6 Offerings in Turner Field I Never Knew About

I recently went with a big group to an Atlanta Braves game during their last season at Turner Field.  I know many that are miffed about moving the Braves, but Turner Field, off of I-20 in downtown Atlanta, wasn’t even their original stadium; it was built in 1996 for the Atlanta Olympic Games.  The Braves’ former stadium was demolished and turned into a stadium-shaped parking lot (the outfield wall is  lined and painted).  The move will send the Braves northward to Cobb County, where they will reside in the new SunTrust Park, which will be mixed use and beautiful!

During my hosted visit, I had a fabulous tour around Turner Field and was shown some things I never knew about in my 19 years as an Atlantan; so much had gotten by me in the past! The tour boasted so much information, but since I’m a Mom to 2 youngin’s, this is what stood out to me:

1. Scouts Alley is FUN!

There is an entire area devoted to games, fun and more at Turner Field, and I had no idea!  Once you show your ticket and enter the stadium, walk to the right.  As you enter the seating tunnel, you’ll see a sign above you that declares Scouts Alley! Inside this portion of Turner Field you will find batting cages (with speeds even for T-ballers), face painting, the Braves History Museum and a place to sign up for the Kids Club (I highly recommended it, see below).  Most of these activities cost 1-2 tokens, which are purchased. 

2. CHOA Hope and Will’s Dugout, featuring the Tomahawk Treehouse

If you didn’t turn right towards Scouts Alley, turn left! You will see the Dugout easily.  Enter the small double doorway and you’ll have free access to the Tomahawk Treehouse, a fly ball jump, a fabulous pretend field (sometimes employees will bring out tee balls and host a little game) and plenty of room to play.  I spotted a few parent benches and some charging ports. 

3. Specialty Apparel Shops

As with most sports arenas, there’s a great big apparel and gear shop in the stadium.  I’d been there several times to find kid’s gear, adult apparel, hats and more.  But what I didn’t realize was there were a few other specialty shops scattered throughout Turner Field.  My hat in the picture (selfie at batting practice below) actually has a few Cz in it, found in the women’s boutique.  For the fellas, there’s a place to buy big and tall items for the 6’+ crowd!  I browsed specialty bags, jewelry and even a coveted Final Season in Turner Field jersey. I was dying to snag it and run down to the personalization shop, which had several option for letters, numbers and embroidery on jerseys and other items.  

4. The Sky Zone

If you took the stairs or the elevator to the tippy top of Turner Field, you’d find the Sky Zone.  This area, sponsored by Coca-Cola has a false dugout bench, a place to run the bases, a beautiful skyline with coke bottle-shaped Adirondack chairs and a few other surprises.  It’s a great place to take the little ones to burn off some energy while still being able to catch the game. 

5. The Kids Club is a GREAT value!

First of all, I had no idea there even was a kids club.  By the time I read the brochure, I was SOLD.  Not only did we get three tickets to future games, we also got tokens for Scouts Alley, free Chick-fil-A AND a jersey for Red to wear.  The tickets and the Jersey alone were worth the price!  The Kids Club welcome kit also includes a VIP pass with a booklet to collect stamps from certain games or places within the stadium to redeem for prizes and more.

6. They have fancy, gourmet food!

“Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack.  I don’t care if I ever get back!”  I’ve had plenty of stadium food in my life, but as the tour progressed throughout the evening, I started making a bucket dugout list of foods to try.  I could visit all season and not get all that food in my belly!  Besides the regular hotdogs, candies and ice cream bars, Turner Field also has a real waffle house, a Mayfield ice cream stand, Dippin’ Dots, and the staple ChopHouse, where you can find many a fan on the porch sipping cocktails while the game progresses.  I also had the pleasure of trying Delaware North’s new Tater Tot Chop; tater tots pressed in a waffle iron with bacon, cheese and jalapeños.  It was delicious.  It’s huge, though – so share wisely.  Also for sharing is the Burgerizza, a burger patty pressed between a pizza crust (bottom) and an entire pepperoni pizza (top).  It was better than it sounds, and worth trying at least once.  Make sure to go slowly to avoid busting your belly.  

If you’re ready to hit the field with your family, here are some specials for May of 2016 that might interest your family:

May 27- Friday Night Fireworks presented by Georgia Lottery. Come see the best fireworks show in the Southeast! Featured fireworks every Friday night game throughout the season.

May 28– Chipper Rescues Freddie ATV Bobblehead giveaway for the first 20,000 fans. It is also Water Safety Day raising awareness for pool safety.

May 29– Attend Alumni Sunday and receive autographs from some notable former Braves players. Peanut Free Day and a post game concert by Chris Stapleton presented by Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines.

May 30– Memorial Day Celebrations

Check out the Braves’ season-long ticket specials including: Sports Clip $8 Mondays, Coca-Cola $12 Tuesdays and a Chevron Family Value Plan that comes with 4 game tickets, 1 parking pass, food and more.