The Pittsburgh Pirates' Spring Training ballpark and minor league complex in Bradenton, Fla., underwent $20 million in renovations as part of the team's new 30-year lease with the city before the start of the 2008 Spring Training season.
The upgrades included lights and a new visitor's clubhouse at McKechnie Field and new offices, dormitories, renovations to the minor league clubhouse and a fifth practice field at the Pirate City minor league complex.
About $9 million was covered by a state-funded program designed to keep teams that currently hold Spring Training in Florida from leaving for Arizona. Bradenton officials said the upgrades have allowed for events other than Spring Training games in March.
McKechnie Field, opened in 1923 and rebuilt in 1993, is one of the oldest ballparks used for Spring Training and had never had lights until the 2008 season.
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