Turner Field

Originally built for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Turner Field is now one of the premier places to watch a baseball game. With an aging Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, the Braves began pursuing a new stadium in the late 1980's. With the announcement that the '96 Olympics would be played in Atlanta, the city and the Braves decided to join forces in building a stadium. The stadium would first host the Olympics, and then be converted to a baseball stadium. The ballpark was built and shaped for the purpose of baseball. The exterior is brick and limestone, similar to other ballparks. Temporary bleachers were built beyond the outfield fence for a bigger capacity for the Olympics. After the games ended, the stadium was retro-fitted, and converted to baseball. The columns that supported the bleachers, are now posts for a fence that surrounds Monument Grove plaza. The stadium was named Turner Field after then Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner.

Built next to Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, the state of the art facility opened on April 4, 1997 with a capacity of 50,096. Upon arriving at Turner Field, many fans park north of the ballpark, past the outfield stands. Walking toward the ballpark, fans pass over the former site of Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. The base paths and playing field is marked out in what is now a parking lot, and part of the retaining wall of Atlanta Fulton County Stadium remains. As fans approach the ballpark they can see the brick and limestone walls of Turner Field, and the blue seats in the upper deck. Their are many entrances around the ballpark, but many people use the Grand Entry Plaza to enter. Inside this area includes a ticketed entertainment/concession area of two food and game filled pavilions, Scouts Alley, and Tooner Field. A 100 foot diameter photograph of Hank Aaron’s 715^th homerun ball dominates the Plaza side scoreboard. Adjacent to the plaza is the Braves Hall of Fame and Monument Grove.

Upon entering the ballpark you are on the field level. Ramps, stairs, and escalators throughout Turner Field take you to the terrace level, the Lexus level, and the upper deck. The field level seating section extends from the left field foul pole around to home plate, and to the right field foul pole. Additional seating is located in leftfield, and in parts of right field. Also making up part of the lower level is the terrace level, which extends from the left field foul pole to home plate, around to the right field foul pole, and into right field. The opposing team bullpen is located beyond the left field foul pole. The Braves bullpen is located between the field pavilion seats in right field. Fans can walk the entire lower concourse and never loose site of the game being played, and can watch pitchers warm up in the bullpen.

The next level up is the Lexus level. The Lexus level extends from right field to the right field foul pole, around to home plate, and down and around the left field foul pole to the 755 restaurant. Not only is this the suite area, but is also an area where fans can purchase individual tickets for games. Perhaps the best part of this level is that the concourse is air conditioned. The upper deck extends from in right field to the foul pole and around to home plate, and down the third base line. From the concourse fans can see the surrounding neighborhood and the City of Atlanta. The upper level concourse extends from behind the upper deck down the third base side into left field, where the Coca-Cola Sky Field is located. This area features picnic tables, views of the stadium and the city of Atlanta, and a 38 foot tall Coke bottle. The BravesVision video board, which is 29 feet by 38 feet is located above the hitters background in center field.

Attractions at Turner Field include: Turner Beach, which is located on the right field Lexus Level patio, overlooking the field and features a cabana bar, food concessions, a picnic area, and lounge chairs. Monument Grove, is located in the Grand Plaza Entrance, which includes statues of Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro, Ty Cobb, and many other Braves greats. Trees, park benches, and picnic area are also located in this area. Scouts Alley is located behind the left field seats, and teaches fans about scouting, and also allows fans to test their throwing and hitting skills. Trivia games and other interactive activities are located here. Tooner Field, allows fans to play multiple video games and pose with shots of their favorite Cartoon Network Characters. The Braves Chop House is an 8,000 square foot dinning restaurant located above the Braves bullpen, which allows fans to dine during the game. The Braves Clubhouse Store is located in the plaza area, and features a large selection of Braves merchandise. Fans can sit outside the store and watch multiple games of baseball games being played around the country at that time.

Prior to the start of the 2005 season, the Braves spent $15 million in improvements to Turner Field. A new 80' by 72' high definition video replaced the old one, ribbon boards were added along the upper deck, and a new restaurant was constructed in right field. With these improvements, the team hopes to increase attendance at Turner Field.