Truist Park

Truist Park is a state-of-the-art baseball stadium located in the Cumberland district of Cobb County, Georgia, serving as the home of the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). The ballpark opened in 2017, replacing Turner Field in downtown Atlanta, and is the centerpiece of a larger mixed-use development known as The Battery Atlanta. Designed by the architecture firm Populous, it is noted for its intimate sightlines, modern amenities, and integration with the surrounding entertainment complex.

History

The decision to relocate from Turner Field was announced in late 2013 by the Atlanta Braves ownership, led by Liberty Media, citing a desire for a controllable, year-round development. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in September 2014 following negotiations with the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. The stadium was originally named SunTrust Park for its founding financial partner, SunTrust Banks. The first official game was a preseason exhibition against the New York Yankees on March 31, 2017, with the regular season home opener occurring days later against the San Diego Padres. Following the merger of SunTrust Banks with BB&T to form Truist Financial, the venue was renamed in January 2020. The move from downtown was a significant event in Atlanta's urban development history, comparable to other suburban stadium projects like Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Features and amenities

The ballpark incorporates numerous fan-friendly features, including the Delta Air Lines Sky360 club, the Terrapin Taproom, and the Xfinity Lounge. Its design includes a natural grass playing surface and a distinctive LED lighting system for dynamic displays. Monument Garden, located behind home plate, honors Braves legends like Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro, and Greg Maddux with artifacts and interactive exhibits. The adjacent The Battery Atlanta offers restaurants, retail shops, the Omni Hotel, and the Coca-Cola Roxy theatre, creating a seamless entertainment destination. Unique seating options include the dugout-level SunTrust Club and a variety of luxury suites.

Events

Primarily hosting 81 regular-season home games for the Atlanta Braves, the stadium has also been the site of significant MLB events, including the 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It has hosted concerts by major artists such as Billy Joel, Elton John, and The Rolling Stones, leveraging its configuration for large-scale performances. The venue has also been used for college baseball games, including matchups featuring the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Georgia Bulldogs, and other community events like corporate gatherings and charity runs organized by the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

Transportation and access

Located near the intersection of Interstate 285 and Interstate 75, the stadium is accessible by major highways. Public transportation is provided via CobbLinc bus routes, with a dedicated circulator service on game days. The MARTA heavy rail system does not directly serve the area, though a connection is possible via bus transfer. Extensive parking is available in multiple garages and lots within The Battery Atlanta, managed by ParkMobile and other vendors. Pedestrian bridges connect the development to key parking areas, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have designated pickup zones.

In popular culture

The ballpark and The Battery Atlanta have served as filming locations for various television and film productions, adding to Georgia's profile as a major filming hub. It has been featured in episodes of the Netflix series Stranger Things, which films extensively in the state, and in commercials for national brands like Ford and Home Depot. The venue's distinctive architecture and vibrant atmosphere are also frequently showcased during national broadcasts on networks like Fox Sports, ESPN, and TBS.

Category:Baseball venues in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Atlanta Braves Category:Buildings and structures in Cobb County, Georgia Category:2017 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)