Truist Park opened on March 31, 2017

Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, held its first regular-season game on March 31, 2017. The stadium replaced Turner Field, which had been the Braves' home since 1997. The move took the team from downtown Atlanta to Cobb County, about 10 miles northwest of the city center.

The ballpark cost approximately $622 million to build and was originally called SunTrust Park when it opened. The name changed to Truist Park in 2020 after Truist Financial Corporation acquired the naming rights when SunTrust merged with BB&T to form Truist. This naming change reflected a major shift in the banking industry but did not affect the stadium's operations or fan experience.

The stadium sits in The Battery Atlanta, a mixed-use development that includes restaurants, shops, offices, and residential space. This was part of the Braves' plan to create a destination beyond just baseball games, making the area worth visiting even when no game is scheduled.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist Park opened on March 31, 2017, replacing Turner Field as the Atlanta Braves' home stadium after 20 seasons downtown.
  • The ballpark was originally named SunTrust Park and cost approximately $622 million to construct.
  • The stadium is located in Cobb County, about 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, and is accessible by MARTA rail service.
  • The name changed to Truist Park in 2020 when Truist Financial Corporation acquired the naming rights following a banking merger.
  • The stadium sits within The Battery Atlanta, a mixed-use development with year-round restaurants, retail, and entertainment options.

Why the Braves moved from Turner Field

Turner Field, which opened in 1997, had served the Braves for 20 seasons. However, the team and ownership decided a new facility in a different location would better serve their long-term goals. The move to Cobb County was controversial among some fans who preferred the downtown location, but the organization believed the new stadium and surrounding development would improve the overall experience and attract a broader audience.

The Braves ownership also saw the relocation as an opportunity to build a modern facility with updated amenities, better parking, and more space for future growth. Turner Field was eventually demolished in 2018, ending the stadium's 21-year history as a baseball venue. The new location offered more room for expansion and development than the downtown site allowed.

What The Battery Atlanta includes

The Battery Atlanta is the development surrounding Truist Park and extends beyond the stadium itself. The complex features restaurants, bars, retail shops, office space, and apartments. The design was intended to make the area active on non-game days as well as during Braves games, creating a year-round destination rather than a venue that sits empty most days.

The Battery has become a gathering spot for fans before and after games, with various dining and entertainment options within walking distance of the stadium. This mixed-use approach was relatively new for baseball stadiums at the time and has influenced how newer ballparks are designed. Many stadiums built after Truist Park have adopted similar models of combining sports venues with retail and residential space.

Stadium capacity and design features

Truist Park has a seating capacity of approximately 41,000. The stadium was designed with modern amenities including club seating, premium suites, and standing-room areas. The design also emphasizes sightlines to the field and incorporates natural light where possible, making the viewing experience comfortable for fans in most sections.

The ballpark includes features like a left-field plaza, which is an open area where fans can gather and watch the game from outside the main seating bowl. The stadium also has a distinctive design with a sloped roof structure that gives it a recognizable appearance from the outside. These design choices reflect trends in ballpark construction that prioritize both functionality and visual appeal.

How to find information about events and visiting

The Atlanta Braves' official website lists all upcoming games, ticket information, and stadium policies. You can find details about parking, gate hours, what items are allowed inside, and accessibility services on their site. The website also provides information about season tickets, group outings, and special events held at the stadium throughout the year.

If you are planning to visit for a game or event, the Braves' website also provides information about public transportation options, including MARTA rail service that connects to the stadium. The Battery Atlanta's website lists restaurants and shops in the development if you want to plan your visit beyond just the game itself. Parking is available both at the stadium and throughout The Battery development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Truist Park on non-game days?

Yes, The Battery Atlanta is open year-round with restaurants, shops, and other businesses operating on non-game days. However, the stadium itself is only open during games and special events. You can walk around the exterior and enjoy the surrounding development without a ticket.

How do I get to Truist Park using public transportation?

MARTA's red line has a station at the Battery/Truist Park area. This is the most direct public transit option from downtown Atlanta and other parts of the metro area. The Braves' website provides detailed directions and parking information if you are driving instead.

What was the original name of the stadium?

The stadium opened as SunTrust Park in 2017. When SunTrust merged with BB&T to form Truist Financial Corporation in 2020, the naming rights transferred and the stadium was renamed Truist Park.

Why did the Braves leave Turner Field?

The Braves moved to build a modern facility with updated amenities and to develop a mixed-use area around the stadium. Turner Field, which opened in 1997, had served the team for 20 seasons before the relocation to Cobb County.

What is the seating capacity at Truist Park?

Truist Park has a seating capacity of approximately 41,000. The stadium includes various seating options ranging from standard seats to premium club seating and luxury suites to accommodate different preferences and budgets.