Atlanta has professional franchises for five major team sports teams, but their most successful and popular team is the undoubtedly the Atlanta Braves. Affectionately known as “The Bravos,” “The Team of the 90s,” and even “America’s Team,” as one of baseball’s most popular clubs they draw fans from across the country.
Even if you’re not a die-hard Braves or baseball fan, a trip to Atlanta really isn’t complete without taking in a game. And, their brand new home field, SunTrust Park, is a gem. It’s the newest stadium in Major League Baseball (it just opened in 2017), holds over 41,000 spectators, and it’s where fans are said to “trust” that the ball will be “hit into the sun.”
Heading to your first game? Here’s everything you need to know to have a blast in Braves Country.
GETTING THERE
Whether you’re taking public transit, an Uber, or driving, SunTrust Park is at the intersection of Highway I-75 and I-285 and conveniently within 10 miles of our InTown Suites Smyrna location, InTown Suites Sandy Springs property, and the recently renovated InTown Suites Downtown Atlanta location.
If you’re driving, it’s recommended you pre-purchase parking, and park in official SunTrust Park parking lots (parking in nearby neighborhoods is by residential permit only). Parking is only available for pre-purchase until 2.5 hours before first pitch. After this time, parking can be purchased on-site at the following lots: Red Deck, N29, E31, E35, E41, E42, E43. Tailgating is allowed in lot N29, but open container laws allow fans to mingle and walk freely throughout The Battery Atlanta, a vibrant lifestyle district adjacent to the ballpark.
From downtown Atlanta, the CobbLinc Bus 10 and MARTA Bus 12 will both get you to the Cumberland Transfer Center, where a quick, convenient transfer to the Cumberland Circulator Shuttle (either blue or green route) will bring you to The Battery Atlanta & SunTrust Park (Note that the CobbLinc 10 doesn’t run on Sundays).
Plan ahead and arrive early to make the most of your experience at the ball game.
TICKETS/SEATING
You can buy a ticket at any of the park’s five gates (1st base, 3rd base, the Chop House, right field, and left field), but popular divisional matchups and weekend games can sell out. It’s best to buy your tickets online well before a scheduled game.
There are lots of ticket options available for any budget, too, with weekday game tickets running as low as $10 or less. If the timing works, Friday home games always conclude with fireworks, and on Sundays, you can get autographs from Braves alumni players and kids (ages 4-14) can run the bases after the game!
If you want to bring your own snacks, outside food is allowed, as long as it fits in a clear, gallon-sized container. Sealed, plastic bottles of water are allowed, too (one bag and bottle per ticket holder).
FOOD/ENTERTAINMENT
SunTrust Park and the surrounding area offer world-class entertainment, culinary, and cultural experiences. The Battery Atlanta, a mixed-use lifestyle destination next to SunTrust Park, has over two dozen stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s an ideal place before or after the game to mingle with fans, do some shopping, celebrating, or wining and dining. It’s also home to some of Atlanta’s top mixologists and chefs.
Once in the ballpark, you’ll be treated to much, much more than hot dogs and peanuts! Stalls and carts throughout the park offer tasty options from states where the Braves are popular, including North Carolina (smoked whole-hog barbecue), South Carolina (pimento cheese patty melts), Tennessee (Nashville hot chicken), Mississippi (blackened catfish po’ boy tacos), and Alabama (fried tomahawk pork chops), among others. Several of Atlanta’s (and America’s) favorites are also available: Waffle House, Fox Brothers BBQ, H&F Burger, King of Pops, Chick-fil-A, and many more.
For entertainment, the list is even longer. From watching pregame parades, the exciting ATL Breakers (breakdancing team), and Tomahawk Team (The Braves’ Ambassadors), take the kids for a ride on the zip line, a climb on the rock wall, or a trip to the batting cages at Hope & Will’s Sandlot (the SunTrust Park Kids Zone). Familiarize yourself with the park on a SunTrust Park tour (tickets available at the Right Field Gate) which includes SunTrust Club, the Dugout, Press Box, Xfinity Rooftop, INFINITI Club, and more.
MUST-SEE/DO
A must-see before, during, or after the game is a trip to Monument Garden in the lower level of the park (Section 125). Here you’ll find historic displays and items that tip their cap to Atlanta Braves legends and the most iconic moments of the team’s storied history.
The Hank Aaron statue, commissioned by Atlanta-based artist Ross Rossin, is the centerpiece. See the moment of impact on Aaron’s all-time record-breaking 715th home run. It stands in front of the 755 sculpture, made of 755 Hank Aaron Louisville Slugger baseball bats. Both pay tribute to Hank “Hammer” Aaron’s remarkable Hall of Fame career, records, and home run total—now the second most of all-time. Thirty-one Braves Hall of Famers are also immortalized with plaques in Monument Garden, and above left field, you can spy 11 retired uniform numbers—the sixth most retired of all Major League Baseball teams.
Enjoy the game, and get ready to do the Braves chop with your tomahawk!
