Atlanta Braves Offer Tips For Attending Home Opener

June 1, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former Atlanta Braves player

talks to manager

(33) before the game against the Washington Nationals at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves’ official website shared a Press Release today, giving helpful hints for fans attending the Braves home opener Tuesday, April 8 Braves vs. New York Mets – 7:10 p.m.

I try to attend the Braves’ home opener as often as I can each year, but sadly won’t be able to attend this year due to other responsibilities.  I especially hate to miss this opportunity because of all the festivities surrounding the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Hank Aaron’s 715th Homerun (on the road to 755, which I still believe IS the REAL record!).  I was nine years old when that event took place, and even at a young age I will never forget it!

Some Cool Tips

If you’re lucky enough to get to attend the event, I’ll pass along some of the tips in the Press Release that stand out to me, and encourage you to read the entire release.

Tip # 1:  With large crowds expected, fans heading out to Turner Field for the Home Opener are encouraged to arrive early. Parking lots will open at 2:00 p.m. and the Turner Field gates will open at 4:00 p.m.

I can you from experience, this is a vital tip to pay attention to.  Get your parking paid for ahead of time, and don’t go expecting you’ll be able to easily find some place to park on a wing and a prayer.  Openers often sell out, and this one in particular is likely to be standing room only.  My understanding is that tickets are still available for the game, but I would imagine they’re going faster than greased lightning!

Tip #2: Turner Field ticket windows and ticket kiosks will open at 9:30 a.m. for fans who would like to purchase any remaining reserved seats, standing room only tickets ($20) or pick up pre-purchased tickets in advance and will remain open until the end of the 6th inning.

Tip #3: Fans are encouraged to be seated by 6:15 p.m. for the special pregame ceremonies honoring the 40th Anniversary of Hank Aaron hitting #715!

Other Cool Stuff

In addition to these tips, there will be a pre-game concert in the Fan Plaza by Kristian Bush, member of Sugarland, a commemorative poster of Hank Aaron given out to the first 45,000 fans (So get there EARLY!), and a silent auction to give away signed baseballs, bats, photos, etc.  You can place a bid in the Fan Plaza Community Clubhouse.

I’m totally bummed not to be able to go to this home opener, but I can assure you I will be watching every second of it!  The great thing is that there will also be a special hour long Atlanta Braves Live! Pregame show on Sports South at 6:00 PM EST, so that fans who cannot attend can still enjoy the festivities.  At Tomahawk Take we’ll have our own Live Game Thread to share stories and thoughts about the greatest player to ever wear a Braves’ uniform – Hank Aaron!  Go Braves!