The Pittsburgh Pirates suffered a devastating blow to their spring training facilities in Bradenton, Florida, as Hurricane Milton made landfall, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. According to the team, Pirate City, the Pirates' spring training complex, and LECOM Park, the facility's stadium, sustained significant damage from the powerful storm.
Although the full extent of the damage has not been disclosed, it is clear that Hurricane Milton's strong winds and heavy rainfall took a considerable toll on the facilities. Pirate City, the team's main spring training facility, has been a staple of the Pirates' training and development program for over 50 years, and the news of its damage has sent shockwaves throughout the baseball community.
The Pirates have announced that they will be assessing the damage and working to make any necessary repairs as soon as possible. However, the timing of the damage is particularly concerning, as the team's spring training is scheduled to take place in just a few short months. The Pirates will be working diligently to ensure that the facilities are restored to their former glory in time for the upcoming season.
LECOM Park, which has a seating capacity of over 8,500, has been the home of the Bradenton Marauders, the Pirates' affiliate in the Florida State League, since 2010. The stadium has also hosted several high-profile games, including the Pirates' Grapefruit League games during spring training.
The damage to Pirate City and LECOM Park serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of hurricanes on sports facilities and the importance of disaster preparedness. The Pirates and the City of Bradenton will undoubtedly be working together to ensure that the facilities are not only restored but also improved to withstand future storms.