When the Atlanta Braves revealed in November 2013 that they were leaving Turner Field and building a new stadium in Cobb County, it came as a shock to fans everywhere. While it was well-known that the parking, traffic, and amenities situations at Turner were problems and ones the city of Atlanta had little interest in helping out with. However, with the announced move came some legitimate concerns about the new ballpark.
Some Braves fans inside 285 as well as on the southern end of the metro area were upset the Braves' new home park was moving significantly farther away from them. Others worried that the traffic in Cobb County would become unbearable and that that communities shouldn't subsidize stadiums period. Again, all fair concerns.
However, a recent feature by ESPN on Truist Park and the Battery as a model for all of MLB, one thing seems to be abundantly clear. Virtually all parties involved in the initial deal to build Truist Park seem to be thrilled with the result.
Truist Park was a risky bet, but one that has paid off handsomely for the Braves
While the piece accurately pointed out that a baseball stadium with a mixed use development around it was not a brand new idea, it seems like the Braves may have perfected the formula. The team has continued to expand the Battery and the area is quickly becoming a true destination in the metro Atlanta area even in the offseason. The Braves being good as certainly helped with the new stadium's success, but the strategy and execution also played a big role and fans have embraced Truist as a result.
The benefits for Cobb County seem to be a bit more debatable. The article pointed out that property values are up and that county officials are thrilled with the added tax revenue and attention to the area. However, there are those that still think the benefits don't outweigh the debt the county took on and there are some that do not like the added traffic in the area (although those people clearly don't remember how terrible traffic was at Turner Field).
For the Braves, the move has completely redefined the franchise. When the team is good, Truist Park and the Battery makes more money. When stadium and real estate revenues go up, it is easier to justify investing in the Braves' roster. Even though this season isn't going great, it is hard to believe that Atlanta won't be contenders for years and years to come and remain among MLB's most valuable franchises.