In late 2013 it was announced that the Braves would be leaving Turner Field and moving to a brand new, custom-built, state-of-the-art ballpark in neighbouring Cobb County. At a total cost of over $1.1 billion, the park would be unique in that it would be surrounded by a $400m entertainment district known as "The Battery Atlanta". Construction began in November 2014 and was completed in February 2017, when the Braves received the certificate of occupancy. The grass was laid in early March, with the stadium ready in time for the beginning of the 2017 season.
The official capacity of the stadium is 41,149, around 8,000 seats smaller than Turner Field. Braves executives said that fans were unwilling to come out to Turner Field in its later years due to inadequate transportation networks and parking facilities. Along with other dated infrastructure and the fact the Braves did not control the lease of the park and had no say over commercial development around the stadium.
The stadium opened on March 31st 2017 with an exhibition game vs the New York Yankees. However, the first Major League game to be held there was on April 14th 2017 vs the San Diego Padres. Played in front of a capacity crowd, the Braves won 5-2. Julio Teheran, who pitched the final game at Turner Field, started the game for the Braves and was the winning pitcher. Braves center fielder, Ender Inciarte has the honour of notching the first hit and the first home run. The game was the first of a four-game series, which was swept by the home team in what was a perfect start for their new home.
Behind the scenes...
The stadium has specially developed grass from the experts at the University of Georgia (Seashore Paspalum Platinum TE!), which tolerates low light, is disease resistant and has continuous growth to tolerate higher volumes of traffic. This is as close as they allow you to it!
All around the ballpark is great viewing and unique features. The next gallery highlights a few of those.
In line with the concept of being a fan's ballpark, check out some of the different eateries and types of cuisine available whilst at the game - of course this doesn't even include the plethora of restaurants and dining options just outside at The Battery Atlanta.
Below is a seating guide for the ballpark. The stadium is a cantilever design, which pushes the middle and upper decks closer to the action. On average, every seat is 50 feet closer to the field than was the case at Turner Field. In fact the seats directly behind home plate are closer to the batter than the pitcher is!
Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, www.atlantabraves.com or by phoning Ticketmaster on 1-800-745-3000.
The stadium address is: 755 Battery Avenue, Atlanta, GA, 30339. The club can be reached on 404-577-9100. It is located in North West Atlanta off exit 19 on the I-285. Ballpark tours are offered year-round and cost $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Group and military discounts are also offered. Tour times are as follows:
April-September:
Mon-Sat - 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm
Sun - 1pm, 2:30pm
October-March:
Mon-Sat - 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2pm