Coolray Field: Your Guide to Gwinnett Stripers Baseball Near Atlanta

Coolray Field is the suburban home of the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and one of the most accessible pro sports experiences for people in the Atlanta metro area. Located in Lawrenceville, Georgia, just northeast of the city, it offers an easy, family-friendly way to catch high-level baseball without the cost or crowds of a major league game.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or just want to understand how this minor league ballpark fits into the local sports scene, this guide walks through what to expect, how to get there, and how to make the most of a game day at Coolray Field.

Where Coolray Field Is and How It Fits Into Atlanta’s Sports Scene

Coolray Field
2500 Buford Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Coolray Field sits in Gwinnett County, roughly 30–45 minutes from many parts of metro Atlanta (traffic depending). It’s just off I-85 near the Mall of Georgia area, making it a popular option for families and groups in the northern suburbs, as well as visitors staying near that corridor.

For Atlanta sports fans, Coolray Field offers:

• Triple-A baseball – The last stop before the majors, so you often see players who are called up to the Atlanta Braves or veterans on rehab assignments.
• Lower ticket prices than most major league parks.
• A more relaxed, kid-friendly environment than a downtown stadium.
• A chance to experience pro baseball even if you don’t want to deal with parking and traffic near Truist Park.

Getting to Coolray Field from Around Atlanta

Driving and Parking

Most people travel to Coolray Field by car.

From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:

• Take I-85 North toward Greenville.
• Exit near Buford Drive / GA-20 (Lawrenceville area).
• Follow signs to Coolray Field; the ballpark is visible from near the interstate.

From Buckhead / Sandy Springs:

• Take GA-400 or surface streets to connect to I-285 East, then to I-85 North.
• Continue to the Buford Drive / GA-20 area and follow local signage.

From Decatur / East Atlanta:

• Take local routes to I-285 North, then to I-85 North.
• Exit near Buford Drive / GA-20 and follow directions to the stadium area.

Parking basics:

• Large surface parking lots surround the ballpark.
• Parking is typically paid per vehicle, and attendants guide you where to park.
• Arriving 30–60 minutes before first pitch usually makes parking and walking in more relaxed, especially on weekends or promotional nights.

Tip: Factor in rush hour traffic if you’re leaving Atlanta between 4–7 p.m. on weekdays. The I-85 corridor can be slow.

Public Transit and Rideshare Options

Public transit to Coolray Field from central Atlanta is limited compared with in-town venues.

• MARTA heavy rail does not go to Lawrenceville.
• Some riders combine MARTA + rideshare by taking the train to Doraville or another northern station, then using a rideshare app to get to Coolray Field.
• Rideshares (and taxis) can drop off and pick up at or near the stadium entrances; expect more congestion immediately after the game.

If you don’t want to drive, rideshare is usually the most straightforward option from within Atlanta.

What to Expect Inside Coolray Field

Coolray Field is designed to feel intimate and approachable compared with a major league stadium.

Seating and Layout

The ballpark features:

• Lower-bowl seating close to the field, with good sightlines almost everywhere.
• Reserved seats, usually with clear sections and row markers.
• Lawn/berm seating (on select parts of the outfield) where families can spread out on blankets.
• A concourse that circles much of the stadium, allowing you to walk and still watch the game in several areas.

For Atlanta-area residents used to Truist Park, Coolray Field feels more compact and easy to navigate, with typically shorter lines and less walking between your car and your seat.

Tickets, Pricing, and Buying Options

Ticket prices at Coolray Field are usually lower than major league games, which is a big draw for metro Atlanta families and groups.

Common ways to purchase:

• Online in advance – Many fans purchase before heading out to avoid day-of lines and to choose specific seats.
• Box office on-site – Located at the stadium; open on game days and some non-game days.
• Group purchases – Available for schools, churches, company outings, and youth teams.

Seat types often include:

For busier nights (fireworks, special giveaways, holiday-themed games), buying early is helpful, especially if you’re coming from central Atlanta and don’t want to drive out only to find limited seating.

Food, Drinks, and Concessions

Coolray Field offers a range of ballpark-style concessions along the concourse, including:

• Traditional options like hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and popcorn
• Soft drinks, water, and beer options
• Sweet treats such as ice cream and cotton candy
• Rotating stands or specialty items depending on the season

Prices are generally more moderate than major league parks but still above typical restaurant pricing, which is standard at most sports venues in and around Atlanta.

Many Atlanta families eat a light meal beforehand and then plan for snacks or one main item at the park. Check Coolray Field’s current policies before you go to see what, if any, outside food and drink might be allowed.

Family-Friendly Features and Kid-Friendly Activities

Coolray Field is marketed heavily toward families in the Atlanta metro area and tends to have a relaxed, safe atmosphere.

Common family features include:

• Kid-focused promotions, like themed nights or character appearances.
• In-between-inning entertainment, such as races, contests, and music.
• A team mascot that roams the stadium for photos and high-fives.
• Often a kids’ play area or activities, depending on the season’s setup.

Many local parents prefer taking younger children to Stripers games first before tackling the busier, more intense atmosphere of a Braves game, especially for children who may be sensitive to crowds or late-night events.

Special Events, Theme Nights, and Fireworks

One of the big draws for Atlanta-area fans is the event calendar at Coolray Field. While offerings change each season, fans often see:

• Fireworks nights – Post-game shows that are visible from the stands.
• Theme nights – Such as local appreciation nights, holidays, or pop culture themes.
• Jersey or merchandise giveaways – For the first set of fans through the gates.
• Community nights – Highlighting schools, youth sports, or local organizations.

If you’re traveling in from Atlanta, checking the game’s specific promotions beforehand can help you choose dates that match your interests or your kids’ schedules.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Coolray Field is designed with accessibility in mind. Typical features include:

• Accessible seating sections, often located along main concourse areas.
• Wheelchair access via ramps and, where applicable, elevators.
• Accessible restrooms and family restrooms in some areas.
• Designated accessible parking spaces closer to entrances.

If someone in your group has mobility challenges or other accessibility needs, it’s wise to:

• Arrive a bit earlier to allow extra time from parking to seating.
• Ask guest services staff for the nearest accessible routes once inside.

Planning Your Game Day from Atlanta

If you’re coming from central Atlanta or another part of the metro area, a bit of planning goes a long way.

When to Arrive

• Weeknight games: Leave extra time for rush hour traffic on I-85.
• Weekend games: Plan for heavier crowds on fireworks or promotional nights.
• Arrive 30–60 minutes early to:
  • Park without stress
  • Visit concessions
  • Watch batting practice or pre-game warmups

What to Bring (and Check)

Policies can change, but many fans consider:

• Light layers – Evening games in spring and early fall can cool off quickly.
• Sun protection – Day games can be bright, especially along certain baselines.
• Cash or card – Some concession and parking operations may be cashless; it’s good to confirm ahead of time.
• Small bag – Check current bag size rules before you go.

Coolray Field vs. Other Atlanta Sports Venues

If you’re deciding how Coolray Field compares with other Atlanta-area stadiums:

• Compared with Truist Park (Braves):

  • Smaller, more intimate, and typically quieter.
  • Easier for families with younger kids.
  • Less expensive on average for tickets and parking.

• Compared with in-town venues (like State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium):

  • Located in the northeastern suburbs, not downtown.
  • More predictable drive and parking for those already in Gwinnett or North Fulton.
  • Less integrated with MARTA and other transit options.

This makes Coolray Field especially appealing for residents of Gwinnett, Hall, North DeKalb, Forsyth, and North Fulton, as well as anyone staying near I-85 north of the perimeter.

Nearby Amenities and Things to Do Before or After the Game

The ballpark area is close to several major commercial corridors in Gwinnett County, giving you options if you’re coming from Atlanta and want to make a day of it.

Nearby you’ll typically find:

• Restaurants and fast-casual spots along Buford Drive and near the Mall of Georgia.
• Shopping centers for quick errands before the game.
• Hotels in the Lawrenceville and Buford area, convenient for out-of-town visitors who are in Atlanta for a few days.

Some families from Atlanta pair an afternoon at a local attraction or the mall with an evening Stripers game, especially on weekends.

When Coolray Field Is Active and What Else It’s Used For

The Gwinnett Stripers season generally runs from spring through early fall, with home games spread throughout the week. Beyond baseball, Coolray Field is sometimes used for:

• Community events
• Charity or fundraising games
• Occasional other sports or special events, depending on scheduling

If you’re considering attending something other than a Stripers game, check the venue’s event calendar so you know what’s on during your visit to the Atlanta area.

Is Coolray Field Worth the Trip from Atlanta?

For many people in and around Atlanta, the answer is yes, especially if you:

• Want a more affordable pro baseball outing.
• Have kids or a group and prefer a lower-key environment.
• Enjoy seeing up-and-coming players who may appear for the Braves.
• Live or are staying in the northern suburbs and want something close to home.

Coolray Field gives metro Atlantans another way to experience high-level baseball, with easier parking and a relaxed vibe that complements the bigger, busier venues closer to downtown. Whether you’re a serious fan, a family planner, or a visitor exploring the area, it’s one of the more approachable sports destinations in greater Atlanta.