Atlanta Braves “The Freeze”: How to See (and Maybe Race) Truist Park’s Fastest Man

If you’ve been to an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park and heard the crowd suddenly erupt during a break in the action, there’s a good chance it was for “The Freeze” — the costumed sprinter who turns an in-game promotion into a must-see race.

This guide explains who The Freeze is, how the race works, how you can participate, and the best ways to catch it when you’re at a Braves game in Atlanta.

Who Is “The Freeze”?

The Freeze is a Braves game-day entertainer known for:

• A bright blue, skin-tight speed suit
• Reflective goggles
• Track spikes
• Blazing speed along the outfield warning track

Behind the costume is a former competitive sprinter and track athlete who now works as a performer and race starter for the Braves. Locals quickly discovered that this isn’t just a mascot bit — this is a genuinely fast runner who makes the between-innings break one of the highlights of the night.

For Atlanta fans, The Freeze has become:

• A signature part of the Truist Park experience
• A local viral sensation, thanks to videos shared after big comebacks
• Another reason to stay in your seat between innings instead of heading to the concourse

Where and When The Freeze Runs at Truist Park

The Freeze race is an in-game promotion that happens during select home games at Truist Park, usually:

• During the middle innings (often around the 4th–7th inning range)
• Along the warning track in the outfield
• From roughly foul pole to foul pole on one side of the field

It’s not guaranteed every game, but it’s common during regular-season home games when weather and timing cooperate.

Best places in the ballpark to watch The Freeze

If you’re planning your seats and want a good view of the race:

• Lower-level outfield seats (left or right field)
  These give you a close-up look as The Freeze and the challenger sprint past.
• Lower-level infield seats
  You’ll have a broad, panoramic view of the entire race.
• The Battery Atlanta overlook spots (if you can see into the ballpark)
  Some public areas outside the paid seating zones have partial views of the track, though it’s not ideal.

If you already have tickets in the 300-level (upper deck), you can still see the race, but you’ll be further from the action. Many fans head down to the concourse railings in the outfield or near the foul poles if they want a closer look — just be respectful of ushers and posted rules.

How The Freeze Race Works

The Freeze race is simple but dramatic, and that’s why it’s so popular.

Basic format

1. One fan is selected from the crowd to race against The Freeze.
2. The fan starts with a big head start (often 20–30+ yards, depending on the night).
3. When the signal is given, both the fan and The Freeze sprint along the warning track.
4. If the fan reaches the finish line before The Freeze passes them, the fan wins a prize (usually a sponsor-backed giveaway).
5. If The Freeze catches and passes the fan, the crowd usually roars, and the bragging rights go to the man in blue.

Why the head start?

The Freeze is legitimately fast — much faster than the average fan. The head start is designed so that:

• The race looks competitive for most of the distance
• The crowd gets a sense of suspense
• There’s a real chance (though not a huge one) for the fan to win

Some nights, the fan misjudges their speed and starts too fast, fading late. Other nights, The Freeze stumbles or mis-times the chase. Those rare upsets are the ones that usually go viral.

How to Get Picked to Race The Freeze

There’s no guaranteed way for any fan in Atlanta to be chosen, but understanding how the Braves typically handle it can help.

Common ways participants are selected

Participants are usually:

• Pulled from the stands by promotions staff before the inning break
• Pre-registered through in-stadium promotions or sponsor contests
• Occasionally part of group packages or special events arranged in advance

The Braves’ in-game entertainment team (you’ll see them in branded shirts, often with microphones and cameras nearby) scouts the stands for fans who:

• Are energetic and enthusiastic
• Are willing to be on camera
• Appear physically able to sprint safely on dirt for a short distance

There is usually no public, open sign-up line at the ballpark where you can just register to race that same day.

Practical tips if you hope to be chosen

While there’s no official system you can rely on, Atlanta locals often try:

• Arriving early and being in your seat during early innings, when staff may be scouting.
• Sitting in lower-level sections, especially closer to the field, where staff can easily reach fans.
• Being visibly engaged in the game — cheering, participating in on-screen prompts, etc.
• Watching for Braves entertainment or promotions crew and politely expressing interest if they approach your area.

Because selection involves liability and on-field access, final decisions rest with Braves staff and game-day policies, which may change from season to season.

What to Expect If You Get Chosen

If you do get picked to race The Freeze at Truist Park, here’s what typically happens:

• A staff member explains the rules and route.
• You’ll usually be given basic safety instructions (stay in your lane, stop if directed, etc.).
• You may sign a waiver or permission form, depending on current policy.
• You’re guided to the starting point on the warning track shortly before the race begins.

You’ll be running on:

• Dirt/warning track surface (can be uneven or dusty)
• A straight or slightly curved path near the outfield wall
• In front of a large, loud crowd, plus video boards and music

Most fans treat it as a fun memory, not a serious competition, but it’s still a real sprint. It’s important to listen closely to instructions and run within your comfort level.

Safety and Age Considerations

The Freeze race is designed to be fun, but it still involves sprinting at high effort in front of thousands of people.

While the Braves’ current eligibility rules may change, participants are generally expected to:

• Be adults or older teens (kids have other, slower-paced on-field promotions)
• Appear physically capable of short-distance running
• Wear appropriate footwear (running shoes or sneakers are better than sandals, heels, or dress shoes)

If you attend Braves games with children or older relatives in Atlanta, it’s worth understanding that:

• Kids are more commonly chosen for kid-focused promotions, not The Freeze race.
• The Freeze race is more suited to adults with reasonable fitness and mobility.

If you have concerns or special needs, you can ask a Braves Guest Services staff member about their accessibility approach to on-field promotions.

Where to Ask Questions About Game-Day Entertainment

If you want the most current information about The Freeze race or other in-game features, your best sources at Truist Park are:

Truist Park Guest Services Desks
(Locations can change slightly, but they are typically found on the concourse levels behind home plate and in main concourse areas.)

You can also reach the Braves organization through:

Atlanta Braves (Front Office / General Information)
Truist Park
755 Battery Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
Main phone (commonly listed for general info): 404-577-9100

When you contact or speak with staff, you can ask about:

• Current in-game promotions
• Eligibility guidelines for on-field activities
• Any sponsor tie-ins that offer chances to register for special experiences

Policies and offerings can shift between seasons, so checking close to your game date is the best approach.

Best Spots in Atlanta to Make a Night of It Around The Freeze

Seeing The Freeze is just one part of a Braves game night. Many Atlanta locals build a full outing around it:

The Battery Atlanta

Right outside Truist Park, The Battery Atlanta is a mixed-use district with:

• Restaurants and bars for pre- and post-game meals
• Open-air gathering areas with big screens
• Family-friendly spaces to hang out before gates open

If you’re aiming to be in your seat in time to catch The Freeze, plan to:

• Arrive at The Battery early (especially for weekend or high-demand games)
• Give yourself extra time for:
  • Parking or rideshare drop-off
  • Security screening at Truist Park gates
  • Walking to your seats before the middle innings

Parking and transit reminders

Common options for reaching Braves games include:

• Official Truist Park parking lots and decks in the Battery area
• Rideshare pickup/drop-off zones near The Battery
• Park-and-ride style options operated during the season in some parts of metro Atlanta

Traffic around I-75 and I-285 near the stadium can be heavy near game times, so leave a buffer if you don’t want to miss The Freeze race once you’re inside.

Quick Reference: The Freeze at a Glance

Tips for Atlanta Visitors and New Residents

If you’re new to Atlanta or visiting and want to experience The Freeze:

• Choose a night game if possible; many fans feel the energy is especially strong under the lights.
• Get to Truist Park before first pitch, so you’re settled when mid-game promotions begin.
• If sitting with a group, consider lower-level seats if your budget allows, to be closer to the action.
• Keep your phone handy if you want to record the race — but stay aware of your surroundings so you don’t block other fans’ views.

Whether you ever get to step onto the warning track or just watch from the stands, The Freeze is one of those uniquely Atlanta ballpark traditions that makes Braves games feel different from anywhere else.