Pirate Fest Hits Bradenton Saturday

Bradenton, Fla. - The Pittsburgh Pirates will host the eighth annual Pirate Fest on March 9. The event will be located on 9th Street West, just outside the main gate at McKechnie Field. The festival, which is presented by ABC 7, runs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Pirates will face the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 p.m. at McKechnie Field.

Several local businesses and community organizations will be represented at the community-oriented event. There will be an abundance of family-friendly activities to delight fans of all ages. Among the many scheduled activities are giveaways, face painting, inflatable games, live music provided by Matthew Huff and mascot fun with the Pirate Parrot and Marty the Marauder. Participants can have their photo taken to create a free commemorative postcard. Autograph sessions with select Pirates players will be featured throughout the morning.

Pirate Fest is free and open to the public. After Pirate Fest the Pirates take on the Minnesota Twins. The game will be followed by a post-game concert featuring country music star Chris Lane. A ticket to the game is required for admission to McKechnie Field. Single game tickets are available by visiting the McKechnie Field box office, calling 1-877-893-2827, or by visiting www.Pirates.com.

The Pirates will mark the eve of Pirate Fest with a night game against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, March 8 at 7:05 p.m. After the game there will be a spectacular fireworks display presented by Budweiser and Bright House Networks. It will be the first fireworks show performed at McKechnie Field since its renovation during the off season. Bright House Networks customers can present their statements at the McKechnie Field box office to purchase a Grandstand ticket for $1 off the price of admission.

Bradenton has been the Spring Training home of the Pirates since 1969. The team's High-A affiliate, the Bradenton Marauders, began playing at McKechnie Field in 2010. For more information about Pirate Fest, Spring Training, or the Marauders, call 941-747-3031 or visit www.BradentonMarauders.com.