Should Braves stay or go?

In this April 1, 2013 file photo, fans watch from the outfield as Atlanta Braves' Jason Heyward swings at a pitch in the first inning of an opening day baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves are leaving Turner Field and moving into a new 42,000-seat, $672 million stadium complex in Cobb County in 2017.

Credit: David Goldman

Credit: David Goldman

In this April 1, 2013 file photo, fans watch from the outfield as Atlanta Braves' Jason Heyward swings at a pitch in the first inning of an opening day baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves are leaving Turner Field and moving into a new 42,000-seat, $672 million stadium complex in Cobb County in 2017.

Atlanta Forward readers responded to news that the Atlanta Braves plan to move to a new stadium in Cobb County for the 2017 baseball season. Here are some select comments from our blogs:

Sawb: I will admit to being a little disappointed at the news the Braves would be moving. However, the move will provide increased revenue and an improvement of the overall fan experience. Also, keep in mind that increased attendance means increased tax receipts for state and local governments. Just a quick glance at the map showing the location of ticket buyers clearly shows the majority live north of the city. While this will obviously impact traffic in close proximity to the new stadium, for most fans, the trip will probably be easier than it is now. The Braves have long asked for access improvements and more development around the existing stadium, and I believe the city of Atlanta has had ample time to address their needs. Whether it was incompetence (remember Fanplex?) or needless bureaucracy, they just seemed stuck in neutral.

Bob Conover: The new stadiums proposed for Atlanta and Cobb County are the biggest waste of money and resources that I have ever witnessed. The owners of the Falcons and the Braves have no sense of history, and little regard for the taxpayers and visitors who will be paying for these new facilities through new taxes and user fees.

Paul S: I reside in Cobb County and work five minutes from the new proposed site. I look forward to attending the games at the Cumberland Mall area, as I have been a Braves fan for the past 20 years. Commuting to work in this area is hard enough. I would like to review the traffic studies by Cobb County and its plans to move the increased traffic with limited impact to present commuters who use the route 41/285/75 corridor. Great for Cobb County's tax base, but bad for daily commuter traffic that is already congested.

John K: Didn't see this one coming! No public transportation access at all. Take MARTA downtown and catch a CCT bus to the new stadium. That will work great. I-285 and I-75 at 6 p.m. — not an option. Fan experience in a mixed-use development like Atlantic Station? Bars and restaurants. They have a lot of work to do.

MrSnarky : Hopefully this is a negotiating ploy, because you'd have to be crazy to drive to that stadium during a rush hour. I wouldn't be going to any games there.

Surelyyoujest: Cobb County officials have apparently pledged tax revenue to subsidize the new stadium, a negotiation that has occurred without public input or knowledge. Like other areas of the state, Cobb has been laying off teachers and reducing the school calendar because they don't dare ask taxpayers for more money. Yet they have the money and political will to do this on behalf of a very profitable, privately owned business?"