ATLANTA BRAVES SUNTRUST STADIUM: More Than Just a Ballgame
Heading out to an Atlanta Braves game can be a lot more than just watching a couple innings of baseball. You can find fun in all kinds of flavors, from the food and entertainment in SunTrust Stadium and the Battery (the one-of-a-kind area outside the stadium), to shopping in the stores sprinkled throughout this unique property. There’s often live entertainment at the Roxy nearby, but even during the game, there’s live music if you listen for it. I’ll explain more on that in a minute.
I’ve been to a few games so far this season…one with my 12-year-old daughter, who loved it, right up until the 7th inning, when she felt like the game was taking too long, but right when the game was really getting good (Braves Home Opener—they came back to win in the bottom of the 9th).
I brought a guy friend to the other game and it was an entirely different experience. We shared a few beers and hot dogs, and don’t get me started on their parmesan fries. This was a different kind of fun, of course, and to me, a great option for a date if you even remotely enjoy sports. You have the chance to watch some of the best in baseball, but also get to see a different side to a person than you would over a fancy dinner.
I enjoyed myself both times. And honestly, I’d enjoy going back again with some girlfriends if we can swing some tickets (yeah, I did that on purpose). The problem is the Braves are doing really well this year, so their home games keep selling out.
The price of success, right?
As I mentioned, there’s more fun to be had than watching the ballplayers on the field. I particularly enjoyed the organist. That’s right. The Braves have their own organist…Matthew Kaminski, one of the best in his particular business. His touch to the fun is subtle, yet huge at the same time. After all, he gets to put a personal touch on each player’s time at bat, selecting music that the entire stadium will hear when they’re on the field. And if you follow him on Twitter, he’ll share the list. He’s performed for the Braves for nearly a decade now. He plays funny tunes when the opponents are announced and I promise, it adds another level of amusement to the game.
The kids will find fun, too, with Hope and Will’s Sandlot, sponsored by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. They can entertain themselves at the zipline or climbing tower (reserve a time with the Braves app), hit in the batting cages, and play amusement park style games. You’ll need tokens for this—about $15 worth will get you six or so games, so budget that in if you’re counting on it for the kids.
There are restaurants to add to the experience if you want more than hot dogs and beer, or those delicious parmesan fries that I mentioned.
The Coors Light Chop House features three levels, including two party decks and a new field level (though that’s reserved by groups typically). And there’s Yard House, which offers a menu of more than 100 American-style dishes made from scratch daily, and an extensive craft cocktail menu. Outside the stadium, in the Battery, you’ll find other food options such as Wahlburgers, Antico Pizza, and more.
Also, if you time it right, you’ll get to see fireworks (Friday Nights are big on this), hear live entertainers and pick up a couple bobbleheads on those giveaway nights.
When they’re available, you can get tickets for as little as $9 each, and children 2 and under are admitted for free.
One part that’s not as fun—parking. You’re encouraged to get it in advance on the Braves website. Most on-site options are for members only, though can use the Red Parking Garage and parking will be covered if you buy $50 of merchandise at the souvenir shop in the stadium. It’s best to pay for that when you’re buying your tickets.
Or, take Lyft or Uber. There’s a huge area that’s broken down into different numbered sections for you to use to connect with your driver.
One last tip: get there early! There’s so much to see and do, you’ll be glad to have the time to explore before the action starts on the field.
Want to see more? Here’s a video of a tour of the property before it opened for the season last year.
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