Why do the Braves want a new stadium?
They contend Turner Field would need an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars to remain competitive beyond the end of the team’s lease in 2016. And even that, the Braves say, wouldn’t address the stadium’s biggest problems: inadequate parking and difficult highway access that are a drag on attendance. The Braves also are unhappy about their lack of control over development of the area surrounding Turner Field and say they would have such control at the new stadium.
Would Turner Field’s traffic and access problems be alleviated in Cobb County?
That is certainly debatable in the congested Cumberland Mall/Galleria area, which is much farther removed than Turner Field from rail access. The Braves argue that the new location — at the northwest intersection of I-75 and I-285 — is near the geographic center of the team’s ticket-buying fan base.
How much would the new stadium cost?
The Braves estimate $672 million for the stadium, parking and related infrastructure. That does not include the mixed-use development envisioned adjacent to the stadium.
Who would pay for the stadium?
The Braves say they’ll be a “significant investor” along with Cobb County. Neither the team nor the county would say how the costs will be divided.
Are there any impediments to acquiring the property for the site?
The Braves say they already have secured the right to purchase the 60 acres of undeveloped land.
How would the portion of the property not needed for the stadium and parking be used?
The Braves say they plan to develop it into a “365-day-a-year destination” with retail shops, restaurants and possibly hotels.
What would be the stadium’s seating capacity?
The Braves envision 41,000 to 42,000 seats, down from Turner Field’s rarely-filled 50,000.
What would be the new stadium’s construction timetable?
Plans call for construction to begin in the second half of 2014 and to be completed in time for the opening game of the 2017 season. The Braves say the first phase of the mixed-use development also would open in 2017.
Who would own the stadium?
The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority, a governmental body that also owns the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center.
Who owns Turner Field?
City of Atlanta and Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority.
What would the new stadium be named?
The Braves plan to sell naming rights.
Is it problematic if the Braves and Falcons are both trying to sell naming rights to new stadiums at the same time?
“We think the Braves brand is a gold-standard brand, and we think it stands alone,” Braves president John Schuerholz said. “We can sell ourselves. We don’t need to worry about what our competition is (doing).”
What does Major League Baseball think about the Braves’ plans?
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement that MLB “fully supports their decision to move to a new ballpark.”
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