11/14/13 AT 2:25 PM EST. Turner Field hosted its first baseball game on April 4, 1997, when the Braves defeated the Chicago Cubs five to four. On the field level concourse by the portals, there are pictures and display areas of past Braves teams. All the Braves need to do is bring in some specialty concessionaires from the local area. With built-in TV monitors and only 150 seats, The SunTrust Club is the most exclusive space in baseball. [12] However, the Braves executives complained that its downtown location restricted game attendance because of traffic into the city and a shortage of on-site parking. I gave tons of bonus points because it is a fun place to be and doesnt deserve a score on par with the Metrodome. Because of the need to fit a track within the stadium in its earlier configuration, the field of play, particularly foul territory, while not large by historical standards, was still larger than most MLB stadiums of its era. [25] On August 18, 2016, Georgia State and the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority reached a tentative purchase agreement for Turner Field, and the purchase and redevelopment plan was approved by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia on November 9, 2016. 2017 (Final game ever). There are a couple of Philly cheese steak carts around the park, but other than that, it really is the bare minimum of what you would expect. Turner Field also featured the Georgia's Own Credit Union Club and Superior Plumbing Club, consisting of 152 collective premium seats located directly adjacent to each side of the press box. 2023 Ballparks Its really pleasant, Landis said. The particularly large canopy is interesting. Turner Whats hilarious is that I dont necessarily have anything against that. When the Braves moved to Truist Park and Cobb County in 2017, Georgia State took over the stadium (now called Center Parc Credit Union Stadium) and converted it into their home football venue. The Braves won the game 203. [37], The first World Series game ever played at Turner Field was Game 1 of the 1999 World Series, where the starting pitcher Maddux and the Braves were defeated 41 by the New York Yankees' Orlando Hernndez and series MVP Mariano Rivera; the Braves went on to lose the series by a four-game sweep. An intimate setting of 41,000 seats is designed to maximize sightlines, making every seat feel like the "best in the house". Duke leaps 10 spots up to No. 10 in new D1Baseball Top 25 The stadiums parking lot hosted vehicle ride-and-drive events, road races, and acircus. Way beyond what I expected, given my that I previously implied the city has mundane culinary tastes. But overall, Turner is a dud architecturally. Being in the middle of nowhere is one thing, but being in a raunchy area with no attractions is another. [19] Braves executive vice president Mike Plant has stated that capital maintenance would be much less at SunTrust Park. RELATED STORIES: Redevelopment Around Former Turner Field Continues;Ballparks That Live On: Turner Field; Turner Field Sale Finalized; Georgia State Votes on Turner Field Cost;Turner Field Could Host Football by 2017;Georgia State, Partners to Buy Turner Field for $30 Million;Redevelopment pitched for Turner Field;Turner Field to remain open as football stadium. A 12-team College Football Playoff field was officially approved by the College Football Playoff's board of managers in September, with 2026 initially targeted as the start date. In an era where exciting yet contrived dimensions were in vogue, the Braves abstained unlike anyone else. The goal was to take the advantages of a location close to downtown and a large plat of land and create what would basically be a new Atlanta neighborhood where people live, work and attend school. The end of the Braves' most recent lease in 2016 coincided with the team's departure for SunTrust Park (now Truist Park).[11]. From 1997 to 2016, it served as the home ballpark to the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). PNC Park upgrades They even had a Peaches N Cream stand, which offered Georgia oriented desert fare. However, one section of note is the Coca-Cola Sky Field in the upper deck. 21. The Braves could have incorporated the Atlanta skyline into the ballpark, but chose to build a club restaurant instead. You can disagree with what Im writing, but theres no doubting Turner Field feels way to big, with a capacity of about 50,000. to Truist Park Other renovations in that year included the addition of a 1,080-foot (330-meter) long LED display to the stadium's upper deck, primarily for advertising purposes. AtlantaFulton County Stadium opened in 1966 and hosted its final game on October 24, 1996, when the New York Opening during the Braves' "division dominance" years, Turner Field hosted the NLDS a total of 11 times (19972005, 2010, 2013), the NLCS four times (19971999, 2001), one World Series (1999), one NL Wild Card Game (2012, the first in baseball history), and the 2000 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. What we have here is a boring stadium superficially accentuated with Chick-fil-A cows, coke bottles, and other flashy ornaments. Instead of stadium seats, patrons faced the field in chairs around semicircular tables. I can attest that its the ultimate copycat city, offering very little in terms of originality, other than consumerism. On the terrace level at 216, the team brought in Dantannas, a longtime mainstay in the Atlanta area. Truist Park Being in the middle of nowhere is one thing, but being in a raunchy area with no attractions is another. The seats themselves are of typical width. Adorned with rich reds in a modern dcor, the 755 Club now gives off more of a vibrant club and bar feel, not so much an upscale restaurant (though they do have an a-la-carte menu). Arguably the most luxurious in baseball, the club features an overabundance of wood, marble, and leather. [66] The annual event moved to SunTrust Park in 2017. Objectively, it has very little going for it as well. Virtual Globetrotting There also seems to be some disconnect between staff on certain policy issues, such as whether you can leave and re-enter the game. Turner Crossing Anaheim Turner Field For better or for worse, it is the ultimate baseball theme park, just one that now seems to be aging fast (amenities age, timeless architecture doesnt). Proceed through town to Exit #246 Fulton Street/Stadium exit. The Atlanta Braves started playing their home games at Turner Field in 1997. baseballpilgrimages.com. This $6 million addition was completed in 2008 and its 143 premium seats were just 43 feet (13m) from home plate, closer than seats in any other MLB ballpark of the era (and closer to home plate than the pitcher's mound). The aforementioned Tooner Field, added in 2005, might be the most expansive kid friendly area in the majors. Connecticut climbs one place to No. No Mexican fare. Plant estimates that capital maintenance costs at SunTrust Park will be no more than $80 million after 30 years less than half of the $150 million in capital maintenance needed for Turner Field after 17 years. What can the Braves do? There is also a stage where kids can display their karaoke skills, equipped with a camera, speakers, and video screen. Next to this second iteration of Turner Field's Coca-Cola bottle was a 40-foot (12m) Chick-fil-A cow, added in 2008. Its really the worst of both worlds: bland and gimmicky. 10 after winning a road series at Virginia, which falls eight places to No. This is the backdrop for a monotonous array of functional stands, which just screams renovated stadium. Enter your email address to subscribe to Ballpark Digest and receive notifications of new posts by email immediately when a new story is posted. The best way to get to Truist Park is to plan ahead, arrive early and consider all the transportation options available to you. Most of all, for successfully building a venue that effectively accommodated both the Olympics and baseball. Turner Field Architecture firm Heery was responsible for both stadium conversions. That deserves huge praise, as history mitigates the bland atmosphere. WebTurner Crossing Anaheim. Comprised of both field box and terrace box seats, Atlanta has the largest lower deck in baseball. Dont believe me? Its even difficult to upgrade in the upper deck, as they even diligently check tickets to make sure general admission fans arent going to the seats behind home plate in the upper deck. [10] After the ballpark was instead named after Ted Turner (and subsequently nicknamed "The Ted" by fans), the city of Atlanta renamed the section of Capitol Avenue on which the stadium sits Hank Aaron Drive, giving Turner Field the street number 755, after Aaron's home run total. At the first light go right on Windsor Street. From the time of its opening in 1997 until the 2012 season, the retired numbers were commemorated by the number as pictured below hanging from the facade in left field. Landis makes giant stainless steel sculptures in a studio a couple of blocks from what used to be Turner Field. When the Braves moved to Truist Park and Cobb County in 2017, Georgia State took over the stadium (now called Center Parc Credit Union Stadium) and converted it into their home football venue. In 2009, a new large Coca-Cola bottle was installed behind left field. Units range from 14,000 to 43,900 square feet. Make no mistake: the architects intended for the fans to be contained inside the ballpark. For being the first ballpark to integrate such a vast array of entertainment features and amenities into the structure, compensating for the poor location; the musical stage and occasional pre game concerts are my favorite: +2 It may come off as a bit drab, but I think it looks nice. As of 2012, Turner Field presents an astounding lack of variety in its food selection (not counting the club level, thats premium services) that recalls the pre-retro era. Not only do you have to navigate through some ambiguous areas after you exit the highway, but Atlantas public transportation system, MARTA, doesnt directlyaccess the ballpark. Remember Turner Field, where the Atlanta Braves played for a whopping 19 years in downtown Atlanta? More details [47], On August 13, 2013, Ronald Lee Homer, Jr., a fan attending the game against the Philadelphia Phillies, fell 85 feet (26m) to his death after leaping over the fourth level wall in the rear of the stadium and landing in the player's parking lot. Serving a variety of waffles and a couple other southern breakfast items, this is a significant step forward in bringing a regional feel to Turner Field. The stadium was originally constructed as the 85,000-seat Centennial Olympic Stadium and used for the 1996 Summer Olympics. New Salt Lake Bees ballpark The stadiums parking lot hosted vehicle ride-and-drive events, road races, and a, Baseball-Reference: Atlanta Braves Attendance. WebFacility Reservations Staff 1 Civic Center Plaza Irvine, CA 92606 Phone: 949-724-6620 Hours of Operation: Mon.- Thur. Despite criticism in most areas, the Braves deserve unqualified credit for their superior attention to team history. AtlantaFulton County Stadium opened in 1966 and hosted its final game on October 24, 1996, when the New York Yankees defeated the Braves one to zero in game five of the World Series. Connecticut climbs one place to No. An intimate setting of 41,000 seats is designed to maximize sightlines, making every seat feel like the "best in the house". [33] The first regular season game played at Turner Field was on April 4, 1997, against the Chicago Cubs, with Denny Neagle making the start for the Braves. Harvard Historical Exhibits, Memorabilia, Art, & Other Displays, golden era of retro ballpark architecture. WebMAP & DIRECTIONS TO TURNER FIELD Address: 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30302 View Larger Map Get Directions View Bird's Eye FROM: Address or Intersection: City: PARKING AT TURNER FIELD Turner Field Parking Powered by HOTELS NEAR TURNER FIELD RATE THIS BALLPARK! Perhaps whats most amazing is the spectacular ballparks Turner Field followed. More details Turner Field Good design still endures. Harvard All rights reserved. [53] The Delta Sky 360 Lounge was added in 2010 and was located behind the 755 Club suites on the second level of the ballpark. I love that idea, too bad no one is going to notice because the bland interior architecture dominates the venues vibe. Umpire Sam Holbrook called Simmons out, citing the infield fly rule. Its different in that way, and has the potential to have a very stately look. From Monument Grove and the museum, to pretty much every area on the concourses, theres a nod to Braves history. You see teams randomly put statues throughout the exterior of their ballpark, but Turner Field made it the focal point. The longest game by time, and in Braves history, was played on July 2627, 2011 between the Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates. ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves announced Monday they will leave Turner Field for a new 42,000-seat, $672 million stadium about 10 miles from downtown Atlanta in 2017. Most teams succeed to some degree here, providing maybe a museum, a team plaque area, or multiple allusions on the concourse, but Turner Field succeeds across the board. Luckily for Atlanta, theyre able to reorient sections at an appropriate degree due to the open site, avoiding many of the problems in Cleveland. [15], After negotiations broke down, the team began planning a new stadium, SunTrust Park. Turner Field The best way to get to Truist Park is to plan ahead, arrive early and consider all the transportation options available to you. The Atlanta Braves' Move To Cobb County Is About Race, Not Even the batters eye is ugly. The corporate Delta deck in left field dominates the interior, while obliterating any connection to the city. And then why not add a random brick restaurant beyondright-center field to look retro? Olympic Sites, Sports - Baseball - Pro. Just imagine if I didnt reward or even criticized the Braves for their effort. WebTurner Field was a baseball stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia. The 755 Club restaurant has long been a symbol of Turner Fields classy high-end vibe. New Richmond Flying Squirrels ballpark A number of cities with major league teams, including Atlanta, constructed similar old-style facilities: Arlington, Texas (Ameriquest Field, 1994); Cincinnati, Ohio (Great American Ballpark, 2003); Cleveland, Ohio (Jacobs Field, 1994); Detroit, Michigan (Comerica Park, 2000); Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Miller Park, 2001); and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PNC Park, 2001). In a post-game ceremony, home plate was removed and delivered to SunTrust Park by Hank Aaron and Braves chairman Terry McGuirk, as those remaining at Turner Field watched its progress on the video board. One unique tidbit: the suites look like they require an entry card like a room at a hotel. When I finally got tickets in 2015 (off Stubhub), I noticed they made all fans sign-in when entering the club, as if to hold the season ticket holders accountable for others in possession of their tickets. Turner Fields largest baseball gathering took place on July 21, 2007, when the Braves defeated the St. Louis Cardinals fourteen to six before 53,953 fans. They dont even give the illusion of trying. Turner Field? It's Georgia NewHillsboro Hops ballpark Being in the middle of nowhere is one thing, but being in a raunchy area with no attractions is another. See the best college photos of CB DJ Turner II, the Bengals second pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Youll never see me bash a particular city on this website, but perhaps I feel immune because I actually livein Atlanta. Whats unfortunate is that amenities arent timeless, unlike great aesthetics. 8 Building Industrial Business Park. This is Georgia State Stadium, home of the Georgia State Panthers. New Georgia Encyclopedia, last modified Sep 17, 2020. https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/sports-outdoor-recreation/turner-field/, Starrs, C. (2006). Turner Field gets the obligatory high score, but subjective deductions for creating the ultimate baseball theme park. The Braves made headlines in 2005 by being the first team in baseball to install a high definition video board, the worlds largest at the time. You dont really need some kind of artificial distinguishing element if the ballpark is open and acknowledges its environment through effective urban planning. [52] The club area featured a waitstaff that catered to club members in their seats during the games. Target Field renovations, 2024 Ballparks Field of Dreams ballpark (Dyersville, IA) Turner Field? It's Georgia [49], On August 29, 2015, during a game against the New York Yankees, as Alex Rodriguez was being introduced for his first plate appearance of the series, 60-year-old Greg Murrey fell 40 feet (12m) from section 402 in the stadium's upper deck into the second and third rows of seats in section 202. Not only is Turner Field a ballpark without a community, its in the ghetto. The dcor of the concourses is a bit 1990s blandish, highlighted by red, white, and blue bathroom tiles. Take Exit #56B- Windsor Street/Spring Street/Stadium exit. I have a high tolerance for kid related activities, if they are done tastefully. It really is a fun tradition. Turner Field The best way to get to Truist Park is to plan ahead, arrive early and consider all the transportation options available to you. Atlanta's Chipper Jones hit the lone home run in the game, and Braves outfielder Andruw Jones drove in a run as the National League was defeated 63. Turner Field Instead of the typical three, Turner Field has four distinct concourses throughout the ballpark. The dimensions actually mimic the construction site to a tee if you look at the blueprints. When looking at the outfield design, we really have multiple elements that not only fail to add visual appeal, but seem out of place as well. Turner Field was a relatively new facility, being younger than 14 of Major League Baseball's other 29 stadiums at the time of the Braves' last game there. For Monument Grove, a nice meeting area before the game: +1 Atlanta has long been maligned as one of the worst baseball towns in America. [51] SunTrust Club members also had access to an exclusive club area located under the Hank Aaron Seats (Section 101) that consists of free food and drinks for club members. Its almost like they knew there was no way to give the ballpark any type of distinct regional feel because of the area, so they compensated with tons of team history. The stadium would be built in southern Cobb County, with an Atlanta address, located "near the geographic center of the Braves' fan base. San Diego has fish tacos, Colorado has Rocky Mountain Oysters, and Baltimore has crab cakes. It doesnt look like it started with any idea or vision either, and needless to say, it doesnt make any honest attempt to capture the city. A 12-team College Football Playoff field was officially approved by the College Football Playoff's board of managers in September, with 2026 initially targeted as the start date. As a result, the mezzanine club level feels like the farthest from the field in the majors. Perhaps I am biased because I have attended multiple Braves games, but I have had some bad experiences with some of the Braves staff. [28] The stadium conversion would occur over multiple phases, while the first phase was completed in time for Georgia State's opener on August 31, 2017.[29]. The section of the outfield wall with the monument marking where Hank Aaron's 715th home run went over it was reinstalled in its original location, and still stands today. Perhaps that was Janet Marie Smiths influence (She is the Camden Yards architect who spearheaded the so-called retro concept. Space isnt used too well here, and it seems like Turner Field makes an extra effort to close the gaps and liven up the ballpark. And Im really sorry, but I mean that in the worst possible way. Holeman & Finch Public House and its hometown chef are frequently mentioned as providing one of the top burgers in the nation. The Braves moved less than one block from AtlantaFulton County Stadium, which served as their home field for 31 seasons from 1966 to 1996. For having so many kid-related activities +1 August Publications was formed in 2002 with the launch of Ballpark Digest. Coming from the East: Remember Turner Field, where the Atlanta Braves played for a whopping 19 years in downtown Atlanta? [36] Following a sweep of the Astros, the Braves went on to the NLCS, where Tom Glavine picked up the first NLCS win at Turner Field; however, the Braves lost to the eventual-World Series-champion Florida Marlins. After the 1996 Olympics were complete the stadium was leased by the Atlanta Braves. Good amenities circa 1997 arent that snazzy now. The Atlanta Braves' Move To Cobb County Is About Race, Not In 2017, the team moved to the newly constructed SunTrust Park (now called Truist Park), located in nearby Cobb County. In 2013, the Atlanta Braves announced that the team would no longer be playing at Turner Field, their home stadium since 1997, and would be relocating to Cobb County. Turner Crossing Anaheim The irony is that ballpark visionary Janet Marie Smith was involved in this project. Unfortunately, the Braves also dont use it as well as they should. Wearing a Braves hat, the cow did the Tomahawk Chop along with fans while holding a sign with rotating slogans which tie in to the fast-food chain's successful "Eat Mor Chikin" advertising campaign. "[16] The new stadium was constructed in a public/private partnership. Most fans enter through the attractive center field plaza (Monument Grove), only to be greeted by Cartoon Network and Johnny Bravo. 8 Building Industrial Business Park. [54] Other Delta Sky 360 Lounges could be found at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, and one was included in the construction of SunTrust Park. In terms of entertainment, they can and have been easily outdone, which is why in the aggregate, it scores the worst of the post-1991 ballparks. Proceeds from this annual match benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. 10 after winning a road series at Virginia, which falls eight places to No. The Top of the Chop is a new public patio area located outsidethe club level above the existing restaurant. Its not even confident in its simple architectural lines in the end. While Mayor Reed showed preference towards Georgia State's plan, at least three offers from other developers were up for consideration. [1] This was considered a good agreement for both the Olympic Committee and the Braves. In the golden era of retro ballpark architecture, Camden Yards, Progressive Field, and evenRangers Ballpark features some of the most distinct and well-executedinterior aesthetic visions weve seen.