When Does the Atlanta Braves Season Start? A Local’s Guide for Atlanta Fans
For baseball fans in Atlanta, the big question every year is: “When does the Atlanta Braves season start?” While the exact date changes each year, the Braves’ regular season typically starts in late March or very early April, in line with Major League Baseball’s Opening Day.
If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or just want to time your trip around catching a game at Truist Park, here’s how the Braves schedule usually works and what you should know.
Typical Start of the Atlanta Braves Season
Regular Season Start
The Atlanta Braves regular season usually:
- Begins in the last week of March or the first week of April
- Starts with Opening Day, either at home in Atlanta or on the road
- Includes 162 regular-season games spread from early spring through late September or early October
Because MLB sets the schedule league-wide, the exact Opening Day date changes each year, and some seasons start a few days earlier or later than others. In recent years, MLB has also aimed for most teams, including the Braves, to start on the same national Opening Day, rather than spreading it out.
🔑 Key takeaway:
If you’re planning ahead, expect the Braves season to start around late March, then confirm the exact date once MLB releases the official schedule.
Preseason: When Spring Training Starts for the Braves
If you’re eager to get into Braves baseball before the official season:
Spring Training Timeline
The Braves’ Spring Training:
- Typically starts in mid-to-late February with pitchers and catchers reporting first
- Full-squad workouts usually begin a few days later
- Exhibition games usually run from late February through most of March
The Braves hold their Spring Training at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, not in Atlanta. However, lots of Atlanta fans follow the preseason from home and plan trips south to catch early games.
Why Spring Training Matters for Atlanta Fans
Even if you’re staying in Atlanta:
- Local sports bars and restaurants in neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, and The Battery Atlanta often show Spring Training games.
- It gives you a preview of new players, prospects, and lineup changes before Opening Day at Truist Park.
- It’s the signal that baseball – and warmer Atlanta weather – are right around the corner.
How to Find the Exact Start Date for This Season
Because schedules change each year, the most reliable way to know when the Braves season starts this year is to check the current official schedule. From Atlanta, you have several easy options:
- Look up the Atlanta Braves regular-season schedule on their official channels.
- Call or visit the Truist Park ticket office for the first home game date and home stand details.
- Check local Atlanta media outlets, which often highlight Opening Day in sports coverage and community calendars.
Truist Park Key Info
If you’re planning to attend games once the season starts, this is the main local hub:
Truist Park
Home of the Atlanta Braves
Address:
755 Battery Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
At The Battery Atlanta surrounding Truist Park, you’ll also find:
- Restaurants and bars that host Opening Day watch parties
- Team stores where you can grab Braves gear ahead of the first game
- Large outdoor screens that sometimes show games if you don’t have a ticket
Home Opener vs. Season Opener: What’s the Difference?
When people ask, “When does the Atlanta Braves season start?” they might mean:
- First game of the season (overall) – This can be home or away.
- Home opener – The first Braves game at Truist Park for the season.
These dates are not always the same. Some seasons:
- The Braves start on the road, then return to Atlanta a few games later.
- The home opener becomes a big local event, with pregame ceremonies and fan activities.
Simple Summary
| Term | What It Means | Why It Matters in Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Season Opener | First official game of the year (any location) | Marks the start of the Braves season |
| Home Opener | First game at Truist Park | Big day for local fans, traffic, and events at The Battery |
| Spring Training Start | First preseason workouts and games (Florida) | Early look at the team; often followed from Atlanta |
If you live in or near Atlanta and want to attend a game in person, the home opener date is usually the one you care about most.
Planning Around the Start of Braves Season in Atlanta
Buying Tickets for Early-Season Games
Once you know the Opening Day and home opener dates, it helps to:
- Buy tickets early for the first few home games; they can be in high demand.
- Consider weeknight vs. weekend games depending on Atlanta traffic and your schedule.
- Look at parking options around Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta, or use rideshare or CobbLinc/CARTA connections where available.
Weather Considerations
In Atlanta, late March and early April can be:
- Mild, but sometimes still cool in the evenings
- Occasionally rainy, which can affect game start times or lead to postponements
For early-season games:
- Bring a light jacket for night games.
- Be prepared for possible weather delays; local radio and team announcements will update game status.
How the Braves Schedule Fits Into Atlanta’s Year
The start of Braves season shapes the rhythm of spring and summer in Atlanta:
- Late March / Early April: Season starts; The Battery Atlanta becomes more active, especially evenings and weekends.
- Summer months: Regular home stands; families, tourists, and locals often plan outings around Friday and Saturday night games.
- September / Early October: Regular season winds down; if the Braves are in playoff contention, excitement builds across the city.
You’ll see Braves hats and jerseys across neighborhoods from Downtown and Midtown to Decatur, Sandy Springs, and beyond as the season gets underway.
Where to Go in Atlanta for Braves Season Info and Game-Day Support
For locals and visitors, these Atlanta-area resources are especially useful once the season starts:
Truist Park Ticket Windows – For game tickets, seating questions, and home opener details.
Location: Main gates at Truist Park, 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339.The Battery Atlanta – Mixed-use development surrounding Truist Park with dining, shopping, and game-day activities.
Especially active on Opening Day, home opener day, and weekend series.Atlanta Visitor Information Centers – For visitors planning around the Braves schedule along with other attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola.
In practical terms, if you’re in Atlanta and wondering when the Braves season starts, think late March, then confirm that year’s official Opening Day and home opener dates through the team’s schedule or the Truist Park ticket office. Once those dates are set, you can plan tickets, transportation, and your first trip of the year to cheer on the Braves in person.