How Will I-85 Collapse Affect SunTrust Park Opening?

SMYRNA, GA -- The Atlanta Braves take on the New York Yankees in an exhibition game Friday at SunTrust Park in what will be the first athletic event in the new ballpark's history.

As an eager fan you may be wondering, in the aftermath of the transportation crisis caused bythe I-85 collapse, how will it affect getting to and from the game?

The Braves game will begin at 7:35 p.m. and team officials are strongly encouraging fans to purchase a pre-paid parking pass as it will help alleviate delays around the stadium.

I-85 Bridge Collapse: Alternate Routes, Traffic Info, Open Streets

Also, the squad has partnered with traffic app Waze to allow SunTrust Park event-goers to find the easiest routes to the stadium.

Cobb officials are expecting more traffic on I-75 as vehicles that would normally access Ga. 400 and I-85 are rerouted following the bridge crisis.

The Cobb County Department of Transportation is on standby to mobilize in support of Georgia DOT and Fulton County DOT crews still on the scene of the interstate collapse, which has shut down one of the city's -- and region's -- main arteries.

“We are thankful that no one was hurt and we are working with Georgia DOT and all parties involved to move traffic as quickly as possible through our main and secondary roads,” Cobb DOT Director Jim Wilgus said in a statement. “Our traffic management center is monitoring the situation closely and staff is ready to assist as necessary.”

CobbLinc, the county's transit system, has enlisted more buses and staff to Atlanta's Midtown area to help with rider congestion, officials said.

SunTrust Park's gates will open at 5:30, the team says. Below are the opening times for the parking decks around the stadium:

• Battery Red Deck: Opens at 3:00 p.m.
• Battery Orange Deck/Braves Valet Parking: Opens at 4:30 p.m.
• Battery Delta Deck Opens at 4:30 p.m.
• Braves 9: Opens at 5:30 p.m.
• Braves 11: Opens at 5:30 p.m.
• Braves North 25: Opens at 4:00 p.m.
• Braves North 29: Opens at 3:30 p.m.
• Braves East 31: Opens at 6:00 p.m.
• Braves East 35: Opens at 6:00 p.m.
• Braves East 41: Opens at 6:00 p.m.
• Braves East 42: Opens at 5:00 p.m.
• Braves East 43: Opens at 6:00 p.m.
• Braves East 44: Opens at 5:30 p.m.

Only The Plaza outside the Chop House Gate, restaurants and shops at The Battery Atlanta will not be open for Friday's game.

Read more: Life Without I-85: Atlanta Commuters Are Feeling The Pain

Read more: I-85 Bridge Collapse: 'Extensive Reconstruction' Needed For Repairs

Read more: I-85 Bridge Collapse: Alternate Routes, Traffic Info, Open Streets

Read more: What Does I-85 Collapse Mean For Atlanta Schools?

Image via Braves