Atlanta Braves Break Ground on SunTrust Park

Video by Associated Press

The Atlanta Braves, continuing their march to a new stadium at a rapid pace, held a ceremonial groundbreaking event for their new, $670-million ballpark on Sept. 16, at the Cobb County site. Hall of Famer Hank Aaron was among the officials to turn a shovel at the event, which the Braves used to unveil the new ballpark's name, SunTrust Park. In addition, the Braves—along with SunTrust Park's Twitter feed—unveiled additional renderings promoting the new branding, all of which readers can view below.

In a statement released prior to the groundbreaking event, Braves Chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk said: "This new ballpark will be a world-class venue that will give Braves Country the ultimate fan experience, both inside the park and out."

According to the team, the ballpark—scheduled to open in time for the 2017 season—will seat 41,500 and will feature a three-deck design with the middle and upper decks cantilevered over each lower deck.

Brasfield & Gorrie is the lead partner for the contractor group—known as American Builders 2017—that also includes Mortenson Construction, Barton Malow Co. and New South Construction. Populous is serving as the ballpark’s designer.

Finally, on Sept. 18, Heery International announced that the Cobb County Board of Commissioners has hired the company as the owner's representative for the project.