Thursday, July 5, 2012

Turner Field


TURNER FIELD


History
The Atlanta Braves moved into Turner Field in 1997 after it was converted from Centennial Olympic Stadium.  Centennial Olympic Stadium was originality built for the 1996 Summer Olympics. After the Olympics, the Stadium was redesigned to fit the needs of the Atlanta Braves who were in search of a new home, as they had out grown Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.  The new "Home of the Braves" has become a staple within the baseball community for stadium design.

Turner Field

Food
The first thing we learned about Turner Field is not to eat anywhere directly around the ballpark.  While Turner Field is known for its expensive concessions it is not in the best of neighborhoods. The Wendy's we went to before the game was on the south side of the park and we were scared!  If you don't buy anything from the concession it is still fun to check out all the catchy names they have for their items like the "Frankly My Dear" hot dog.  It is also good to know that Turner Field allows you to bring in sealed bottled water and food.

Parking
We were able to find a parking on the side of the park in a grass lot for $10 and all we had to do was walk across the street to get to the park.  We think this is probably the best idea for parking because it is cheap, close and monitored. There are other options though, since Turner Field does have official parking.  The official parking is more expensive however it is the most secure option for anyone who is concerned.  Also Park Whiz has been very helpful to use on this adventure.  Only, because we were not aware of this site when we went to Atlanta, we didn't use it.  We have to give credit to Stephanie's mom for finding this site because she was afraid when we went to Chicago that we wouldn't find a parking spot anywhere near Wrigley Field.  Park Whiz lets you search game by game to reserve a parking spot for a fixed price, many of these spots are owned by individuals and it is a great deal.  This also relieves the stress of finding the cheapest most secure parking spot.  Any way you choose expect to wait in traffic.

What to See
Gates open 2.5 hours before game time.  Once you have arrived at Turner Field, we suggest that you walk around the "Grand Entry Plaza" located beyond the outfield. There sits Monument Grove.  In this area you will find Statutes of Hank Aaron and other Braves greats.  Included in this area is the former field's outfield fence that Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715th  home run was hit over. 

Fun Facts about Turner Field:
  • You can receive a first time visitor's certificate at the guest relations booth at aisle 146.
  • You can see Hank Aaron's 715th home run ball in the Braves Museum. The Museum and Hall of Fame are located near aisle 134.
  • At the time of its installation in 2005, the high-definition video screen in center field was the world's largest.
  • The playing field is twenty feet below street level.
  • Scouts Alley, located under the left field stands, has interactive games for kids.
  • Tooner Field, located in the main entry plaza, has games and souvenir shops.

Helpful Links:
Atlanta Braves Ticket Pricing 

Our Experience 
You can read about our experience at Turner Field in our previous post "Honeymoon with a Tomahawk.Overall our experience at Turner Field was awesome and we would definitely recommend others to go and visit.