Point Park University, City of Bradenton Explore Potential Partnership for Future Location in Florida Wednesday, August 12, 2026
The Riverwalk in Downtown Bradenton, Fla.
“We are in the early stages of evaluating what a partnership in Bradenton could look like and how it may support the university’s long-term strategic vision. While the Conservatory of Performing Arts is a natural starting point for these conversations, the opportunity is much broader and could create new pathways for students across the university to learn, intern and build careers in a vibrant and evolving market.”
Point Park University and the City of Bradenton, Fla., today announced they are exploring a potential partnership that could lead to the development of a future location in Bradenton, serving multiple areas of the university.
Early planning includes a particular emphasis on Point Park’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, while the broader vision could expand over time to support additional academic programs and student opportunities.
This exploration reflects a shared interest in connecting students to high-quality, career-focused education in a dynamic and growing region with strong ties to the arts, tourism, sports and business sectors. The potential partnership also aligns with a broader vision for community engagement, workforce development and place-based learning across two connected cities.
“We are in the early stages of evaluating what a partnership in Bradenton could look like and how it may support the university’s long-term strategic vision,” said Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, president of Point Park University. “While the Conservatory of Performing Arts is a natural starting point for these conversations, the opportunity is much broader and could create new pathways for students across the university to learn, intern and build careers in a vibrant and evolving market.”
As part of that exploratory work, Manatee County and the City of Bradenton are considering how existing buildings in the downtown core could be utilized and retrofitted to support a future Point Park presence. That planning reflects a shared commitment to aligning academic opportunity with downtown development, community investment and long-term revitalization goals.
The discussions also build on the close connection between Pittsburgh and Bradenton, which is widely recognized through a longstanding designation as unofficial Sister Cities and regional ties — Bradenton has been the Pirates’ spring training home since 1969. Those connections provide a strong foundation for a partnership centered on education, culture and economic activity in both communities.
“Bradenton and Manatee County value partnerships that strengthen our cultural and economic landscape,” said Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown. “This discussion with Point Park University reflects an exciting opportunity to showcase the Bradenton area as a place where students can learn, create and connect with industries that are important to our region.”
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor also noted the potential value of the partnership for both communities.
“Pittsburgh and Bradenton already have a great relationship, so this is an exciting potential partnership,” O’Connor said. “Point Park University plays a huge role in our Downtown community and its revitalization, and this could be an opportunity for them to bring that same kind of energy to support Bradenton's urban core. We hope that this could lead to even more partnerships to bring students, families and businesses to both Pittsburgh and Bradenton throughout the year.”
If realized, a Bradenton location would offer students the benefit of learning in a fast-growing region while remaining connected to Point Park’s strong academic community and professional network. Over time, the new location could support expanded programming and partnerships aligned with regional needs and with the University’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and career readiness.
For now, Point Park University and the Bradenton Area leaders emphasized that discussions remain exploratory and that additional planning will continue with local and regional partners. The shared goal is to determine how a future presence in Bradenton could best serve students, support community priorities and deepen the relationship between the two cities.
In the News
- "Point Park University Considers Expanding to Bradenton in Florida," TribLIVE.com.
- "Point Park University Considers a Campus in Bradenton, Fla.," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.