Atlanta Braves to Move to New Stadium

The Atlanta Braves will move into a new stadium in Cobb County for the start of the 2017 season, leaving Turner Field, which has been home to the team since 1997.

The new stadium, which will be part of a larger mixed-use development, is expected to seat 42,000 people and will be located 14 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta on the northwest corner of the intersection of I-75 and I-285. Details on who would pay for the proposed $672 million project were not released, although the team is expected to front a significant portion of the cost.

“Our lease at Turner Field expires in three short years and we wanted to find a location that’s great for our fans, makes getting to and from the stadium much easier and provides a first-rate game-day experience in an around the stadium, said Braves President John Schuerholz.

Braves officials informed the city of Atlanta last week that they intended to move the team from downtown, citing ongoing concerns about a lack of parking and ability to develop nearby land. Turner Field was the site of the 1996 Olympic Summer Games opening and closing ceremonies, as well as track-and-field events. It was redesigned after the Olympics to a smaller configuration to serve as home to the Braves.

“The Braves have kept us apprised of their stadium situation throughout this process.,” Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. “Major League Baseball fully supports their decision to move to a new ballpark in Atlanta for the 2017 season, and we look forward to their continued excellence representing their community, both on and off the field.”