Atlanta Braves Playoff Schedule: How to Follow It from Atlanta
When the Atlanta Braves make a postseason run, the city shifts into playoff mode. If you live in Atlanta—or you’re visiting during October—you’ll want to know when the Braves play, where they’re playing, and how to keep up with the playoff schedule as it changes.
Below is a practical guide to understanding the Atlanta Braves playoff schedule, how it’s structured, and how to follow every game from right here in Atlanta.
How the Braves Playoff Schedule Is Set Up
The MLB postseason schedule is built in stages. The Braves’ exact dates and times change year to year, but the overall structure stays roughly the same.
Main playoff rounds that can include the Braves
If the Braves qualify, their playoff schedule can include:
- Wild Card Series (best-of-three) – Only if they do not win the division and must enter as a Wild Card team.
- National League Division Series (NLDS) – Best-of-five.
- National League Championship Series (NLCS) – Best-of-seven.
- World Series – Best-of-seven against the American League champion.
The Braves playoff schedule is usually released in stages:
- Overall date ranges for each round (NLDS, NLCS, World Series).
- Specific game dates and locations once matchups are set.
- First pitch times and TV info closer to each game, sometimes only a few days—or even a day—before.
Because of this, fans in Atlanta often need to check for frequent updates as series progress.
Where the Braves Play Their Home Playoff Games in Atlanta
All Braves home playoff games are played at:
Truist Park
755 Battery Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
The ballpark sits in the Cumberland area near the junction of I-75 and I-285, north of downtown Atlanta.
Key things to know about Truist Park on playoff days
- Heavier traffic: Expect major delays on I-75, I-285, and local roads around The Battery Atlanta well before first pitch.
- Parking planning: Official lots around Truist Park usually require advance purchase and can sell out quickly for playoff games.
- Arrival time: Many local fans aim to arrive 1.5–2 hours early to avoid traffic and enjoy pregame activities in The Battery.
Typical Timing for Braves Playoff Games
Exact times change each year, but there are some patterns that help Atlanta fans plan.
Common start times
Playoff games are often slotted into national TV windows such as:
- Afternoon: Around 1:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern
- Early evening: Around 4:00–7:00 p.m. Eastern
- Prime time: Around 7:00–9:00 p.m. Eastern
The more high-profile the matchup, the more likely you’ll see prime-time starts, which can end late—sometimes close to midnight in Atlanta.
Day-of adjustments
Start times can be adjusted as:
- Other series end early or go long.
- Networks shift games to different time slots.
- Weather impacts the schedule (especially in cities with open stadiums).
For Braves fans in Atlanta, it’s smart to re-check game times the morning of each playoff game to avoid surprises.
Sample Braves Playoff Schedule Layout
The actual dates and opponents change every year, but the structure often looks something like this:
| Round | Game | Home/Away for Braves | Notes for Atlanta Fans |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLDS | Game 1 | Home at Truist Park | Big pregame crowds in The Battery; arrive early. |
| NLDS | Game 2 | Home at Truist Park | Often a weekend or prime-time slot. |
| NLDS | Game 3 | Away | Watch parties common around Atlanta. |
| NLDS | Game 4* | Away | Played only if necessary. |
| NLDS | Game 5* | Home at Truist Park | Do-or-die game if series is tied. |
*Games marked with an asterisk are “if necessary” and may not be played if the series ends early.
NLCS and World Series schedules follow a similar pattern, usually in 2–3–2 format:
- Games 1–2: One city
- Games 3–5: Other city
- Games 6–7: Back to the first city (if needed)
How to Check the Current Atlanta Braves Playoff Schedule
Because game times and matchups can change quickly, it’s important for Atlanta fans to rely on real-time, official information. You can usually confirm:
- Dates and first pitch times
- Home vs. away designations
- Opponents and series status (Game 1, Game 2, etc.)
- TV and radio broadcast details
If you’re planning around traffic, parking, or MARTA, confirm the schedule the same day if possible.
Watching Braves Playoff Games in Atlanta (Without a Ticket)
Not everyone will get into Truist Park, but Atlanta offers plenty of ways to experience the playoffs.
1. At The Battery Atlanta
The Battery Atlanta surrounds Truist Park and becomes a major gathering area on playoff days, even for fans without tickets.
You’ll typically find:
- Outdoor screens and bar/restaurant TVs
- Huge crowds in The Plaza
- A game-day atmosphere with chants, music, and team colors everywhere
If you plan to visit The Battery:
- Arrive early to find parking or rideshare drop-offs.
- Expect long waits at popular restaurants and bars.
- Be prepared for standing-room viewing in busy areas.
2. Around Metro Atlanta
Playoff games are widely shown at bars and restaurants across:
- Downtown and Midtown Atlanta
- Buckhead
- West Midtown
- Decatur
- Neighborhood spots in places like Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, Inman Park, and Sandy Springs
Many locals look for:
- Indoor and patio screens
- Sound on for the game rather than just background TV
- Food/drink specials during playoff games (varies by location)
Getting to Braves Home Playoff Games
Driving and parking
If you’re driving from anywhere in metro Atlanta:
- Allow extra time: Playoff games draw bigger crowds than a typical regular-season night.
- Plan your route to avoid heaviest choke points on I-285 and I-75 near Cobb County.
- Look for official parking lots around Truist Park and The Battery.
- Consider parking in outlying areas and walking a bit farther if close-in lots are full or expensive.
Using MARTA and other transit
MARTA does not go directly to Truist Park, but you can combine transit and rideshare:
- Take MARTA rail to a northern station (for example, Arts Center Station or Dunwoody Station).
- Connect to CobbLinc buses or rideshare services from there.
- Some fans coordinate park-and-ride strategies with friends to avoid driving all the way to the stadium.
Plan your return trip in advance, especially for late-night playoff games that can end near or after some transit operating times.
Following the Braves Playoff Schedule If You’re Visiting Atlanta
If you’re in Atlanta temporarily during the playoffs:
- Book hotels near Truist Park or along MARTA lines if you want easier access to watch parties and game-day energy.
- Expect higher demand and prices for lodging close to The Battery on home playoff dates.
- Use the confirmed game schedule to plan:
- Sightseeing on non-game days
- Dinner reservations for early or late (to avoid first pitch rush)
- Transportation timing around peak pregame and postgame traffic
Even if you aren’t a hardcore baseball fan, being in Atlanta during a Braves playoff run can be a memorable local experience.
Tips for Managing Quick Schedule Changes
Playoff baseball is unpredictable, and the Braves playoff schedule can shift if:
- A series ends early (sweeps).
- Weather causes postponements in other cities.
- TV networks reshuffle time slots.
To stay on top of changes from Atlanta:
- Check the schedule again the day before and the morning of the game.
- Be cautious about planning tightly timed events around game days near Truist Park—traffic can start earlier than you expect.
- If you have tickets, monitor:
- Gate opening times
- Any security or bag policy updates
- Weather forecasts, especially for afternoon starts
What Atlanta Fans Should Remember About the Braves Playoff Schedule
- The Braves playoff schedule changes year to year, but always follows the overall MLB postseason structure.
- Home games are at Truist Park in the Cumberland area, with The Battery Atlanta acting as the unofficial fan hub.
- Game times can shift, especially for nationally televised games, so day-of confirmation is important.
- Even without tickets, Atlanta offers plenty of ways to watch, from The Battery to neighborhood sports bars.
- Traffic, parking, and crowds are heavier than usual on playoff days, so planning ahead makes a big difference.
Understanding how the playoff schedule works helps Atlanta residents and visitors plan game days, travel, and watch parties so they can fully enjoy October baseball in the city.