My Truist Park and Battery ATL Experience
Join this New York Mets fan in "enemy territory" as I explore Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta. Is it worth the visit?
As a baseball fan, I always look to incorporate games when I travel, especially during the season. I love the history of ballparks, and how they have evolved from baseball fields to cookie cutter “multipurpose stadiums”, and back to ballparks today. It can be argued that the modern ballparks we see today started with Oriole Park at Camden Yards, which opened in 1992 and that classic baseball field look and style moved across America. Even if you’re not a fan of a particular team, it’s a wonderful experience to soak in the atmosphere of a ballpark on a warm summer night. I have visited Atlanta several times in the past decade, as a good friend of mine from college now lives down there with his family. As part of my trip, my friend invited me to join him and a few of his local friends for a Braves-Mets game while I was in town. As a long suffering New York Mets fan, the pain was magnified even more walking through this breathtaking place, and i’m not just talking about the stadium! Let’s explore why you should consider taking in a game or tour at Truist Park, and why you should consider paying a visit to The Battery Atlanta.
From Turner Field to Truist Park
In 2017, Truist Park (formerly known as Suntrust Park) emerged as the new home of the Atlanta Braves, marking their departure from the iconic Turner Field. Turner Field holds great historical significance, having been originally built as Centennial Olympic Stadium for the 1996 Olympic Games. I was initially taken aback by the Braves’ decision to leave such a historic venue, but constructing a new ballpark is an immense undertaking that often demands substantial maintenance costs. Thus, the team opted for a more cost-effective approach by constructing a brand new stadium exclusively for the Braves. Fortunately, Turner Field still stands tall, now transformed into Center Parc Stadium, serving as a football stadium for the Georgia State Panthers college football team.
A Piece of a Larger Puzzle
Fast forward back to now, and Truist Park is one piece of a larger district. This very walkable open air area is known as The Battery Atlanta. The upper levels were adorned with apartments, while the lower levels were bustling with restaurants, bars, shops, and even co-working spaces. There’s a Coca Cola Roxy theatre, and three on-site hotels, including one attached to the ballpark! I was stunned at the development, as it really covers all bases.
As a Mets fan, Citi Field is a gorgeous ballpark that unfortunately for most of its history, stood out like a sore thumb in a dilapitated area. The surrounding area was home to “auto body shops” or as we all like to call them “chop shops”, and thankfully redevelopment into a surround district similar to The Battery Atlanta has started in the surrounding area. And in other cities, you will now see development surrounding their respective stadiums and ballparks. As for the stadium, it is absolutely gorgeous, with plenty of great views of the action wherever you are sitting.
Remember how I mentioned how one of the hotels was connected to the ballpark? There’s an Omni Hotel attached to the ballpark, with a stunning 16 stories sitting next to the field. And yes, you can rent rooms with a balcony looking out towards the ballpark…for a price! If that’s out of your price range, there’s an Aloft Atlanta at The Battery Atlanta and a Doubletree Suites by Hilton at The Battery Atlanta also situated within walking distance so if you want to see a show at the Coca Cola Roxy, or go catch a game or just need a place to stay while visiting, these are great options.
My Experience and Why You Should Visit
The combination of the ballpark and its surroundings is truly awesome to see, and the fan experience is exceptional for Braves fans. Even as a Mets fan, whether on my own or with my friend, I felt very welcome here. Maybe they felt sorry for me? Who knows. I had front row seats with the Braves dugout right near me so I had fun yelling, shall we say, certain phrases at the ballplayers! There’s tons of great amenities that you would expect at a normal major league ballpark (Fox Bros BBQ is my pick!). And as long as you’re asking, the Mets lost this game, but I still had a memorable night and an awesome time!
Based on my brief tour experience at the stadium, I strongly suggest you consider taking an official tour of Truist Park. This is particularly worthwhile if you’re in Atlanta during the winter months or when the team is away from home. Tours are offered throughout the year, and if you click and book via this link, I receive a nice little commission!
The Battery Atlanta is open year round and does not require an admission fee. Parking is robust with several parking garages and open lots available nearby, but it does come with a fee. It is close to mass transportation routes such as MARTA and also uses connectors and shuttles to connect as well. However, on game days, keep in mind that it will be incredibly busy. Truist Park requires admission, and tickets can be purchased on the Atlanta Braves website (I recommend “standing room only” tickets if you can find them, then you’re not tied to a seat!). Truist Park does offer tours on off days during the baseball season and for the entirety of the offseason.