Georgia State Purchases Turner Field

[Snaggletiger]

I never understood the need for the Braves to build a new stadium and move....or the Falcons for that matter.  I've been to quite a few games over the years in the Dome and have always enjoyed that venue.  Anyway, GSU has been playing its home games in the Dome and now they'll have their own stadium in a renovated Turner Field. 


ATLANTA — Georgia State received approval Wednesday to purchase Turner Field for $22.8 million, clearing the way to convert the former home of the Atlanta Braves into a downsized college football stadium.

The Panthers, members of the Sun Belt Conference, plan to move into the stadium next season after playing at the much larger Georgia Dome since the program was launched in 2010.

The 68-acre site was sold in August to the Georgia State Foundation. The Board of Regents gave the go-ahead for the university to purchase 38 acres that includes the stadium and an adjacent parking lot where a baseball field will be constructed on roughly the old footprint of Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium, the Braves' home before Turner Field.

The remainder of the site will be sold and leased to Georgia State's development partner, Carter and Associates. The company plans a $300 million development that includes private housing, retail space and corporate facilities around the stadium.

The Atlanta Braves played at 50,000-seat Turner Field for 20 seasons. They are moving to a new suburban facility, SunTrust Park, in 2017.

Turner Field initially opened as Centennial Olympic Stadium, seating some 83,000 and serving as the centerpiece of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games.

Georgia State plans to convert Turner Field into a 23,000-seat football stadium, with the ability to add another 10,000 seats in the future. It will spend some $26 million for the conversion, which also includes new locker rooms and football offices. It will be begin shortly after the university takes control of the property on Jan. 1.

"We are excited to begin the next phase of this transformational project for the university and the city," Georgia State President Mark P. Becker said. "It is rewarding to see our vision begin to take shape."

The school plans to fund the project with proceeds from its bookstore, parking operations, housing and other sources, as well as private fundraising. Officials said no taxpayer dollars or new student fees would be used.

[WiregrassTiger]

I certainly wouldn't think that one could build Turner field for 22.8 mil. They appear to be getting a good deal.

[dallaswareagle]

I never understood the need for the Braves to build a new stadium and move....or the Falcons for that matter.  I've been to quite a few games over the years in the Dome and have always enjoyed that venue.  Anyway, GSU has been playing its home games in the Dome and now they'll have their own stadium in a renovated Turner Field. 


ATLANTA — Georgia State received approval Wednesday to purchase Turner Field for $22.8 million, clearing the way to convert the former home of the Atlanta Braves into a downsized college football stadium.

The Panthers, members of the Sun Belt Conference, plan to move into the stadium next season after playing at the much larger Georgia Dome since the program was launched in 2010.

The 68-acre site was sold in August to the Georgia State Foundation. The Board of Regents gave the go-ahead for the university to purchase 38 acres that includes the stadium and an adjacent parking lot where a baseball field will be constructed on roughly the old footprint of Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium, the Braves' home before Turner Field.

The remainder of the site will be sold and leased to Georgia State's development partner, Carter and Associates. The company plans a $300 million development that includes private housing, retail space and corporate facilities around the stadium.

The Atlanta Braves played at 50,000-seat Turner Field for 20 seasons. They are moving to a new suburban facility, SunTrust Park, in 2017.

Turner Field initially opened as Centennial Olympic Stadium, seating some 83,000 and serving as the centerpiece of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games.

Georgia State plans to convert Turner Field into a 23,000-seat football stadium, with the ability to add another 10,000 seats in the future. It will spend some $26 million for the conversion, which also includes new locker rooms and football offices. It will be begin shortly after the university takes control of the property on Jan. 1.

"We are excited to begin the next phase of this transformational project for the university and the city," Georgia State President Mark P. Becker said. "It is rewarding to see our vision begin to take shape."

The school plans to fund the project with proceeds from its bookstore, parking operations, housing and other sources, as well as private fundraising. Officials said no taxpayer dollars or new student fees would be used.

That's a lot of games against bama.

[Snaggletiger]

I certainly wouldn't think that one could build Turner field for 22.8 mil. They appear to be getting a good deal.

Ed Zachary.  It was probably a case of take the $20+ million or let it rot. Now, no expense in tearing it down and building a parking deck.

[Lurking Tiger]

I never understood the need for the Braves to build a new stadium and move...

You must not have gone to a night game. Turner Field is a great facility and could have been used by the Braves for at least another decade. But the stadium was built in downtown Beruit. Atlanta promised to build up the area around the stadium, and they never did. Even folks from the 'Hood won't go down there once the sun sets.

[The Prowler]

You must not have gone to a night game. Turner Field is a great facility and could have been used by the Braves for at least another decade. But the stadium was built in downtown Beruit. Atlanta promised to build up the area around the stadium, and they never did. Even folks from the 'Hood won't go down there once the sun sets.

Yup, been down there a time or two a while back, near Standon (sp?) Park.

[GH2001]

You must not have gone to a night game. Turner Field is a great facility and could have been used by the Braves for at least another decade. But the stadium was built in downtown Beruit. Atlanta promised to build up the area around the stadium, and they never did. Even folks from the 'Hood won't go down there once the sun sets.

It gets dicey for sure. I'd have to pay prowler to protect my car.

[The Prowler]

It gets dicey for sure. I'd have to pay prowler to protect my car.

What kinda wheels you got? Askin for a friend.

[Snaggletiger]

You must not have gone to a night game. Turner Field is a great facility and could have been used by the Braves for at least another decade. But the stadium was built in downtown Beruit. Atlanta promised to build up the area around the stadium, and they never did. Even folks from the 'Hood won't go down there once the sun sets.

Admittedly, it's been quite a few years since I've been there for a night game.  Our thing was always driving over for a Wednesday matinee game.  Love the stadium, though.  Anyone know the plans for the Georgia Dome?  Parking deck?  From what I've seen, the new Merky D's stadium is going to be the shizznit.  The retractable roof has the Mercedes emblem on it and kind of spins open and closes.

[Snaggletiger]

This shit.  Check it out.

[CCTAU]

You must not have gone to a night game. Turner Field is a great facility and could have been used by the Braves for at least another decade. But the stadium was built in downtown Beruit. Atlanta promised to build up the area around the stadium, and they never did. Even folks from the 'Hood won't go down there once the sun sets.

Majority season holders live north of the ATL. Down town was not the best area.

[Snaggletiger]

In other stadium news, Troy just approved a $24 million renovation in one end zone.  New weight room, cool down  pool, nutrition center, athletic offices etc.  Should help in recruiting too.

[chinook]

In other stadium news, Troy just approved a $24 million renovation in one end zone.  New weight room, cool down  pool, nutrition center, athletic offices etc.  Should help in recruiting too.

they'll push our shit in.

[Snaggletiger]

they'll push our shit in.

Exactly why we won't play them.

[Kaos]

Last time I went to see the Braves I was driving my BMW.  Parked near the stadium and was immediately surrounded by three black males who said that "for $25 they'd watch my car." 

I paid.

May or may not have been related, but my car was where I left it and fine when we got back.  None of the young men were anywhere to be seen, but I have to suspect that they were in hiding, keeping a close watch over my vehicle.