Shad Khan Isn't The Only One!

[TimmyB]

...and the deal in Cobb County near Atlanta, where the Braves are relocating.  The Braves ownership management are putting up a larger mixed-use development that I know the City of Atlanta would have liked them to build where Turner Field is, though there are clearly some specifics about why the Braves didn't work out in Atlanta that I'm unaware of (the "side" I know of has me forever more hating the Braves). 

The Braves worked long and hard with the City of Atlanta, trying to get them to do the things needed to make Turner Field work.  However, the mayor and his appointees were too busy worrying about the Falcons and the Hawks, and wouldn't do ANYTHING to help them.  (Let's remember, TF was not built for baseball; it was the Olympic stadium, that was retroed into a BB park.)  Parking there is a disaster; I've been to sporting events all over the country.  I've only driven once to TF; after that, I took the shuttle every time, because it's THAT bad.  The Braves owned NONE of that parking revenue, by the way.

They did what they needed to do.  They will now own the parking, the concessions, the stadium, etc.  They will be able to become a force, if they ever figure out that FG is a dunderhead and shouldn't be managing above AA!

[JBTripper]

Agree on all points, but to be fair, the Olympic Stadium was 100% designed with baseball in mind. They didn't put that little alcove in the top-right of this photo for nothing, and the intention was always to tear down northern half of it and replace it with the outfield stands, Sky Field, etc.



Of course, since it was originally build for the Olympics, it was always WAY too big for the Braves and remains the second-largest stadium in MLB (I think). We can relate to that problem here in Jax.

[TimmyB]

Agree on all points, but to be fair, the Olympic Stadium was 100% designed with baseball in mind. They didn't put that little alcove in the top-right of this photo for nothing, and the intention was always to tear down northern half of it and replace it with the outfield stands, Sky Field, etc.

Of course, since it was originally build for the Olympics, it was always WAY too big for the Braves and remains the second-largest stadium in MLB (I think). We can relate to that problem here in Jax.

Fair point, JB.  Unfortunately, for BB, it is SO far from the seats to the action, unless you are in the first half of the lower bowl.  It's not as bad as Comerica Park (which is the worst stadium in the majors, from a fan perspective), but it's not like Wrigley or Fenway, where you are right on top of the action, either.  I'm hoping the Braves get it right with their new place.