Pirates Spring Training Brings Multi-Million Dollar Boost to Manatee County

Team officials highlight the financial impact as the 58th season in Bradenton begins Wednesday.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 6:55pm

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The Pittsburgh Pirates' spring training in Bradenton, Florida is set to begin on Wednesday, marking the team's 58th season in the area. Team officials estimate the six-week training period brings in around $40 to $45 million in economic stimulus to the local Manatee County economy. Many Pirates players and staff have also established permanent ties to the Bradenton community.

Why it matters

The Pirates' spring training is a major economic driver for Manatee County, with the team drawing visitors from across the country during the six-week period. The influx of tourists provides a significant boost to local businesses and the overall economy of the region.

The details

The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates that 74% of first-time visitors to the Bradenton area during Pirates spring training will return within 12 months. Many Pirates players and staff have also chosen to make Bradenton their permanent home, with their families enrolled in local schools and frequenting area restaurants.

  • Spring training officially starts on Wednesday, February 22, 2026.
  • The Pirates' first home game is on February 22, 2026 against the Tampa Bay Rays at LECOM Park.

The players

Elliott Falcione

The executive director for the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Ben Cherington

The executive vice president and general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Jeff Podobnik

The vice president of Florida and Dominican operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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What they’re saying

“The Pirates enhance our brand elements by having a major league baseball franchise in our community.”

— Elliott Falcione, Executive Director, Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

“We got to do the work here in Bradenton this spring to get ready to go execute starting in April.”

— Ben Cherington, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Pittsburgh Pirates

“A lot of northerners, a lot of people from Michigan, a lot of people from Pennsylvania that they come down, the snow birds if you will.”

— Jeff Podobnik, Vice President of Florida and Dominican Operations, Pittsburgh Pirates

What’s next

The Pirates' first home game of the spring training season is scheduled for February 22, 2026 against the Tampa Bay Rays at LECOM Park.

The takeaway

The Pittsburgh Pirates' spring training in Bradenton, Florida is a significant economic driver for the local Manatee County region, generating an estimated $40-45 million in stimulus over the six-week period. The team's presence also helps to build the Bradenton brand and attracts repeat visitors to the area.