SunTrust Park Review

Home of the Braves, SunTrust Park opened in the beginning of the 2017 season and provides an incredible game day experience. I’ve seen quite a few games here now and have had fun every time.

Pre-Game

The Battery

Absolutely incredible, and still under construction. The area surrounding the ballpark makes it feel like you are in a separate little Braves city. The streets may be closed, but the restaurants and bars are all open and there are Braves fans everywhere. You can spend hours before the game hanging out in PBR, getting pizza from Antico’s, shopping, or even playing an Escape Game.

Monument Garden

Trophies, rings and history with a little waterfall to go along with it. The Braves’ monument garden on the first level behind home is very nice, spacious and gives a lot of interesting history for the organization. Any die-hard fan should definitely take the trip to check it out.

Oblivious Cam

Pre-game you better be paying attention, or you might end up on the oblivious cam. The oblivious cam finds a pre-occupied fan who has no idea that they are on the jumbo-tron and follows their actions until they realize they are on the big screen. It’s hysterical, embarrassing and can last several minutes before the fan realizes (if they ever do).

Pre-Game Grade: 9/10

In-Between Innings

Beat the Freeze

Probably their most famous in game promotion, the freeze gives his competitor a head start and then takes off in hopes of beating them to the finish line. Really fun, everyone always seems really into it (sometimes more than the game itself).

Stolen Base Challenge

They say beating the freeze is hard, but this game may be just as difficult. You have 20 seconds to run from the right field corner, grab a base positioned next to second and run back. If you don’t make it to the base with more than 10 seconds left, there is no hope.

It is very rare that I see someone win this. When it’s a close call they go as far as watching a video replay to determine if the fan made it. Seems a little excessive, but it makes the prize all the more desirable.

Quarter Minute to Win It

I really like this one. They give a fan a category and they have to list as many things that fit the category as possible in 15 seconds. They then show a clip of a player listing things of that category and whoever listed more wins. Categories I’ve seen include fast food chains, things to bring on a camping trip, and cereal brands. Easy, straightforward game and a good way to have fan/player interaction even though it’s indirect.

Tool Race

Classic mascot race, except the poor drill never wins and that really annoys me. The other day, the hammer stole the drill’s nose but why bother? The drill is clearly no threat. The paint bucket and his 32(?) wins should be targeted, I’m sick of watching him win.  

In-Between Innings Grade: 8/10

Fan Atmosphere

The fans are pretty chill from what I’ve experienced. Even it tight games you don’t really hear too much heckling or more urgent cheering. No one stands except for the final strike of the game (sometimes a handful will stand for 2 outs in the 9^th). A lot of people show up to games, however, and that really helps create that sense of community at the ballpark.

The Tomahawk Chop

I’ve always been a fan of when teams have special chants or motions for when their team scores and you don’t really see a ton of that in baseball. The Tomahawk Chop is the closest thing to it and it’s awesome. The best is at the night games where they turn off the lights and everyone chops with their phone flashlights.

Fan Atmosphere Grade: 7/10

Kids Activities

Rock Climbing Wall and Zip Line

Never thought I’d see a rock climbing wall and zip line at a baseball stadium but here we are.

Hope and Will’s Sandlot is the kid’s section at SunTrust and it seems like a fun little area for the kids. The wall and zip line are pretty high up for a little one, but they all seem to really enjoy it.

They also have a bunch of baseball themed arcade games where kids can win prizes, and a face painting station.

Virtual Reality

This is awesome and has been something I’ve thought they should have at baseball stadiums for a few years now.

Kids can line up and see how they would do as a batter or pitcher in the big leagues. When pitching, an interactive screen will provide an opposing batter and heat map. You can then throw your choice pitch and watch how the virtual batter reacts. The better you aim, the better you do. I witnessed a young girl get a batter four times her size down 0-2. Unfortunately, her third pitch ended up out of the virtual park for a home run.

Kid’s Activities Grade: 8/10

Other Notable Features

The Chophouse

The right field chophouse is pretty much a bar with some tables lined up to view the game. Unless you’re seated at one of the tables, you won’t be able to see much of what’s happening. You can buy seats closer to the action on the outside of the Chophouse along the right field wall, and they have a pretty great view of the field.

There’s also an area called Below the Chop and I’m not sure how to get there (might be separate or reserved entry), but you can watch the game from field level, which would be a really cool experience.  

Home Depot Clubhouse

Cute little suite in left center field that has a staircase leading up to it, resembles a tree house. I’ve never been but it seems like a separate, fun place to watch the game. It also has the strike-out counter and that might be fun to help out with if you’re seated there.

Hank Aaron Terrace

Left Field second level seating that is connected to a private event area. Pretty nice view of left field from the outside seating, but it is higher up than the Chophouse so chances of catching a home run are reduced a bit. Nice air-conditioned area to hold an event, with a spacious back room that can fit around 375 people.

The Infiniti Club

Located on the terrace level behind home plate, the Infiniti Club has big, comphy seats and a private air-conditioned area for upscale dining and drinks. Unlike some private areas at other ballparks, food is not included in the ticket cost.

Entrances to suites are also in the Infiniti Club. Really nice view of the field from outside and a nice break from the Georgia sun on those particularly hot days.

Other Notable Features Grade: 7/10

SunTrust Park really shows the potential for what a ballpark can be, from interactive activities to an all-day game experience. I would love to see more parks really make an impact on the surrounding area by increasing local business and becoming a must-go-to sports hub for the community.

Overall Grade: 7.8/10