The Braves' First Game At SunTrust Park: Event Schedule

SMYRNA, GA -- Friday officially ushers in a new era for the Atlanta Braves as club plays its inaugural game at SunTrust Park in Cobb County. With that in mind, the ballclub recently released logistical plans to address traffic flow, the parking situation, and any other thing that can come up on game day.

The Braves officially left Turner Field on Dec. 31, ending a 20-year run at the ballpark, which saw a World Series championship in 1995. The Braves hope to score with fans as well at their new address in Cobb County.
Read more: Braves just got their certificate of occupancy for SunTrust Park

The Braves are asking fans to get to SunTrust Park early if they can. The gates will open three hours early this weekend (Fri-Sun.).

• Friday, April 14 at 4:30 pm
• Saturday, April 15 at 4 pm
• Sunday, April 16 at 10:30 am

To beat the crowds, SunTrust Park ticket windows will open at 9:30 a.m. for fans to pick up pre-purchased tickets. They will stay open until the end of the 6th inning.

Parking

The Braves are strongly encouraging fans to purchase pre-paid parking passes to games as they will help alleviate delays around the stadium.
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Also, the squad has partnered with the MLB.com Ballpark app, which gives an overview of real-time transportation issues and the traffic app Waze to allow SunTrust Park event-goers to find the easiest routes to the stadium.

"By working hand in hand with our partners, we have been able to develop a detailed, comprehensive approach to getting to SunTrust Park," Mike Plant, president, development for the Braves, said in a statement. "Many elements of this approach are fundamentally different than the fan's experience at Turner Field. From our partnerships with Uber and Waze to our request that all fans buy their parking in advance, these new tactics deliver a greater suite of choices for our fans. With our exhibition game against the New York Yankees on March 31, it's important for us to let our fans know how they can access and best utilize these new transportation and parking strategies to provide them with the best experience possible."

Read more: How will I-85 repair affect SunTrust Park?

Here is the itinerary for the first Braves game at SunTrust Park:

• Braves Walk: Braves legends will lead the inaugural Braves Walk through The Battery Atlanta to the Braves baseball sphere hanging in the Plaza for a Chop Rally.
• Commemorative Ticket Gate Giveaway: Fans will receive a commemorative ticket in celebration of Opening Day in the Inaugural Season at SunTrust Park.
• Pregame ceremony: The Atlanta Braves will celebrate the opening of SunTrust Park by welcoming home Braves legends Hank Aaron, Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Dale Murphy, Phil Niekro and John Smoltz as part of a pregame ceremony. The Braves will officially mark the completion of SunTrust Park with the unveiling of the retired numbers.
• National anthem: Georgia native Phillip Phillips will perform the national anthem on Opening Day. Phillips is known for his pop hit "Home," which also serves as the signature song for the Braves' marketing campaign this year, "Welcome Home."
• During the national anthem, SunTrust employees will hold a giant American flag covering the outfield.
• Ceremonial Flyover: The United States Navy will perform a flyover in Four F/A-18A+ Hornets from VFC-12 out of Oceana, Va., at the conclusion of the national anthem.
• First Pitch: Braves legend Hank Aaron will throw out the first pitch at SunTrust Park.
• Leader of the Chop: Before the Braves come to bat in the first inning, former Braves Manager Bobby Cox will officially start the chop from the Coors Light Chop House.
• 7th inning stretch: Performance of God Bless America by Timothy Miller of the Atlanta Opera.
• Friday Night Fireworks: Fans will be treated to a dazzling display of fireworks over SunTrust Park following every Friday home game throughout the season.

The Braves-Padres game will begin promptly at 7:35 p.m., but fans are being encouraged to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m.

Images via Craig Johnson / Patch