Play Ball!
Baseball is oftentimes called America’s favorite pastime, and for many individuals, this statement rings true. My family, for example, is one that takes this statement seriously. Avid sports fans for as long as I can remember, baseball has always been a staple in my household. Whether that be just watching casually or loudly cheering for the team to win, if there was a baseball game, odds are the TV was turned on to BallySports. However, the most exciting games were the ones we were privileged enough to actually attend in person. There’s something so fulfilling about it: the cheer of other fans around you, the stadium atmosphere, the crack of a baseball against a bat as it soars towards the outfield. The feeling you get from a stadium is one I’ve found can’t be imitated in many other places.
However, baseball does not last all year. At some point, the All-Star game, the playoffs, and the World Series come to an end. The stadiums stop hosting games, the ticket sales go offline. I’ve heard many people say that they wished the baseball season could go year round. While this is not technically a possibility, for baseball fans in Atlanta, you can get pretty close.
First Pitch
The Battery Atlanta is located in the heart of Braves’ country, directly outside of Truist park, the Atlanta Braves stadium. Regardless of if you visit in the apex of baseball season or in the middle of the offseason, as I recently did, the Battery is a bustling hub of activity, events, food, and general enjoyment year round. On my visit to the Battery, despite the lack of games and the presence of rain, there were a multitude of individuals spending time with friends, family, or just visiting by themselves.
Put on Your Rally Caps
It’s no question that the Battery is the perfect stop for a baseball fan, though Braves fans will get the most enjoyment out of their visit. The Battery houses multiple baseball hotspots, such as the Clubhouse store, entrances to Truist park, the Georgia pavilion, and a variety of Braves themed attractions. Recently, following the 2021 World Series victory of the Braves, a large World Series ring has been added in front of the pavilion. During my visit, I saw this as a particularly busy spot, with people both young and old excitedly waiting to take their pictures with it.
An Experience for Everyone
The Battery has something for everyone, however, sports fan or non-sports fan. For those not really interested in the sports side of things, there are a myriad of locations such as an escape room, GoodGame (a TopGolf swing suite), bowling, and plenty of restaurants, shops and stores. During my visit, I decided to try El Super Pan, a Cuban and Puerto Rican style restaurant. Even though not particularly busy, the atmosphere of the restaurant was lively, friendly, and very welcoming. To make things even better, the food was delicious. One of my personal favorite dishes, I ordered a Cubano sandwich with Yuca root fries. I highly recommend this spot, both for the food, the atmosphere, and also the speed of service. The staff was incredibly friendly and helped make the experience that much more enjoyable.
7th Inning Stretch
The Battery does not have to be a one-day experience, however. The Omni Hotel is situated directly next to the Battery and Truist park. If you’re fortunate enough and stay during baseball season, you may even get a balcony that overlooks the field. Staying for multiple days may very well be the preferable choice, however, as the Battery hosts a wide variety of different events all throughout the year. Performers play at the Coca-Cola Roxy, the Heavy Hitters perform through the walkways within the Battery, and the individual shops hold their own events as well. While I did not attend, a corn hole tournament was being held at the Battery during my visit, and a Valentine’s dinner was also being held at the Cru Food & Wine Bar.
The Walk-Off
To make a long story short, The Battery ATL is a hotspot of life and activity. No matter when you go, it’s a guarantee that you’ll have a memorable experience. From drumlines in the streets, candy shops, good eats, baseball memorabilia, and fun family activities, it’s surely an experience to remember.
