Truist Park: An Amazing Tour of Braves Country
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When I began blogging, one of my favorite educator friends of all time, Ms. Gloria Watts, wrote to me and said that she loves reading our blog posts because it is as if she gets to travel with us wherever we go. I never forgot those words, and with each post, I try to write as if Ms. Watts is with us.
COVID-19 has limited our travels significantly. However, before the pandemic jolted our world, we were fortunate enough to take a tour of the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park. We want to bring our experience to you today. Ms. Watts, this one’s for you!
Touring Truist Park
A few years ago, Sean, Jackson, Lucy, and I visited Fenway Park in Boston. I had taken a group of first graders to Turner Field in Atlanta over a decade before. The trip to Fenway made me realize that as much as I loved the tour in Boston, we needed to take the family and tour the park in our own backyard. Even a person who does not like baseball can enjoy and appreciate the history that these parks represent.
Growing up and having deep roots in Atlanta, our family loves the Braves. The Braves began playing at SunTrust Park in March 2017. The park has recently changed its name to Truist Park.
The Battery
Truist Park is located at Battery Atlanta, a multi-use facility located just north of Atlanta in Marietta. The Battery Atlanta has numerous shops, restaurants, and even a hotel outside the park’s gates. Recently we had an opportunity to take a tour of Truist Park, and it was fantastic.
Braves ballpark tours cover areas such as Monument Garden, the press box, Below the Chop, Hope, and Will’s Sandlot, and other unique features of the park. We toured while the players were at spring training. Since the players were not in town, they added areas like the dugout and the clubhouse to our tour.
A New Ballpark Concept
Truist is the newest park in Major League Baseball. However, Globe Life Park, the new home of the Texas Rangers, is scheduled to open this year once baseball returns.
Truist Park and Battery Atlanta are unique and have become models for other clubs looking to build new stadiums. The Battery Atlanta setup is a trendsetter because the Braves not only own the ballpark, but they actually own the Battery as well. They lease the space to the restaurants and shops located within Battery Atlanta. This provides additional revenue for the Braves that can be used to help build a better team.
I learned on our tour is that a battery is a baseball term that means the pitcher and the catcher.
The cost of the entire project was over a billion dollars. The stadium holds just over 41,000 fans and provides a great gameday experience for everyone. You can start by arriving early and eating at one of the fine restaurants in the Battery, or you can dine at the Chophouse inside the stadium. Have fun at the game, then enjoy the nightlife afterward.
In 1966, Atlanta became home to Braves baseball and the Falcons’ football team. They shared facilities for many years. When the Olympics came to Atlanta in 1996, Turner Field was built for the games and our baseball team. The new home of the Braves, Truist Park, was built specifically for baseball. Sightlines at Truist Park are awesome. We have sat in almost every area of the stadium, and all of the views are great.
Truist Park Amenities
On top of great baseball, the amenities at Truist Park are fantastic. If you have kids, take them to Hope and Will’s Sandlot, sponsored by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This is an area dedicated to children where they can experience what it is like running to first base or learn how to zipline.
Forgot your glove? Visit the Mizuno Experience, where you can borrow a glove just like the professionals use. Some run up to $725, and with it, you might just catch that lucky fly ball. Return the glove when the game is over at no charge.
Truist Clubs
Truist Park has three clubs that provide additional experiences beyond the ball game. The Infiniti Club is located along the third baseline. It has 24 suites and two levels.
In addition to hosting some of the best seats in the ballpark, the club area is airconditioned and has premium dining options. Infinity Club tickets include a food voucher.
The Infinity Club also offers its share of history.
The Delta SKY360 Club is located behind home plate and includes a dining lounge.
Packages include your food and drinks that are masterfully created by some of the best chefs in Atlanta.
The Truist Club seats are located directly behind home plate. The closest seats are only 58 feet from home plate, which means you are closer than the pitcher.
If you are hot, you are given a spray mister to cool down. These premium seats are made of mesh to absorb the sun on those hot August afternoons. In addition, the Truist Club includes its own lounge that serves gourmet meals.
Members of Truist Club even have a dedicated place to store their favorite selection of wines during the season. Unfortunately, there is a waiting list that is years long for people trying to become members of the club.
In-Park Dining
The Chop House Restaurant is located in the right-field bleachers. This is one of the coolest places to view the game. You can enjoy the ballgame and dine at the same time. There are tables where the cupholders are chilled at 38 degrees so that your drink never gets warm, although the weather may be sweltering.
Below the Chop is located directly behind the rightfield wall. Watching the game from here is like watching the game with the right fielder. This is a private area that groups can rent as well. Below the Chop definitely gives a unique perspective as you view the game from ground level. They also serve food and drinks in this area.
If you are looking for an event space before or during the game, check out the Infinity Rooftop. Canopies are for rent, and food options include a Waffle House.
The Home Depot Clubhouse and the Hank Aaron Terrance are great places for events!
Need to hold a conference? Truist Park includes the Konica Minolta Conference Center, with event space available for over 400.
A Tribute to the Legends
One of Seans’s favorite parts of Truist Field is that they did not forget the Braves’ rich history. Visit Monument Garden and pay tribute to all of the great Braves of the past.
Throughout the park, there are life-size bobbleheads of former greats.
They recognize former Braves who are in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Braves Baseball Organization was founded in 1871 and was actually named in New York City by Chief Tammany. The history within Truist Park pays homage to the Braves organization, from its roots to the present day.
Behind the Scenes
Truist Park has a state-of-the-art press box with spectacular views. Television, radio, and sports writer booths are completely enclosed so that broadcasters remain comfortable throughout the game.
We learned that ESPN uses its cameras, but all other networks rely on Truist Park. Braves-Vision, which controls all of the special effects, is also located nearby.
When we went on our recent tour, Truist Park had been used for a snowboarding event, and the field was being prepared for a re-sod. However, we were fortunate enough to walk on the field due to the upcoming maintenance. While visiting, take a look at the trees and water feature in centerfield. The Braves use these trees for the batter’s eye, making it easier for the batter to see the ball when it is pitched.
We experienced the dugout.
From the dugout, we went back into the clubhouse to peek into the life of a player.
From awards to the locker rooms.
They had a room where the players could sit and eat a bite.
They also had a room just for playing video games. The room was created for a new generation of players.
We visited the batting cage under the stands.
As well as the weight room.
One of my favorite parts was seeing the player’s “normal.” From their mailboxes to the medical facilities, it is awesome to know what goes on below the field.
An Outdoor Showcase of Heroes and Victories
Some features of the park that deserve highlights are the numbers just over left field. They are in tribute to the great players who proudly wore them. The numbers include #3, Dale Murphy (currently being repaired); #6, Bobby Cox; #21, Warren Spawn; #29, John Smoltz; #31, Gregg Maddox; #35, Phil Nikro; #41, Eddie Matthews; #44, Hank Aaron; #47, Tom Glavine; and honored at every major league park, proudly #42, Jackie Robinson. Speaking of Jackie, every April 15th is Jackie Robinson Day at every major league ballpark, including Truist!
Oh, and you can’t miss the Chick-Fil-A cow who cheers on the Braves from right field.
Antico Pizza
On our tour, we chose Antico Pizza for our dining experience at the Battery.
If you visit, it is a fantastic choice. Antico’s has some of the best pizza in Atlanta, and they have my favorite pizza crust of all time. Be sure to get to Antico’s early if you are dining before the game; it packs out fast!
I am glad we had the opportunity to take this trip before COVID-19. As baseball fans, it was a great opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium. Although we are not sure when we will get to watch the great America past time again, we are counting the days until the bullpen is active and the peanuts are selling.
Do you have a favorite baseball park? We would love to hear from you. Please drop us a line in the comment section below.
Interested in visiting Truist Park? Check out Trip Advisor for some fantastic lodging deals in the area!
For more travel information, check out the cities of Mayberry, North Carolina, and Dayton, Tennessee.
Its been years since I was in a baseball stadium – used to live close to Chicago and went to the games on occasion. But this looks amazing – such a variety of things to do. Looks like a fun trip for sure. Thanks.
Thank you! We definitely have a blast each time that we go. I bet Chicago is unbelievable!