(Bradenton, FL) Portions of McKechnie Field, home of the Bradenton Marauders and Pittsburgh Pirates during spring training have been fitted with new shading material replacing the metal roofing that was removed from the first and third baseline reserved sections during the Marauders' 2011 season.
Apollo Sunguard Systems, based in nearby Sarasota, is installing the awnings over the box seats on the first and third base lines which will help protect fans from the sun.
The metal ceilings that formerly occupied the stadium had to be taken out because of corrosion. The removal forced two Marauders home games to be relocated to Port Charlotte last season.
Trevor Gooby, Senior Director of Florida Operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates said the organization is pleased with the awnings in terms of both design and functionality. “It's a great product, we're really happy with the quality of it and the protection it's going to give to our fans.”
The awnings are a temporary measure as construction of a new, permanent roof is planned for later this year. Funding for the renovation was recently approved by city and county governments. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2012 and should be completed in early 2013.
McKechnie Field opens its 89th season as the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 4th when the Bucs play their first home spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Marauders open Florida State League play on April 5th against the St. Lucie Mets.
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