Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium

Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
Don Ceppi/Scenic South Card Co. · Public domain · source
Name	Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
Location	Atlanta, Georgia (U.S. state)
Opened	1965
Closed	1996
Demolished	1997
Owner	Fulton County, Georgia
Operator	Fulton County, Georgia
Capacity	59,000 (baseball), 70,000 (football)
Surface	Natural grass, later AstroTurf
Architect	Heery International
Tenants	Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium was a multipurpose stadium located in Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center. Opened in 1965, it served as home to the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League for decades, hosting championship events, historic performances, and civic gatherings. The venue played a central role in Atlanta's growth as a national sports market and as a site for notable moments involving figures such as Hank Aaron, Tom Glavine, Deion Sanders, and politicians like Maynard Jackson.

History

Construction began amid civic efforts led by Ivan Allen Jr. and coordination with Fulton County, Georgia officials, financed through municipal bonds and local support tied to urban renewal projects near Georgia State University. The stadium replaced Ponce de Leon Park as a professional venue and coincided with the arrival of the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League and the relocation ambitions of the Milwaukee Braves owners. Opening ceremonies featured municipal leaders, and early seasons included contests against franchises such as the New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers. Over time the facility reflected broader trends involving multipurpose venues, franchise relocations, stadium financing debates involving elected officials like Zel Fischer (note: municipal figures) and the privatization discussions that shaped later projects including Turner Field and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Design and Features

The bowl-style stadium was designed by Heery International with a configuration to accommodate both Major League Baseball and National Football League sightlines, incorporating movable seating, expansive upper decks, and a horseshoe footprint oriented toward downtown Atlanta. Initial playing surface was natural grass; later conversions included AstroTurf installations analogous to those in Shea Stadium and Riverfront Stadium. Amenities included luxury boxes inspired by trends set by venues such as Candlestick Park and concourses comparable to those at Yankee Stadium (1923) renovations. Architectural choices produced distinct foul territory dimensions and an outfield wall that affected play, comparable in consequence to dimensions at Fenway Park and Coors Field. The exterior employed concrete and steel typical of mid-20th century municipal arenas, echoing elements seen at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and Municipal Stadium (Baltimore).

Events and Tenants

Primary tenants were professional franchises: the Atlanta Braves (1965–1996) and the Atlanta Falcons (1966–1991). The stadium hosted postseason series including National League Championship Series matchups and NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament regional games, as well as concerts by performers such as The Beatles-era acts, later tours including Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and U2. Political events included appearances by national figures from Jimmy Carter to Bill Clinton, and the venue held large-scale religious gatherings like those organized by Benny Hinn-style ministries (note: organizers). The stadium also hosted Atlanta Silverbacks friendlies and high school championships attended by regional institutions like Grady High School (Atlanta) and Mays High School (Atlanta).

Notable Games and Moments

The stadium is most closely associated with Hank Aaron's pursuit of the career home run record, culminating in games against teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds that drew national attention. The venue saw memorable postseason performances by Braves pitchers including John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine during clashes with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians. On the football side, marquee Falcons contests included games against the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, featuring players such as Deion Sanders and coaches like Dan Reeves. The stadium hosted the 1972 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and college bowl games that featured programs such as University of Georgia Bulldogs football and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football, generating moments celebrated by local media outlets like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Demolition and Legacy

By the 1990s, franchise desires for baseball-specific amenities and modern revenue-generating features drove the Atlanta Braves to seek a new ballpark, culminating in the move to Turner Field following the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Atlanta Falcons relocated to Georgia Dome, and the original stadium closed in 1996 and was demolished in 1997; demolition involved contractors experienced with civic razings similar to those at Candlestick Park and Tiger Stadium (Detroit). Site redevelopment and commemorations included plaques and relics preserved by the Atlanta History Center and memorabilia collectors; portions of the property were integrated into parking and event planning for Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center. The stadium's legacy persists in narratives about franchise relocation in Major League Baseball and venue design debates involving figures such as Arthur Blank and urban planners who later influenced projects like Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Its former role in Atlanta's civic identity is reflected in museum exhibits, oral histories preserved by Emory University archives, and tributes during milestone anniversaries by the Atlanta Braves and civic leaders.

Category:Sports venues in Atlanta