TURNER FIELD

Turner Field has a short, but unique, history. The stadium was in fact the 1996 Olympic Stadium, in which all track and field events as well as the opening and closing ceremonies were held. During the Olympics, baseball games were played at Fulton-County Stadium next door. But once the Olympics ended, Braves' owner Ted Turner paid $45 million to retrofit the stadium to make it suitable for baseball. In exchange, the name of the stadium would be Turner Field. One of the remnants of Olympic Stadium can be seen at the main entrance along Ralph D. Abernathy Street - the columns that now form the gates used to be the columns which supported the seats in the old stadium. 

Of course, when Turner Field was created, Fulton-County Stadium had to be knocked down to make room for parking. Fortunately, the Braves preserved the most historic moment at the stadium, Hank Aaron's home run fence. In the large reserved parking lot, known as the green lot, there stands a portion of fence with the 715 plaque that is so familiar to baseball fans everywhere. As well, the position of the old diamond has been laid out in the green lot and the old outfield fence separates the green lot from the blue lot.

From the parking lot

Getting to the stadium is very easy. Take the Marta train to Five Points Station, from where you can get a free shuttle right to the ballpark. Service begins 3 hours before game time. For those of who you prefer to drive, parking is $10. 

After you pass underneath the columns, you are in Monument Grove, the open area next to the ticket windows. This area is decorated with statues of Aaron, Ty Cobb, and Phil Niekro; Braves' retired numbers; and a large collection of baseballs commemorating the 2000 All-Star Game. The Braves Walk of Fame consists of plate-shaped plaques describing the careers of famous Braves, follow this trail to the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame. This is worth the time, it is only $2 on game-days, or $3 otherwise. For a review, see the Attractions page.

Buying tickets here is fairly easy. Dugout seats are $40, but didn't seem to be available. In fact, according to the pocket schedule, the cheapest available seats are the $32 club seats on the Lexus level. Otherwise, you have three main chocies: outfield pavilion (bleachers) for $18, upper level for $12, or in the upper pavilion (down the lines) for $5. But we recommend arriving early and buying the skyline tickets for $1, particularly if you can get them along third base. These tickets go on sale 3 hours before game time and you must buy 1 ticket per person. Once bought, you must enter the stadium immediately. These seats are in the last sections in the upper level. Most people that buy these seats then try to move to better seats; be warned that the ushers here are the strictest in the majors - it may take a couple of innings to get a safe seat.

The North Gate opens 3 hours before the game starts, which gives you plenty of time to wander around the entry plaza and see all the interesting things that make up this part of the park. The 100-foot large baseball photo just inside the gate is Hank Aaron's 715th home run ball; the real thing is on display in the Braves Museum. There is also a scoreboard here known as PlazaVision, which allows fans in the plaza to be entertained by player interviews before the game, among other shows.

The most interesting feature is known as Scouts' Alley, located behind the left field seats. Among the skill games that are at most new parks, you will find scouting reports of pass and current Brave players. It is fascinating to read scouts' opinions of players such as Tom Glavine and Mark Lemke. You can gain an appreciation of the fine art of scouting by spending a few minutes here. 

The digitial dugout features video games, while Tooner Field is a children's area dedicated to the Cartoon Network, also owned by Turner. The other area that requires a visit is the Coca-Cola Sky Field, located on the upper deck behind right field. Take a close look at the Coke Bottle - it is made up of baseball equipment such as bases, bats, and shoes. A 90-foot baseline tests your speed to first base, and a misting station is nearby to cool off after your run. Picnic tables are also available for those who bring their own food, which is allowed by the Braves. Even the garbage cans get into the act, the lids are painted like baseballs.

Skyfield

There are two scoreboards visible on the field - the main board is called BravesVision and is located in center field. The other scoreboard is the out-of-town scoreboard, located above the 755 club in left field. Note the Braves impressive collection of pennants just beneath the 755 club - one pennant for every season since 1991 (excluding the 1994 strike season). 

Food here is plentiful - the Chop House restaurant is OK, but the selection is limited. In the plaza area are the East and West Pavilions, which contain unique food choices, including "Frankly My Dear", a cute hot-dog reference to Gone With the Wind, and "I Only Have Fries for You". As well, Taste of the Majors presents a different food choice for every visiting team. One negative: no helment sundae.

Chop House

A final couple of points - there is a small turf farm behind the center field wall, which allows the Braves to replace bad areas of the field (which is one of the best in the majors). As well, the 2000 All-Star Game was played here, and along the main concourse are displays that highlight historical All-Star games. A good touch to this park, which is one of the better new parks in the majors.

Sunset at Turner

Overall, Turner Field is great entertainment for both families and serious fans. With the museum and entry plaza, as well as the game, you can easily spend most of a day here and we suggest you give it a try next time you are in Atlanta.