Truist Park opened in 2017 as the home of the Atlanta Braves

Truist Park opened on March 31, 2017, in Cumberland, Georgia, about 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves moved there from Turner Field, where they had played since 1997. The stadium cost approximately $622 million to build and was originally called SunTrust Park — the name changed to Truist Park in 2020 when SunTrust Bank merged with BB&T to form Truist Financial Corporation.

The ballpark was designed by the architecture firm Populous and built on a 57-acre site that also includes office space, retail shops, restaurants, and a hotel. The stadium itself holds about 41,000 people and sits in a mixed-use development called The Battery Atlanta, which opened alongside the park.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist Park opened on March 31, 2017, replacing Turner Field as the home of the Atlanta Braves.
  • The stadium was originally named SunTrust Park and was renamed Truist Park in 2020 after a bank merger.
  • The ballpark cost approximately $622 million to build and is located in Cumberland, Georgia.
  • The 57-acre development includes retail, dining, office space, and a hotel in addition to the stadium itself.

The move from Turner Field to the new stadium

The Braves had called Turner Field home for 20 seasons before relocating to the new facility. Turner Field, originally built for the 1996 Olympics, was located in the Summerhill neighborhood of Atlanta. The team's ownership decided that a new stadium in a suburban location with room for development would better serve the franchise and its fans.

The move was controversial in Atlanta because Turner Field sat in an urban neighborhood, while the new location was further out. However, the new stadium and surrounding development created thousands of jobs during construction and ongoing operations. The Battery Atlanta, the mixed-use area around the park, has become a major entertainment and dining destination in the Atlanta area.

What the stadium design includes

Truist Park was built with modern amenities and fan comfort in mind. The stadium features a roof overhang that provides weather protection for most seating areas, which is useful during Atlanta's hot, humid summers and occasional rain. The design also includes standing-room areas, club seating, and premium suites for corporate clients.

The ballpark's layout emphasizes sightlines to the field and includes wide concourses so fans can move around without crowding. The scoreboard and video displays are among the largest in baseball. The stadium also has a focus on local food vendors and regional restaurants, rather than only national chains.

The Battery Atlanta development around the park

The 57-acre development that surrounds Truist Park includes much more than just the stadium. The Battery Atlanta has office buildings, a Omni hotel with over 250 rooms, retail shops, and numerous restaurants and bars. Many of these businesses opened in phases after the stadium itself opened in 2017.

The development was designed to be active on non-game days as well as during Braves games. Office tenants, hotel guests, and shoppers use the area year-round. This mixed-use approach was part of the original plan to make the location a destination beyond just baseball games.

The naming history and bank merger

When the stadium first opened in 2017, it was called SunTrust Park because SunTrust Bank had purchased the naming rights. SunTrust Bank was a major regional bank based in Atlanta with a long history in the Southeast. In 2019, SunTrust Bank and BB&T Corporation announced they would merge to create a larger financial institution.

The merger was completed in December 2019, and the combined company took the name Truist Financial Corporation. As part of that change, the stadium's name was updated to Truist Park in 2020. The naming rights agreement continued under the new company name, so the ballpark kept its naming sponsorship through the transition.

Attendance and fan experience since opening

Truist Park has drawn strong attendance since it opened. The new facility and the Battery Atlanta development have made it a popular destination for fans in the Atlanta area and visitors from out of state. The stadium's modern design and amenities have generally received positive reviews from fans and sports writers.

The location in Cumberland has made the park accessible by car for suburban fans, though it is also served by public transit. The Battery Atlanta's restaurants and shops give fans reasons to arrive early or stay after games. The stadium has hosted playoff games, All-Star events, and other special baseball occasions since opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the name of the Braves stadium before Truist Park?

The Braves played at Turner Field from 1997 to 2016. Turner Field was originally built for the 1996 Summer Olympics and was located in the Summerhill neighborhood of Atlanta. The team moved to the new stadium in 2017.

Why did the stadium name change from SunTrust Park to Truist Park?

SunTrust Bank merged with BB&T Corporation in 2019 to form Truist Financial Corporation. The new company took over the naming rights agreement, and the stadium was renamed Truist Park in 2020 to reflect the merger.

How much did it cost to build Truist Park?

The stadium cost approximately $622 million to build. This figure covered the ballpark itself and some of the initial infrastructure for the surrounding development, though the full Battery Atlanta development involved additional investment over time.

Can you visit the Battery Atlanta without going to a game?

Yes. The Battery Atlanta includes shops, restaurants, a hotel, and office space that are open to the public on non-game days. Many people visit the area to dine or shop without attending a Braves game.