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One Good Turner
I was only the tiniest of tikes upon my visits to Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the park of my hometown Braves from 1966 to 1996. Where it once stood, there's a massive parking lot, which the vast majority of game attendees cross in order to get to our wonderful new digs, Turner Field.
There's something truly sad about the replacement of an old field with asphalt, and every time I've trekked across the aforementioned expanse of black, a sense of morbidity has come over me. Then again, entry into the glorious Ted more or less erases any negative feelings that might still linger after the walk; here, new great Atlanta Braves memories are being made.
What is FANFARE?
The FANFARE scale is our metric device for rating each stadium experience. It covers the following:
- Food & Beverage
- Atmosphere
- Neighborhood
- Fans
- Access
- Return on Investment
- Extras
Each area is rated from 0 to 5 stars with 5 being the best. The overall composite score is the "FANFARE Score".
Food & Beverage
4
This is going to come off as spectacularly stodgy, I know, but I'm a curmudgeon at heart: These prices are just ridiculous. If you would like a burger, fries and beer, and I think we all deserve that much, expect to fork over $16.
The variety that Turner offers, however, does go a long way to mollify. Besides several quality one-offs like the Chop House Restaurant, Delta Sky Lounge and Taqueria, the repeated options (branded with names like "Peachtree Street Pizza","Cool Southern Cravings","Dug-Out Diner" and "All-Star Lineup") throw you a few curves like a shrimp po'boy.
It is all, as I said, horridly expensive, but this is a Major League park, so I guess I should expect to pay Major League fare. A bottled soda and a hot dog, perhaps the simplest form of sustenance I can think of, will run you $7.
Atmosphere
5
Despite the fact that many of the Braves' greatest moments happened at the old place (Hank played all his Atlanta days there; the immortal Chief Noc-A-Homa set up his teepee in the stands; games from our one World Series win were held in its confines), there is a definite mystique to the Ted.
The navy motif with red accents surrounding a vibrantly green field just bleeds Braves baseball to me, though if I'm honest, this is the ballpark I've been in the most over my years. Nonetheless, I'd assume a newcomer could sit down, scan the 14 straight division title banners, and they'd still get a sense of what I'm talking about.
Neighborhood
4
From the field, you are not far from the Marietta St., a strip that I've mentioned in some of my other Atlanta-based reviews. Then again, you are not near, either, and that would be a hot, smoggy and potentially pedestrian-hazardous walk, anyway. Should you want Ruth's Chris or the appropriately sports-themed Stats, a taxi (or your own car) is better.
But then again, if you're not going to eat at the park and are going to go in that direction, why not just continue to support Ted Turner and eat at his Montana Grill, a location of which is on Spring St., less than a mile as the crow flies?
As I said, though, all these places I have spoken elsewhere on Stadium Journey. For something more adventurous, keep heading north on West Peachtree and cut over to the south-bound-only Spring at 17th for Nan Thai Dining. Bet you didn't expect a recommendation like that in a baseball-related piece, huh?
Fans
5
Of all Atlanta's professional teams, the Braves easily engender the most loyalty. People my age have only heard tales of when the club performed woefully, because as far back as we can remember, we've been winning the NL East or putting up a fight for the Wild Card.
There is no other venue I've been to where I could say this, but for Turner, I'm sure: No matter where you sit, you'll be within speaking distance of a true fan, one of those guys who knows the history, the current roster and the farm system to an omniscient extent. If you're not a diehard already yourself, treat this person as a vast wealth of knowledge.
Access
3
Every place in downtown Atlanta has the same problem, and if you've ever read me before, you know what I'm going to say: It's a nightmare to get in and out. For those only vaguely familiar with the town, I'll mention that things are a touch easier here as the stadium's on the south side in a more residential area, but 75/85 cuts right through, and most everybody's going to be using that (Exit 246 or 247, maybe 57 off I-20).
MARTA is always an option, though unlike for the Dome and Philips Arena a few blocks north, there is not an adjacent station. Shuttle service to Turner runs from the central station, Five Points, and I've even been told it's fairly reliable. But I'm sure that's "reliable" by MARTA standards, which are somewhat below (and dirtier than) normal expectations.
Return on Investment
4
You'll be surprised to hear this miser say ticket prices at the Ted are just about right. While they escalate up to $10 additional by Saturday, you can get a perfectly tolerable Terrace Level seat for less than $40 Mondays through Thursdays, and for a worse spot on a busier night (let's say, Outfield Pavillion on Friday) it's just $28.
True Tomahawk Choppers (see "Fans" above) can likely deal with any vantage point you get here, but ought to occasionally spring for Field Level (under $50 until the weekend) or even Hank Aaron Seats (around $80).
There's a full point taken off here, though, because of exorbitant charges for parking and grub. Fair warning, though: If you go cheap with Upper Pavilion, you'll end up using the dollars you saved to buy a telescope off someone else.
Extras
4
Ted himself dabbles in the entertainment biz a bit, if you haven't heard, and as such no one in your party will get bored at his field. There's Cartoon Network-themed stuff for the kiddies, little batting cages and pitching simulators, a Coca-Cola sponsored space with misters for the super-hot day games and more.
Statues of greats like Aaron, Phil Niekro and Warren Spahn are in the courtyard to view as you enter, and tributes to Dale Murphy can be seen throughout, but for a true reminder of the rich history of this team, there's even a museum on the ground level.
Finally, here's a fun fact: Before Turner stamped his name here, the place was called "Centennial Olympic Stadium" because, that's right, it hosted opening and closing ceremonies as well as track and field when the Olympics came to town in 1996.
Crowd Reviews
Fan-Friendly Turner Field
Total Score: 4.57
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 3
- Fans: 5
- Access: 5
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 5
The home of the Atlanta Braves, Turner Field, is located in Atlanta, GA at 755 Hank Aaron Dr. SW., right beside the Olympic Park of 1996 Olympic Games. Turner Field was built in 1996 and officially opened in 1997.
Bang for your buck!!!
Total Score: 4.29
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 3
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 3
- Access: 5
- RoI: 5
- Extras: 5
My wife and I took a pilgrimmage to see our beloved Cubbies take on the Bravos two summers ago. I will remember this trip forever for a few reasons. First off, I was surprised by how easy it was to get cheap tickets, way cless expensive then face value. Ebay was littered with cheap tickets for great seats, and the Cubs are one of the best away draws in the MLB. I put ta $25 minimum bid on two seast 5 rows from the dugout, and not only did I win, I was the only person to even bid. Season ticket holders sell their seats all the time, and deals can be had. Plus, this included free valet parking (an experience I never had at a baseball game before), and free entrance to their luxury restaraunt area. This came in handy because the night we whent for our game, it rained like crazy, and we were able to hang out with some great food and frosty beverages while they proceeded to cancel the game. Not to worry though, when we went back the next day, we saw a great game, and the Cubs hammered 'em 10-2. A great bonus about our seats was that we didn't just have your usual hot dog and beer vendors, we had waiters that took our order. The food ranged from standard ballpark grub to a bit more fancy stuff...I think I had a pulled pork sandwich which was great. The parking situation was easy in and out both days, and though there it not much right next to the park, downtown ATL is a short drive away, with the incredible Georgia Aquarium, way overrated Coke Museum, and a middle of the road CNN building. Fans are notorious for being not great here, and we were the only people even close to us, but I don't need fans cheering to have a great time. It is hard to imagine getting a better value for my money then at Turner Field.
Only dissappointment of mine
Total Score: 4.71
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 3
- Fans: 5
- Access: 5
- RoI: 5
- Extras: 5
Was the lack of surroundings to the stadium. Parking's great, stadium's great, and things have only gotten better as I've grown up with this stadium.
Good Time
Total Score: 4.14
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 3
- Fans: 4
- Access: 4
- RoI: 5
- Extras: 4
Last weekend I went to traditional double header at Turner Field between the Braves and Mets. As a Boston Red Sox fan I got to see our old friends D. Lowe pitch and A. Gonzalez homer twice in the first set.
We came in on the MARTA from Decatur for the game and arrived at Five Points where they have a shuttle bus to the ballpark. The shuttle takes you through downtown Atlanta and there is not much around the ballpark.
We were able to exchange our rained out tickets from the night before for the double header. Plenty of seats were avaialble and we received seats of comparable value with a very good view. As compared with Fenway, ticket prices these seats were a steal, and they were good for both games with a half hour break.
The concessions and hospitality staff couldn't be nicer. Since they each had their hometown on their badges we were able to strike up conversation with a woman from Boston working concessions. The food and beer lines were very quick and bathroom lines were minimal as well.
Between games we went to the Top of the Chop which is a picnic table area on top of the Chophouse. It was very nice to have that outside bar area as a diversion between games.
Overall, the park is a great experience and well worth the cost if you are in the Atlanta area.
The Chop
Total Score: 3.71
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 4
- Neighborhood: 3
- Fans: 4
- Access: 3
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 4
Had a good time at Turner Field. The museum is really neat with lots of stuff to check out. Be careful though ... if you go during the game, you could miss most of it! The square out front is one of the best in the game. The bronze statues, retired numbers, keystones in the ground ... really well done! If you think about it .... what would make monument park at Yankee Stadium better? Of course if it was OUTSIDE the stadium fore everyone to see. That's what you get at Turner Field. The food was pretty good, as was the atmosphere. The fans were great, especially for someone from out of town. Lots of nice people to talk with and trade stories. Absolutely loved the giant Chick-fil-A cow up above the leftfield stands that does the tomahawk chop! A great time overall and well worth the money and time.
Turner Field
Total Score: 4.29
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 5
- Access: 4
- RoI: 3
- Extras: 5
I made my first trip to Turner Field this past weekend and have to say I was thoroughly impressed. Besides the hefty 30 bucks for a ticket Turner Field really impresses. The fans and atmosphere was great. We were able to find nice parking for about 10 bucks and didn't have to walk to far to the stadium. Overall a great park and definitely in my top 5 right now.
Great team history, comfortable venue, great tradition
Total Score: 3.86
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 4
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 3
- Access: 4
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 4
I visited Atlanta as the last team to see a a home ballgame and it did not disappoint. Take MARTA, the light rail system to the game, and if you do anything whle there, be sure to visit the best team Hall of Fame I have ever visited, down the right field line side off the main concourse. Remember, this team started in Boston in the early 1900s. Small admission, but again, worth it. Don't let the heat disuade you from enjoying your time here, the former Olympic Stadium converted into a major league baseball stadium after the 1996 Games. Great sightlines and lots of fun things to do in the stadium. It is well worth your time here. Also consider a visit to nearby Olympic Park, the World of Coke and the Georgia Aquarium, something I was able to enjoy during one full day in Dixie.
Turner Field Review
Total Score: 3.14
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 3
- Neighborhood: 3
- Fans: 2
- Access: 4
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 2
Not in the greatest of neighborhoods in Atlanta. However, you have great access from the major highways in downtown. Atlanta has some good fans, but they don't show up. Why? Maybe cause they are use to winning? However, when they do show up and you hear that Tomahawk Chop...it can get fun.
Not the Best, but Not the Worst
Total Score: 3.00
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 2
- Neighborhood: 1
- Fans: 3
- Access: 2
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 5
As a frequent visitor to Turner Field, I can say that most of my experiences have been overall decent. With that said, I think there are flaws, which really is on the outside of the stadium and the atmosphere itself. The facility is fine, but if you go to Turner Field now as opposed to the early part when it opened.
Back from 97 through about 02, the place was constantly packed and fans that went were all about the baseball. Then when the "same old story" with the Braves took place, the whole feeling changed. Fans who went especially in the summer I felt like were males 18-25 from nearby colleges trying to score dates and then some with females 18-25 and were more focused on that than watching the game. And the atmosphere save for some big games has not been the same old Tomahawk Choppin Braves fans.
One other thing is they kept the park in one of the worst spots in Atlanta. After the baseball game it is a spot where you wouldn't want to be at as it is more likely you would be on the local news station for being mugged or worse than on ESPN or Fox Sports catching a home run ball.
With that said, the facility itself is nice and I like the dual concourses on lower level and the outfield pavilion as it does get the young fans ready for the game. I used to like the Budweiser Chophouse before they changed the menu and the food quality took a hit. But thankfully the concessions all over the ballpark are top notch.
Local Food & Drink
Local Entertainment
Lodging
Recent Stadium News
Recommended Food & Drink
- Dakota Blue (map it!)
(404) 589-8002
- Nan Thai Dining (map it!)
(404) 870-9933
Stadium Journey
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Information
I would love to see the world series return to Turner Field, and the city of Atlanta. I really hope
I would love to see the world series return to Turner Field, and the city of Atlanta. I really hope Braves management pulls out all the stops to try and get Bobby Cox a World Series ring in his final managerial season.
by paul | Jul 14, 2010 04:42 AM
Paul, I echo this sentiment. The Braves, more than any other organization in our city, consistently
Paul, I echo this sentiment. The Braves, more than any other organization in our city, consistently mean the most to the population. What I'm really loving about this season is that people of my generation, who are so fickle that they sometimes forget we have teams of all four major sports, are in love with the team, talking about the team, and making Turner Field a place to be any day of the week.
by jmccurdy | Jul 16, 2010 02:43 AM
That\'s cool and very good to hear. I have heard mixed reports in the past about Braves fans and the
That's cool and very good to hear. I have heard mixed reports in the past about Braves fans and their devotion, but clearly winning helps get people in that beautiful park.
by paul | Jul 16, 2010 05:29 AM
One can also take the MARTA to Turner Field
A recommendation: Take the MARTA to Five Points and catch a bus transfer to/from the stadium. That's how I also went and I found it less expensive than parking and less hassle in the Atlanta traffic after the game.
by megminard | Dec 08, 2010 06:33 PM
Turner Field
I must stress that if you are a Braves fan you absolutely must arrive early and take in the Braves museum. It is open pre-game, is relatively inexpensive, and will allow you to re-live some great memories. For this guy who grew up a huge Dale Murphy fan the museum is always a chance to see the #3 hanging high in all its glory.
The 755 Club high above left-field is also a must if you are able to secure access in the exclusive club for a game. The food is great, the views are awesome, the furnishings high-end, and the air conditioning cool (a major plus for those steamy ATL evenings).
I also must note that Ted Turner actually has nothing to do with the franchise anymore, though he has spoke in recent years of his desire to buy back the Braves should he ever be able to make it work for him, financially. I think most of us who are Braves diehards would love to see Ted involved with the Braves again, as long as he has the purse-strings loose and is willing to let the $$ flow.
If you're really looking for a Braves/Turner Field pre-game meal option, skip Ted's Montana Grill (though catch it another time, it's very good!) and head straight to the Bullpen Rib House, located in the shadows of Turner Field, a mere couple hundred feet from the 3rd base gates.
by Norm | Aug 11, 2011 08:15 AM
RE: Turner Field
Appreciate the post, Norm. Good call on 755; I've been once, and it was Nirvana, especially for a summer afternoon game. Thanks also for mentioning the Rib House; in Atlanta all my 24 years, had never heard or tried, but will now.
by jmccurdy | Nov 24, 2011 09:33 AM
MARTA
I, personally, would recommend using MARTA to get to the game. Avoid the parking and traffic hassles. There are some 'bus' queues to get back to Five Points after the game. I did not find it unsafe or dirty. Then, again, I'm a fan of taking public transportation to a game.
Agreed with the museum comment. Do visit that.
If you plan on taking a tour of Turner Field, definitely TAKE it (it starts and ends in the museum). Do NOT do it on game day as the tour guide rushes you through things and doesn't give ample time to see, reflect, and take photos on items of interest.
by megminard | Dec 27, 2011 10:16 PM
Inflated Scores?
I'm as big a Braves fan as anyone, but I have to react to what I believe are inflated scores.
There isn't much of a "neighborhood" around Turner Field to even rate one, let alone give four stars. Parking lots aren't "neighbors." A visit to Wrigley Field, Coors Field or Fenway Park better give us an idea what a ballpark's "neighborhood" would be.
As far as "atmosphere" goes ... this stadium was built when the Braves were regularly drawing 40,000 per game in the early to mid 1990s. It's too big a ballpark by today's standards, though. I've long advocated for the right field section to be re-worked and lopped off from the mezzanine up. Those upper deck seats face toward left-center field (incorrect angle) anyhow, and are rarely sold out. Besides, "supply/demand" dictates less seats available for big draw games gets fans to buy tickets to other games, hence, optimizing the atmosphere.
The "access" grade, however, I think, is low. I'd give it four stars, with the aforementioned lack of MARTA rail access (what a difference that would make at the gate, I think).
Aesthetically, I'd have liked to have seen more Georgia red clay (via brickwork) inside the park, and less faux girder decals on the walls (a few years back - just silly); it'd also be nice to see the outfield wall advertisements more monochromatic (all the wall signs in Fenway are white, with the same green wall color as a backdrop; does nothing to take away from the ad and still blends well into the overall aesthetic of the park).
Just my two cents.
by roninmobile | Jan 26, 2013 12:55 PM
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