Planning a trip to Truist Park, the magnificent home of the Atlanta Braves, is an exciting prospect for any baseball fan or concert-goer! But a key question that often pops up is: How early does Truist Park open? The answer isn't a simple one-size-fits-all, as opening times vary depending on the event, your ticket type, and even the day of the week.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Truist Park's opening hours, ensuring you make the most of your visit, whether you're aiming for batting practice views, a pre-game meal, or a leisurely tour.
Step 1: Determine Your Event Type and Date
First things first, what are you planning to do at Truist Park? The opening schedule is highly dependent on the event. Are you attending a:
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
- Atlanta Braves Home Game? This is the most common reason to visit, and gate times are specifically tailored to game days.
- Concert or Special Event? These events often have unique gate opening times, which are typically communicated closer to the event date.
- Stadium Tour? Truist Park offers daily tours, and their schedule is separate from game days.
- Just Visiting The Battery Atlanta? The surrounding entertainment district has its own operating hours, and you can enjoy many amenities without a stadium ticket.
Once you know your event type, you can proceed to the relevant steps below!
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| How Early Does Truist Park Open |
Step 2: For Atlanta Braves Home Games
Attending a Braves game is an experience in itself, and arriving early can significantly enhance it. Here's a breakdown of general gate opening times for Braves games:
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
General Gate Opening Times:
- Most Game Days (Weekdays, Weeknights, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays): For the majority of Atlanta Braves games, general gates open 90 minutes (1.5 hours) before first pitch. This gives you ample time to find your seats, grab some food, and soak in the pre-game atmosphere.
- Exceptions for Specific Gates:
- Chop House Gate: The popular Chop House Gate (and certain premium club entrances like Delta and Xfinity Clubs) often opens earlier, typically 2 hours before first pitch. This is a great perk if you want to get a jump on the crowds and enjoy the ambiance of the Chop House.
- A-List Member Entrance: If you're an A-List Member (season ticket holder), you may have access to a members-only entrance gate, potentially allowing for slightly earlier entry or smoother access.
- Sunday 1:30 PM Games: For specific Sunday games with a 1:30 PM first pitch, some parking decks open as early as 9:30 AM, suggesting fans might arrive earlier to enjoy The Battery. While general gates still typically open 90 minutes before, checking individual game schedules for specific early access programs is always recommended.
Understanding "First Pitch":
"First pitch" is the official start time of the baseball game. Always refer to the official Atlanta Braves schedule or your ticket for the precise first pitch time for the game you are attending.
Parking Lot Opening Times for Games:
Parking lots around Truist Park generally open 4 hours before first pitch for most game types (weekday, weeknight, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games). However, there are some variations by specific parking deck:
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
- Orange Deck (Valet), Delta Deck (Valet), Delta Deck, N29, S61, Lockheed/Dobbins Lot: These generally open 4 hours before first pitch for most game types.
- Truist Deck, Silver Deck, B9, B11, N25, E31, E32, E41, E43, E44: Opening times for these decks can vary more. For example, some might open at 4:00 PM for weeknight/Friday games, or 5:20 PM/5:30 PM for others, while also aligning with the 4 hours before first pitch for Saturday/Sunday games.
- Weekday Games with Earlier Start Times: For some weekday games, certain lots like E31 and E43 might open as early as 9:30 AM.
It's highly recommended to check the official Truist Park parking information on the Atlanta Braves website for the most accurate and up-to-date parking lot opening times for your specific game date, as these can be subject to change.
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Step 3: For Truist Park Stadium Tours
Beyond game days, Truist Park offers fascinating daily tours that take you behind the scenes. This is a fantastic way to experience the ballpark without the game-day crowds and explore areas usually off-limits.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
Tour Schedule:
- In-Season (April-September/Playoffs): Tours are generally offered Monday – Saturday at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. On Sundays, tours are typically at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
- Off-Season (October-March): Tours usually run Monday-Saturday at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.
Important Tour Information:
- Advance Tickets Required: Tour tickets must be purchased in advance online.
- Meeting Point: Tours begin at the Right Field Gate.
- Duration: Tours last approximately 1.5 hours.
- Dugout Access: Dugout access is limited or not included on game days for the 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM tours. If seeing the dugout is a priority, consider a morning tour on a non-game day.
- Parking for Tours: You can often enjoy two hours of free parking in The Battery Atlanta's Red Deck when attending a tour.
Step 4: For Concerts and Special Events
Truist Park is a popular venue for concerts and other special events throughout the year.
Concert/Special Event Opening Times:
- Gate opening times for concerts and special events vary significantly and are typically announced closer to the event date by the event promoter or on the Truist Park website.
- Always check the official event page or your ticket for the specific gate opening times for the concert or event you are attending. These can sometimes be earlier or later than typical game day openings.
Step 5: Exploring The Battery Atlanta
Even if you don't have a ticket for an event inside Truist Park, The Battery Atlanta, the vibrant mixed-use development surrounding the stadium, is open and bustling well before and after events.
The Battery Atlanta Operating Hours:
- Restaurants and Shops: The various restaurants, bars, and retail stores in The Battery Atlanta have their own individual operating hours, which generally extend much earlier than stadium gates and much later into the evening.
- Pre-Game Entertainment: On game days, The Plaza Green at The Battery often features live performances and appearances:
- Monday – Wednesday: Entertainment typically begins 2 hours before game time.
- Friday – Sunday: Entertainment typically starts 3 hours before game time.
Step 6: Important Considerations for Early Arrival
If you're planning to arrive early, keep these points in mind:
- Bag Policy: Be aware of Truist Park's bag policy. Generally, only small, single-compartment clutches and clear bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" are permitted. Medical bags and diaper bags (with a young child present) are exceptions but are subject to inspection. Oversized bags may be stored in mobile lockers available for a fee.
- Security Screening: All guests entering Truist Park are subject to metal detection screening.
- Food and Drink Policy: No outside alcoholic beverages, cans, bottles, plastic containers, or coolers are permitted. You can typically bring one empty water bottle to fill at water fountains.
- Traffic: Atlanta traffic, especially around Truist Park on game or event days, can be significant. Factor in extra travel time if you plan to arrive early to avoid missing out.
- Check Official Sources: While this guide provides general information, always consult the official Atlanta Braves and Truist Park websites for the most current and specific information for your planned visit, as schedules and policies can change.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy everything Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta have to offer, no matter how early you decide to arrive!
FAQs: How to Make the Most of Your Truist Park Visit
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, all starting with "How to," with quick answers to help you plan your perfect Truist Park experience:
How to Check Specific Game Day Gate Opening Times?
- Quick Answer: Always refer to the official Atlanta Braves website (
MLB.com/braves/ballpark/information/guide
How to Get Early Access to Truist Park Before General Gates Open?
- Quick Answer: A-List Members (season ticket holders) often have access to a dedicated members-only entrance for potentially earlier or smoother entry. The Chop House Gate and certain premium club entrances also typically open earlier (2 hours before first pitch) for all ticket holders.
How to Find Parking Lot Opening Times for Truist Park?
- Quick Answer: Visit the "Parking Lot Open Times" section on the official Atlanta Braves website (
MLB.com/braves/ballpark/transportation/parking/hours
How to Attend a Truist Park Stadium Tour?
- Quick Answer: Purchase tickets in advance online through the Atlanta Braves website (
MLB.com/braves/ballpark/tours/daily
How to Enjoy The Battery Atlanta Before a Game?
- Quick Answer: Arrive early! The Battery Atlanta's restaurants, shops, and entertainment options open well before game gates. Check The Battery Atlanta website for specific business hours and pre-game entertainment schedules.
How to Know the Bag Policy for Truist Park?
- Quick Answer: Truist Park has a strict clear bag policy. Small clutches and clear bags (no larger than 12" x 6" x 12") are generally permitted. Consult the official Truist Park security measures page on the Braves website for full details.
How to Store Oversized Bags at Truist Park?
- Quick Answer: Mobile locker bag storage is available for a fee on Power Alley behind Live at The Battery Atlanta for guests who arrive with oversized bags.
How to Avoid Traffic When Going to Truist Park?
- Quick Answer: Plan to arrive well in advance of gate opening times, especially on weekends or for popular games/events. Consider utilizing rideshare services or public transport options if available.
How to Find Food and Drink Options at Truist Park and The Battery?
- Quick Answer: Truist Park offers a wide variety of concessions inside the stadium. The Battery Atlanta also boasts numerous restaurants and bars that open hours before games and events.
How to Get Updates on Unexpected Changes to Opening Times?
- Quick Answer: Follow the Atlanta Braves and Truist Park official social media accounts, sign up for their newsletters, and check their websites regularly for any last-minute updates or announcements.
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