Ah, a classic Atlanta question! The journey from Turner Field to Truist Park isn't just about distance; it's a trip through a significant chapter of Atlanta Braves history. Get ready for a detailed breakdown, complete with historical context, travel options, and all the nitty-gritty details you'll need.
The Great Relocation: Understanding the Shift
Before we dive into the "how far," let's understand why this question is relevant. Turner Field was the beloved home of the Atlanta Braves for nearly two decades, from 1997 to 2016. It held a special place in the hearts of many fans, having been transformed from the Centennial Olympic Stadium after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
However, in 2017, the Braves moved to a brand-new, purpose-built stadium: Truist Park (originally SunTrust Park). This wasn't just a change of address; it was a strategic move by the Braves organization to create a more immersive fan experience with the surrounding "Battery Atlanta" mixed-use development. This means that Turner Field is no longer a Major League Baseball stadium. It is now Center Parc Stadium, home to the Georgia State University Panthers football team.
So, while the question is about the distance between two stadiums, it's important to remember their current roles.
How Far Is Truist Park From Turner Field |
A Bit of History: From Olympic Glory to Baseball Home
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Turner Field (formerly Centennial Olympic Stadium): This iconic venue was built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, serving as the main stadium for opening and closing ceremonies and track and field events. After the Olympics, it was reconfigured into a baseball-specific stadium for the Braves. Its downtown location was convenient for many, but the Braves cited issues with infrastructure, parking, and the inability to develop surrounding areas as reasons for their move.
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Truist Park: Located in Cobb County, about 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, Truist Park opened in 2017. It was designed from the ground up with the fan experience in mind, integrating directly with The Battery Atlanta, a bustling complex of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. This move represented a significant shift in the Braves' strategy, aiming to create a year-round destination beyond just baseball games.
Step 1: Let's Start with the Obvious - It's Not a Walk in the Park!
First things first: No, you cannot walk from Turner Field (now Center Parc Stadium) to Truist Park. They are not in the same neighborhood, nor are they even in the same county! Turner Field is in downtown Atlanta (Fulton County), while Truist Park is in the Cumberland area of Cobb County. The distance between them is significant, making walking an impractical, if not impossible, endeavor.
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So, put those walking shoes away and get ready to consider other modes of transportation!
Step 2: The Actual Distance - How Far Are We Talking?
The distance between Truist Park and Turner Field (now Center Parc Stadium) is approximately 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24 kilometers), depending on the specific route taken and the starting/ending points within each complex.
- By car, the most common route is around 14-17 miles.
- Travel time by car can vary greatly depending on Atlanta traffic, but generally ranges from 20 to 45 minutes, or even longer during peak hours or game days.
Step 3: Getting There - Your Transportation Options
Since walking is out, let's explore the best ways to travel between these two significant Atlanta landmarks.
Sub-heading 3.1: Driving Your Own Vehicle
Driving is often the most convenient option for many, but be prepared for traffic, especially around Truist Park on game days.
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
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Directions (General Overview):
- From Truist Park: You'll typically head south on I-75 or I-285, connecting to I-75/I-85 South toward downtown Atlanta.
- From Turner Field (Center Parc Stadium): You'll head north on I-75/I-85, then potentially connect to I-75 North or I-285 West to reach the Cumberland area.
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Estimated Travel Time: As mentioned, 20-45 minutes is a good estimate, but always check live traffic conditions using GPS apps (Google Maps, Waze, etc.) before you depart. Atlanta traffic is notorious!
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Parking:
- Truist Park: Parking is plentiful but generally requires pre-purchasing passes, especially on game days. There are various lots around The Battery Atlanta.
- Center Parc Stadium (Turner Field): Parking is also available, particularly for Georgia State University events.
Sub-heading 3.2: Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft)
Ride-sharing services are a popular and convenient option, especially if you don't want to deal with parking.
- Pros:
- Convenience: Door-to-door service.
- No parking hassle: You get dropped off and picked up at designated areas.
- Dynamic pricing: Can be good outside of peak demand.
- Cons:
- Surge pricing: Prices can skyrocket during high-demand times (e.g., before and after Braves games, rush hour).
- Traffic still affects travel time.
- Estimated Cost: This can vary wildly, from $20-$50+ depending on the time of day, demand, and traffic.
Sub-heading 3.3: Public Transportation (A Multi-Step Journey)
While not as direct as driving, public transportation is an option, though it requires multiple transfers. Atlanta's MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) system is primarily focused on downtown and connecting areas, with bus services extending into Cobb County.
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From Turner Field (Center Parc Stadium) Area to a MARTA Station:
- You would likely need to take a local bus or a short ride-share to the nearest MARTA rail station in downtown Atlanta (e.g., Five Points, Garnett).
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MARTA Rail to Transfer Point:
- Take a MARTA train (North-South Line) to a station where you can connect to CobbLinc bus service that serves Truist Park. The Arts Center Station or Midtown Station are common transfer points to reach Cobb County.
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CobbLinc Bus to Truist Park:
- From a designated MARTA station, you would then transfer to a CobbLinc bus route that services Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta. CobbLinc Route 10 is frequently mentioned as serving the area around Cobb Parkway and Windy Ridge Parkway, which is a short walk to the stadium.
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Estimated Travel Time: This is the longest option, easily taking over an hour, including transfers and waiting times.
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Estimated Cost: More economical than ride-sharing, typically just the cost of MARTA fare ($2.50 per ride) plus any CobbLinc bus fare.
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Important Note on Public Transport: Public transportation requires careful planning. Check MARTA and CobbLinc schedules and routes in advance, especially for weekend or evening travel, as service frequency can vary.
Step 4: Planning Your Journey - Key Considerations
Now that you know your options, here are some crucial things to keep in mind for a smooth journey:
Sub-heading 4.1: Check the Calendar!
- Event Days: If you're traveling on a day when there's a Braves game at Truist Park or a Georgia State football game at Center Parc Stadium, expect significantly increased traffic and demand for transportation. Plan accordingly by allowing extra time and potentially pre-booking parking or ride-shares.
- Peak Hours: Atlanta's rush hour (roughly 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays) will make any drive between these locations much longer.
Sub-heading 4.2: Real-Time Information is Your Best Friend
- GPS Apps: Use Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps to get real-time traffic updates, estimated travel times, and alternative routes. This is essential for navigating Atlanta.
- Public Transit Apps: If you're using MARTA and CobbLinc, download their official apps for live bus and train tracking.
Sub-heading 4.3: Budget for Both Time and Money
- Time: Always add buffer time to your travel estimates, especially if you have a scheduled event.
- Money: Factor in parking fees, gas, or ride-share costs. Public transportation is generally the cheapest, but takes the most time.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get from Truist Park to downtown Atlanta?
You can drive (approx. 10 miles, 15-30 min depending on traffic), use ride-sharing services, or take a CobbLinc bus to a MARTA station and then the MARTA train into downtown.
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How to get from downtown Atlanta to Turner Field (Center Parc Stadium)?
Turner Field is located just south of downtown Atlanta, making it relatively easy to access by car, ride-sharing, or even a shorter MARTA bus ride from many downtown locations.
How to buy tickets for Truist Park parking?
Parking passes for Truist Park are typically purchased in advance online through the official Atlanta Braves website or authorized ticketing partners.
How to use MARTA to get to Truist Park?
Take a MARTA train to a station with a CobbLinc bus connection (like Arts Center or Midtown), then transfer to a CobbLinc bus (e.g., Route 10) that goes to The Battery Atlanta/Truist Park area.
How to tell if a Braves game is at Truist Park or Turner Field?
All Atlanta Braves home games are played at Truist Park. Turner Field is no longer a MLB stadium.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
How to visit both Truist Park and Center Parc Stadium (Turner Field) in one day?
While possible by car or ride-share, it would be a significant time commitment due to the distance and potential traffic. Public transport would make it a very long day.
How to find out about events at Center Parc Stadium (formerly Turner Field)?
Check the official Georgia State University Athletics website for their football schedule and other events hosted at Center Parc Stadium.
How to avoid traffic when going to Truist Park?
Try to travel during off-peak hours, utilize ride-sharing services with designated drop-off/pickup zones, or consider carpooling to use HOV lanes if available.
How to know the best route from Atlanta airport to Truist Park?
The most common route is via I-75 North. Use GPS apps for real-time traffic, as routes can vary.
How to learn more about the history of Turner Field?
You can find extensive information on the history of Turner Field (and its transformation from Centennial Olympic Stadium) on the New Georgia Encyclopedia website and the Atlanta Braves official MLB site.