John Schuerholz, president of the Atlanta Braves
Today, I would like to announce that the Atlanta Braves will build a new ballpark, which will open for the 2017 major league baseball season.
The new location is a short distance from downtown Atlanta at the intersection of I-75 and I-285.
Our lease at Turner Field expires in three short years, but in addition to that, we wanted to find a location that is great for our fans, makes getting to and from the stadium much easier and provides a first-rate game day experience in and around the stadium. Turner Field, which we do not own, is in need of hundreds of millions of dollars of upgrades. Unfortunately, that massive investment would not do anything to improve access or the fan experience. These are issues we simply cannot overcome.
Our vision for the future is grand. The new stadium site will be one of the most magnificent in all of baseball. It will thrive with action 365 days a year. We plan to transform the surrounding area of the new ballpark into a mixed-use destination. It will serve our fans from Atlanta, the Southeast and beyond in the finest of fashions.
David Connell, president and CEO, Cobb Chamber
The estimated cost of the stadium, parking and related infrastructure is $672 million. The Braves will be a significant investor along with Cobb County in the project, and the team will be responsible for all stadium construction cost overruns.
During construction of the stadium, more than 5,227 jobs will be supported, with a total payroll of more than $235 million. It’s estimated that more than 1,590 of those jobs will go to Cobb County residents, with a total estimated payroll of more than $53.8 million. Projected annual operational economic benefits to Cobb County include:
- $13.5 million in annual payroll benefits for Cobb County
- More than 3,400 jobs created in Cobb County
- Additional development in mixed-use developments around the stadium could yield additional construction jobs, payroll and salaries.
The Braves’ investment in the mixed-use portion of the development could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars, and construction on the stadium is expected to start in the second half of 2014 and be completed and operational by April 2017.
Tim Lee, Cobb County Commission chairman
The Atlanta Braves are a great organization and will be a welcome addition to Cobb County. Our focus is on finalizing an agreement that will bring jobs and economic growth to the area while enhancing the experience of sports fans from across metro Atlanta. Atlanta has evolved over the years into a broader community that offers so much for so many. Cobb County is proud to be a part of the region’s continued success.
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.
I am delighted that the Braves are continuing their long-term commitment to the greater metropolitan Atlanta area. Their investment is a testimony to the state of Georgia, the city of Atlanta and Cobb County.
