An audio version of this story.
It’s a milestone day in Atlanta sports history as the Braves host the final home opener at Turner Field on Monday afternoon. They play the Washington Nationals.
Turner Field made its debut in 1996 for the Summer Olympics, and the Braves moved in the following year.
There have been a lot of magical moments since then.
“When Chipper Jones was in the middle of his greatest season, when Andruw Jones came on board and carried the entire team on his shoulders into the playoffs. You’re talking about some of the greatest moments in Atlanta Braves history,” Atlanta-based sports analyst Tim Darnell said.
Darnell said he’ll be sad to see the Braves move on to SunTrust Park in Cobb County.
“I am going to miss Turner Field because I think it had a lot of character and a lot of originality and was really, and still remains, a first-class, first-rate baseball facility.”
And some Braves fans wanted to make as much of this historic day as possible by tailgating all day in the Turner Field parking lots.
“I just love being here with my friends, and the atmosphere, and seeing (the Braves) play,” Shelley Kerr said.
“I mean, progress, you know, we got a new Falcons stadium, a new Braves stadium. You know, might as well upgrade and bring the championships here,” Frank Towe said.
“I like the public transportation that can get here. It’s going to be unfortunate when traffic is clogged up (near SunTrust Park) and no one can get to that side for, what, six months of the year,” Vinnie Paul said.
The last regular season game at Turner Field will be Oct. 2 against the Detroit Tigers.
Turner Field has hosted 11 National League Division Series games, the 2000 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and one World Series.
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