Atlanta Stadium, also known as Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, was a landmark in the history of baseball in Atlanta, Georgia. It served as a cornerstone for Major League Baseball (MLB) in the city and was the original home of the Atlanta Braves after their move from Milwaukee.
Stadium Facts about Atlanta Stadium
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Opened On: April 12, 1966
- Closed On: August 3, 1997
- Home Team: Atlanta Braves (National League)
- Stadium Nicknames: N/A
- Dimensions: Left Field – 330 feet, Center Field – 402 feet, Right Field – 330 feet
- Capacity: Approximately 52,007
- Attendance Record: Not available
- Surface: Grass
- Architect: Heery & Heery, Finch Alexander Barnes Rothschild & Paschal
- Owner: Atlanta and Fulton County
The History
Atlanta Stadium was built to attract a major league sports team to the city and successfully did so when the Milwaukee Braves relocated to Atlanta in 1966. The stadium quickly became a focal point for baseball in the Southeast, hosting the Braves for over three decades.
The closure and subsequent demolition of Atlanta Stadium in 1997 made way for Turner Field, a modern ballpark built for the 1996 Summer Olympics and later converted for baseball use.
Design and Features
Atlanta Stadium featured a classic “cookie-cutter” design, common among multi-sport facilities built during this era. It had a circular layout that accommodated both baseball and football, serving as the home of the Atlanta Falcons as well. The stadium was known for its symmetrical dimensions, which were favorable for both pitchers and hitters.
One of the notable design aspects was its large, electronic scoreboard, which was a significant feature at the time of its construction.
Renovations
Throughout its lifespan, Atlanta Stadium underwent several renovations to improve the fan experience and accommodate the evolving needs of professional sports. These included expansions to increase seating capacity, enhancements to the luxury boxes, and upgrades to the concession stands and other fan amenities.
These efforts were aimed at keeping the stadium relevant and comfortable for spectators, although it eventually became clear that a new, baseball-specific stadium was needed.
Facilities
The facilities at Atlanta Stadium were reflective of the era in which it was built. Concessions offered a variety of traditional ballpark foods, and the seating areas, though not as advanced as those in newer stadiums, provided good sightlines for watching the game.
The stadium also featured ample parking and was easily accessible, making it a popular destination for sports fans in the Atlanta area.
Memorable Moments at Atlanta Stadium
- First Game of the Atlanta Braves: Marking the beginning of a new era in Atlanta sports history.
- 1974 Hank Aaron’s 715th Home Run: Breaking Babe Ruth’s long-standing record.
- 1991 World Series: Hosting games during the dramatic series against the Minnesota Twins.
- 1995 World Series: The Braves winning their first World Series championship in Atlanta.
- All-Star Games and Milestones: Hosting several MLB All-Star Games and numerous individual player milestones.
Interesting Baseball History at Atlanta Stadium
- Atlanta Braves’ Growth: Witnessing the development of the Braves into a competitive MLB team.
- Venue for Historic Events: The stadium saw many historic moments, including Hank Aaron’s record-breaking home run.
- Evolution of Ballpark Design: Reflecting the changes in stadium design and fan expectations over its three decades of operation.
- Cultural Impact: The stadium played a significant role in embedding baseball in the cultural fabric of Atlanta.
Non-Baseball Events
In addition to baseball, Atlanta Stadium was a multi-use facility that hosted a range of other events. It was the original home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and also hosted large concerts, political rallies, and other significant gatherings. The versatility of Atlanta Stadium as a venue for both sports and entertainment events underscored its importance beyond baseball, serving as a key part of the community and entertainment landscape in Atlanta. The variety of events held at Atlanta Stadium demonstrated its significance as a multi-purpose venue in the city’s history.
