Braves to Build a New Stadium??!!!!
Sep 14, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Evan Gattis (24) waits on deck against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Padres 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
According to this report in the AJC the Braves plan to build a new ballpark in Cobb County in time for the 2017 season. What???????
Here is an excerpt from the article:
"Braves executives John Schuerholz, Mike Plant and Derek Schiller, in a meeting with a small group of reporters, said the new ballpark will be built at the northwest intersection of I-75 and I-285 in the Galleria/Cumberland Mall area. They said the team has “secured” 60 acres of land for the project.The Braves said the project will be built in partnership with Cobb County. They indicated that Cobb County would provide public funds toward building the stadium but declined to provide details on that."
I was listening to a Braves representative on 680 the fan…
- the land has already been secured
- the lease at Turner Field ends in 2016
- there were problems with the current property that couldn’t be overcome, i.e. parking, surrounding area, etc.
- it is in Cobb County but will still have an ‘Atlanta’ address
- part of the property will be used for a mixed use community (resteraunts, shops, etc.)
- it will be 12 miles from the current location
- building the stadium will provide over 5K new jobs and $235 million in payroll
- no plans yet, but there should be around 45,000 seats
- it will be a destination will all kinds of world class amenities – should be the best in all of MLB
- probably 6-8 months from breaking ground on the stadium
Here is a map of where the new stadium will be, and the red is where Braves’ season ticket holders are.
Here is a bird’s eye view of the property.
Here is a video message from John Schuerholtz.
It’s incredible how the Braves kept this a secret. Wow.
FAQ from HomeoftheBraves.com
"Why are you moving?The Braves’ lease at Turner Field expires at the end of 2016, and we needed to find a long-term solution that ensured the Braves would remain in Atlanta for another generation. Turner Field needs $150 million in infrastructure work alone (replacing the seats, repairing and upgrading lighting, etc.), none of which would significantly enhance the fan experience.If the Braves were to pay for additional projects focused on improving the fan experience, the additional costs could exceed $200 million.Our new stadium will remain in the metro Atlanta area, just miles from the existing stadium with enhanced connectivity, increased access to major roads and more parking.Our new location will give us the opportunity to develop the surrounding area of the new ballpark, transforming it into a mixed use, 365-day destination and creating an enhanced atmosphere for our fans during Braves games. There will also be significantly increased access to the site, enhanced parking opportunities, and, generally, easier access to and from major roadways with a variety of other transportation options.What’s wrong with Turner Field?Turner Field is a facility that was built for three weeks of use for the Olympics, but has now served us well for nearly 20 years. The issue isn’t the Turner Field we play in today, but instead whether or not the venue can remain viable for another 20 to 30 years.Turner Field has served the Braves well since 1997, but it is in need of major infrastructure work, which will cost around $150 million. These upgrades are functional ones, such as replacing worn-out seats or upgrading the stadium’s lighting, and they would do little to significantly enhance the fan experience. If the Braves were to pay for additional projects focused on improving the fan experience, the additional costs could exceed $200 million.Those upgrades still wouldn’t address the logistical challenges outside the stadium – lack of consistent mass transit options, inadequate number of parking spaces and limited access to major highways."
"What will happen to Turner Field?"
"Turner Field was given to the City of Atlanta following the 1996 Olympics. The Braves do not own or manage the facility and our lease expires in 2016. That being said, the organization has invested nearly $125 million into the facility for maintenance and improvements. The City of Atlanta and the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority will make the final decision on what to do with the property after the team move"
""