Exploring Atlanta’s Old Braves Stadiums: From Atlanta–Fulton County to Turner Field and Beyond
When people search for “Old Braves Stadium Atlanta,” they’re usually thinking about one (or both) of the ballparks the Atlanta Braves called home before Truist Park:
- Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium (often just called “The Old Stadium”)
- Turner Field, which replaced it and later became Georgia State Stadium
If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are just trying to understand the city’s baseball history, it can be confusing to sort out what’s still there, what’s gone, and what you can actually visit today. This guide walks you through each of the old Braves stadiums in Atlanta, what stands on those sites now, and how you can still see pieces of Braves history in person.
The First Atlanta Home: Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
Quick overview
Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium was the Braves’ first home after moving from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966. It’s the place where:
- The Braves played from 1966 to 1996
- Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run on April 8, 1974, breaking Babe Ruth’s record
- The city hosted multiple All-Star events and postseason games
The stadium was located just south of downtown, in the sports complex area near what’s now Center Parc Stadium (Georgia State University’s football stadium).
What’s on the site now?
The stadium itself was demolished in the late 1990s, and today the old Braves stadium site is mostly:
- Parking lots and access roads
- Marked outlines showing where the ballpark once stood
- A key historic marker where Hank Aaron’s record-breaking home run landed
Georgia State University now controls much of the area as part of its athletic and campus expansion.
Visiting the old Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium site
You can still stand exactly where the stadium once sat and see some clear reminders of Braves history.
- Location: The former stadium site is just west of current Center Parc Stadium, near the intersection of Hank Aaron Drive SE and Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
- Look for:
- A brick and concrete outline of the old stadium’s infield embedded in the parking lot
- A memorial marker showing the spot where Hank Aaron’s 715th home run cleared the fence
- Plaques and markings that describe the stadium’s layout
These features are outdoors and generally accessible when events aren’t restricting access to the lots. Many locals stop by to:
- Take photos standing at “home plate” of the old stadium
- Show kids or visitors a tangible piece of Braves history
- Combine the stop with a walk around the surrounding sports area
The Second Era: Turner Field
From Olympic Stadium to Braves ballpark
The Braves moved next door to Turner Field in 1997, after Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympic Games. The Olympic Stadium was converted to a baseball park and became Turner Field, often called “The Ted,” in honor of former Braves owner Ted Turner.
Key points about Turner Field:
- Braves home: 1997–2016
- Located immediately south of the old Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium site
- Hosted multiple playoff runs and Chipper Jones’ late-career seasons
- Designed as a modern-era ballpark with better seating, concessions, and fan amenities compared to its predecessor
What it is now: Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium
After the Braves moved to what is now Truist Park in Cobb County in 2017, Turner Field did not sit empty for long. It was converted into a football stadium and is now:
- Center Parc Stadium
- Home field of the Georgia State University Panthers football team
- Part of a broader university campus and mixed-use redevelopment in the Summerhill neighborhood
While the configuration has changed from baseball to football, many Atlantans still think of it as the “old Braves stadium” that bridged the gap between the downtown era and the team’s current suburban home.
Can you still recognize it as the old Braves stadium?
Yes, in certain ways. The seating bowl and exterior have been reworked, but:
- The general shell and footprint of the stadium are still familiar to fans who remember Turner Field
- Some of the surrounding walkways and approach areas feel similar
- The location is unchanged – it’s still in the same spot by I-20, south of downtown
How to Visit the Old Braves Stadium Sites Today
If you’re in Atlanta and want to connect with Braves history, you can easily visit both old stadium locations in one short trip. They sit essentially side by side.
1. Former Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium site
Approximate address for navigation:
Hank Aaron Drive SE & Bill Lucas Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30312What to look for:
- Stadium infield outline: A cutout in the asphalt showing the diamond where the old playing field sat
- Hank Aaron 715 marker: A commemorative display in the parking area marking where his record-breaking home run landed
- Occasional signage describing the ballpark’s history
You can typically walk around on non-event days. It’s an open-air, casual visit—more of a historical stop than a formal attraction.
2. Former Turner Field (now Center Parc Stadium)
Stadium address:
Center Parc Stadium
755 Hank Aaron Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30315What you can do:
- View the stadium exterior from public streets and sidewalks
- Walk around portions of the surrounding area when gates are open
- Attend a Georgia State football game or university event to see the inside (when tickets are available)
While the interior is now football-focused, it’s still meaningful for many Braves fans to see where the team played from the late 1990s through 2016.
Comparing Atlanta’s Old Braves Stadiums
Here’s a simple reference to understand the three major Braves homes in and around Atlanta:
| Stadium | Years Braves Played | Location | Current Use | What a Visitor Sees Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium | 1966–1996 | South of downtown Atlanta | Demolished | Parking lots, infield outline, Hank Aaron marker |
| Turner Field | 1997–2016 | Next to old AFCS site | Converted to Center Parc Stadium (GSU) | Football stadium; exterior resembles old Turner Field |
| Truist Park | 2017–present | Cumberland area, Cobb County | Active Braves ballpark | Modern MLB stadium with entertainment complex |
This helps clarify why “old Braves stadium Atlanta” can mean more than one place depending on your era of Braves fandom.
Tips for Locals and Visitors Exploring Braves History
If you’re planning a quick outing around the old stadium area in Atlanta, here are some practical ideas:
Combine both historic sites in one walk
Park near Center Parc Stadium and walk through the surrounding lots to find the old Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium infield and markers. The two spots are very close together.Check event schedules
On Georgia State football game days or during special events, some parking areas may be restricted or paid-only. Visiting on a non-event day generally makes for a calmer experience.Bring older fans or longtime Atlantans
Many longtime residents have personal memories of Braves games at both stadiums. Visiting the sites can be a meaningful way to revisit stories and family history.Pair it with a trip to Truist Park
If you’re a baseball fan, consider a day where you:- Visit the historic downtown sites (AFCS / Turner Field area)
- Then drive up to Truist Park in Cobb County to see the Braves’ current home
Pay attention to the street names
Roads like Hank Aaron Drive SE are part of how the city honors Braves legends and make it easier to know you’re in the right spot.
Why the Old Braves Stadiums Still Matter to Atlanta
Even though the Braves no longer play downtown, the old stadium sites remain important to Atlanta for several reasons:
- They mark the city’s transition into a major-league sports town in the 1960s.
- The area hosted historically significant moments like Hank Aaron’s 715th home run.
- The Olympic-to-baseball-to-football conversion at Turner Field shows how Atlanta reuses big venues rather than letting them sit empty.
- Ongoing development around Summerhill and Georgia State reflects how the land around the old stadiums is part of the city’s current growth, not just its past.
For anyone trying to understand Atlanta—whether you’re new to town, just visiting, or have lived here your whole life—spending a little time where the old Braves stadiums once stood gives you a clearer sense of how sports, neighborhoods, and history all tie together in this part of the city.