Major League Baseball

Braves reveal 'SunTrust Park' name at stadium groundbreaking

Published Sep. 16, 2014 1:54 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

COBB COUNTY, Ga. -- The Atlanta Braves didn't spare any of the "pomp" or "circumstance" in Tuesday's ostentatious groundbreaking ceremony for the new baseball stadium -- set for a 2017 launch -- rolling out a legion of local/regional/national dignitaries and promoting a circus atmosphere at the site of the Cobb County venue.

There was also some mystery to the event, with the Braves announcing the stadium name: SunTrust Park, in association with SunTrust Bank, which has a 25-year "naming-rights" partnership with the venue.

The club hails SunTrust Park as a "destination that combines a state-of-the-art Major League Baseball ballpark with a simultaneously constructed multi-use community including unique shops, restaurants, offices and residences."

In fact, when Major League Baseball Commissioner-Elect Rob Manfred took the stand at Tuesday's ceremony, he tabbed the soon-to-be-constructed SunTrust Park as the "greatest" mixed-use stadium development project in baseball history.

"The new ballpark constitutes a new chapter in Atlanta Braves baseball, and we are excited that SunTrust has decided to build upon our decades-long relationship and embark on this journey with us," said Atlanta Braves Chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk.

"Both of our organizations have deep roots in Atlanta and loyal fans throughout the Southeast and across the nation. We couldn't imagine a more perfect partner and look forward to seeing the first pitch at SunTrust Park in 2017."

Hall of Famer Hank Aaron also addressed the VIP/media crowd at Tuesday's event, announcing a $100,000 contribution to the "Hank Aaron Chasing The Dream Foundation," courtesy of the SunTrust Foundation. Aaron's charitable endeavor provides financial assistance to young people -- of limited resources -- with special talents to pursue their dreams.

The 25-year agreement includes marquee signage for SunTrust, as well as additional signage and promotional opportunities throughout the ballpark and adjacent mixed-use complex.

SunTrust Park is being developed by the Braves in partnership with the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority.

Located in Atlanta at the intersection of I-75 and I-285 in the bustling Cumberland CID, SunTrust Park will flow directly into the surrounding development, creating a vibrant atmosphere with unique shops, restaurants and entertainment venues that is accessible 365 days a year, not only on Braves game days.

Among the dignitaries for Tuesday's groundbreaking event: Aaron, Manfred, McGuirk, Braves GM Frank Wren, Braves president John Schuerholz and Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal.

Braves.com assisted with some of the materials for this piece.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball