue., Feb. 23 | Atlanta Braves | |
| Wed., Feb. 24 | Boston Red Sox | |
| Fri., Feb. 26 | Baltimore Orioles | |
| Sun., Feb. 28 | Philadelphia Phillies | |
| Wed., Mar. 3 | Atlanta Braves | |
| Thu., Mar. 4 | Toronto Blue Jays | |
| Sun., Mar. 7 | Minnesota Twins | |
| Tue., Mar. 9 | Baltimore Orioles | |
| Fri., Mar. 12 | Boston Red Sox | Split-squad day |
| Sat., Mar. 13 | New York Yankees | Only Yankees game |
| Mon., Mar. 15 | Philadelphia Phillies | |
| Wed., Mar. 17 | Tampa Bay Rays | |
| Sat., Mar. 20 | Baltimore Orioles | Final home game |
Home games at LECOM Park per the Pirates’ 2027 spring training schedule. Game times and ticket prices hadn’t been announced as of October 2026. Spring training ends March 21 at Atlanta in North Port.
Circle March 13 if you’re a Yankees fan: it’s the only time the Yankees visit Bradenton this spring. The Red Sox and Phillies each come twice, and those games draw big crowds of visiting fans.
Heads up: MLB’s collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, 2026, and a lockout could affect spring training. Book refundable hotels and flights, and we’ll update this page as soon as there’s news.
LECOM Park: What to Know
LECOM Park, formerly McKechnie Field, is at 1611 Ninth St. W. in Bradenton, a few minutes from downtown and the Bradenton Riverwalk. The ballpark first opened in 1923, and the Pirates have trained in Bradenton since 1969, which gives it a classic, small-town spring training feel: Spanish-style architecture, a boardwalk along the outfield, and seats close to the field. The team’s Pirate City training complex is across town.
Tickets
Tickets are sold through the Pirates’ official spring training page, pirates.com/springtraining. Times, prices and on-sale dates hadn’t been announced as of October 2026. The Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies games sell out first, so buy those as soon as tickets drop.
Getting there
- From Anna Maria Island: about 20 minutes east on Manatee Avenue.
- From Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ): about 20 minutes, the closest airport.
- From Tampa International Airport (TPA): about an hour, depending on traffic over the Sunshine Skyway or I-75.
Where to Stay for Pirates Spring Training
Anna Maria Island (the beach base)
For a spring training trip with beach days built in, Anna Maria Island is the move. It’s Old Florida at its best: no high-rises, a free island trolley and some of the prettiest sand on the Gulf. Try the Bridgewalk Resort or Silver Surf in Bradenton Beach, close to the bridge and the drive to the ballpark, or browse Anna Maria Island vacation rentals for groups. Our guide to where to stay on Anna Maria Island breaks down each area.
Downtown Bradenton (closest to the ballpark)
If you want to be minutes from LECOM Park, stay in or near downtown Bradenton along the Manatee River, with the Riverwalk and Old Main Street restaurants nearby. See our Bradenton vacation guide.
Make a Day of It
- Head to the beach after a day game. Anna Maria Island’s beaches are about 20 minutes away, and sunset on the Gulf is the perfect nightcap.
- Take the ferry. The Gulf Islands Ferry connects downtown Bradenton with Anna Maria Island.
- Get on the water. Book a dolphin sunset tour or a kayak rental on Anna Maria Island.
More Spring Training Near Bradenton
Bradenton is the southern anchor of the Tampa Bay spring training cluster. The Phillies (Clearwater), Yankees (Tampa) and Blue Jays (Dunedin) are all within about an hour, and the Orioles (Sarasota) and Braves (North Port) are close to the south. See every team in our Florida spring training guide.
Pirates Spring Training FAQ
When does Pirates spring training start in 2027?
The Pirates open their 2027 spring schedule at home on Friday, Feb. 19, vs. the Toronto Blue Jays at LECOM Park in Bradenton.
Where is Pirates spring training?
The Pirates play spring training games at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, Florida. The team trains at its Pirate City complex across town.
How many spring training games do the Pirates play?
In 2027 the Pirates play 30 Grapefruit League games, 15 of them at home at LECOM Park, from Feb. 19 through March 21.
How do I get Pirates spring training tickets?
Tickets are sold through pirates.com/springtraining. Times, prices and on-sale dates hadn’t been announced as of October 2026. Buy early for the Yankees (March 13), Red Sox and Phillies games.
When is the last Pirates spring training home game?
Saturday, March 20, 2027, vs. the Baltimore Orioles. The Pirates close spring training March 21 at Atlanta in North Port.
Where should I stay for Pirates spring training?
Anna Maria Island is the best beach base, about 20 minutes from LECOM Park. Downtown Bradenton puts you a few minutes from the ballpark.
What airport is closest to LECOM Park?
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest, about 20 minutes away. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about an hour north.
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