Truist Park opened on March 31, 2017

Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, held its first game on March 31, 2017, against the San Diego Padres. The stadium replaced Turner Field, which had been the Braves' home since 1997. The move took the team from downtown Atlanta to Cobb County, about 10 miles northwest of the city center.

The opening came after years of planning and construction. The Braves announced the relocation in 2013, and ground was broken in 2015. The project cost approximately $622 million to build, making it one of the most expensive stadiums constructed at that time.

Key Takeaways

  • Truist Park opened on March 31, 2017, in Cobb County, Georgia, replacing Turner Field as the Braves' home stadium.
  • The stadium was built over roughly two years, from 2015 to early 2017, on a site that was previously a golf course.
  • The name "Truist Park" came from a naming rights agreement with Truist Financial Corporation, which began in 2019.
  • The stadium was originally called SunTrust Park from 2017 to 2019, when SunTrust Bank rebranded to Truist.

The original name and the 2019 rebranding

When the stadium first opened in 2017, it was called SunTrust Park. SunTrust Bank had purchased the naming rights as part of a 20-year agreement. The bank's logo and branding appeared throughout the facility.

In 2019, SunTrust Bank merged with BB&T Corporation to form Truist Financial Corporation. As part of that merger, the combined company rebranded, and the stadium's name changed to Truist Park. The naming rights agreement remained in place under the new company name, so no new deal was needed — only a change to match the bank's new identity.

Location and what changed from Turner Field

Turner Field, the Braves' previous home, sat in downtown Atlanta near the Georgia Institute of Technology campus. It had hosted the team since 1997 and was built on the site of the 1996 Olympic Games stadium. When the Braves moved to Cobb County, it marked a significant shift in where fans attended games.

The new location in Cobb County meant a longer drive for many Atlanta residents, particularly those on the south and east sides of the city. However, the stadium was built with more parking and easier highway access than Turner Field offered. The move also included development of surrounding commercial and residential areas, known as The Battery Atlanta, which opened alongside the stadium.

Capacity and design features

Truist Park was designed with a capacity of 41,149 seats, making it smaller than Turner Field, which held 49,586. The smaller size was intentional — the Braves wanted a more intimate ballpark experience. The stadium features a modern design with a retractable roof canopy over the upper deck, which provides shade and weather protection without fully enclosing the field.

The stadium also includes standing-room areas, club seating, and premium suites. The design emphasizes sightlines to the field and incorporates natural elements like grass berms and open concourses. The Battery Atlanta, the mixed-use development surrounding the stadium, includes restaurants, shops, and office space that operate year-round, not just on game days.

First season attendance and early performance

The Braves' first season at Truist Park in 2017 drew 2.1 million fans, which was strong for a new facility in a new location. The team finished that season with a 72-90 record, but the novelty of the new stadium and its amenities helped draw crowds despite the team's performance.

Attendance has fluctuated in the years since, depending on the team's performance and broader economic conditions. The 2021 season saw particularly high attendance as the Braves won the World Series, their first championship since moving to the new stadium.

Getting to Truist Park

Truist Park is located at 755 Battery Avenue in Cobb County, near the intersection of I-75 and I-285. Most fans drive and use the stadium's parking lots, though some use ride-sharing services. Public transit options are limited compared to Turner Field's location near MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) stations.

The Battery Atlanta development includes restaurants and shops within walking distance of the stadium, so fans often arrive early to explore the area before games. Parking typically costs $15 to $25 depending on the lot and event, though some premium parking options cost more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Braves move from Turner Field to Truist Park?

The Braves cited Turner Field's aging infrastructure, limited parking, and the opportunity to develop a new facility with modern amenities. The move also allowed the team to develop the surrounding Battery Atlanta area as a year-round destination, not just a game-day venue. Turner Field was eventually demolished in 2017.

Can I take public transportation to Truist Park?

Public transit access is limited. MARTA does not serve the stadium directly, though some bus routes run nearby. Most fans drive or use ride-sharing. The stadium's location in Cobb County, outside Atlanta's main transit network, makes car travel the most common option.

Is there a difference between SunTrust Park and Truist Park?

No — it is the same stadium with a different name. The facility opened as SunTrust Park in 2017 and was renamed Truist Park in 2019 when SunTrust Bank merged with BB&T to form Truist Financial Corporation. The building, seating, and operations remained unchanged.

How much does parking cost at Truist Park?

Standard parking typically ranges from $15 to $25 per vehicle, depending on which lot you use and the event. Premium parking options, including closer spots and covered areas, cost more. Prices may vary for special events or high-demand games.