Attending a Braves Game is a quintessential thing to do in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Charles Atkeison via Flickr.
Springtime means a lot of things in Atlanta—blooming dogwoods, an increased number of folks on the Silver Comet Trail, outdoor brunch—but perhaps the most iconic is the start of baseball season. Before opening day, fans are busy discussing the roster and wondering if this is the year that the Braves will make it all the way to the World Series (the last time the Braves won was in 1995). Atlanta is passionate about its sports teams and the Braves are no exception, with massive crowds attending games at Turner Field throughout the summer.
Getting there
Turner Field is located in downtown Atlanta and there are parking lots if pre-game tailgating is of interest. However, parking is expensive and for many games, it’s necessary to buy a parking pass online before the game. Instead of dealing with traffic, it’s much easier to take MARTA, one of the easiest ways to get around Atlanta, to Turner Field. The MARTA Braves shuttle begins running 90 minutes prior to the first pitch from Underground Atlanta/Five Points MARTA station to Turner Field until one hour after the final out.
There’s more to do in Turner Field than just watch baseball, so consider getting there early. The gates open 2.5 hours before first pitch, so there is time to explore Scout’s Alley, participate in a pre-game parade or check out the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame. If you have kids, this is also a great opportunity to let them play and get out the “wiggles” before the game.
Best seats in the house
There are really no bad seats in Turner Field, which originally constructed as Centennial Olympic Stadium in 1996 for the Summer Olympics. It was converted into new home of the Braves, who moved just one block from their old home of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in 1997. However, if you want a bit of a better view of the action, just look to one of the more than 500 television monitors that are paced throughout the ballpark or the giant, 29-by-38-foot BravesVision video board beyond center field.
There are also several options for viewing all of the action during the game. Coca-Cola Sky Field is a large standing room area where you can view the game while the kids run around the base path. It also affords great views of the Atlanta skyline and the old stadium. The Braves Chop House is another fan favorite for watching the game: each table in the restaurant is placed to provide a view of the field. Above the Chop House is the Budweiser Pavilion party deck, which allows you to congregate with a group of friends during the game.
For the best ticket deal, get to the ticket windows 2.5 hours before game time and ask for a Skyline tickets. These upper level seats are the highest in the stadium, but they’re just $1 each. There is a strict policy of one ticket per person, and entry to the stadium is required immediately after purchase.
When it’s time to eat
Getting hungry? There are more than a hundred concessionaires in the park so you can satisfy almost any food craving during the game. Some of the stadium’s standouts include H&F Burger stands, Kevin Rathbun’s steak sandwiches and items from Dantanna’s grill cart. Oh, and there’s a Waffle House, too, for those mid-inning breakfast cravings.
Keep an eye out for $5 value snacks, which are typically a combo like a hot dog, pretzel or popcorn with a soda. Guests are also allowed to bring in coolers with your own food and (non-alcoholic) drinks, which can be a huge help for families with younger kids or anyone not wanting to spend a lot on concessions.
Get into the game
Want a chance to get up close with your favorite players? Ask for an autograph. From the time the gates open (2.5 hours before the first pitch) until one hour prior to game time, guests are allowed, under the direction of the usher staff, to seek autographs from the outfield side of each dugout. If you have the chance to attend a Friday night home game, stay for the spectacular fireworks display after the game; look between the foul poles, looking out from home plate into the outfield. The Braves are also great about sponsoring lots of fun promotions during the season, like Bark in the Park (bring your dog!), Girl’s Night Out, Daddy/Daughter Night, Mother/Son Night and Kids Run the Bases after every Sunday home game.
Future home of the Braves
The Braves’ lease at Turner Field expires at the end of the 2016 season. The proposed location for the new stadium is in the Cumberland/Galleria area of Cobb County in the northwest of Atlanta, a location that has many fans upset about the change. While nothing is set in stone, it’s worth taking in as many games at Turner Field as possible before the next chapter of the Braves is written.
Looking for other activities at Turner Field? Check out these 101 Things to Do at a Braves Game.
-Katie Coakley
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