Summer, 1996 - Atlanta, Goergia
Centennial Olympic Stadium is an
example of exceptional forethought and careful planning. Once an 85,000 seat main stage for the 1996 Olympic Games, this stadium continues to serve the Atlanta area well as the Turner Field, home of the Braves. The stadium project was planned and carried out by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) in conjunction with the Braves, who both had something to gain out of the situation. Downtown Atlanta would have no use for an 85,000 seat track and field stadium following the Olympics, and the Braves were actively looking for a new home to replace the aging Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Following its service at the Olympics, the stadium was converted into a baseball specific facility. |
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The initial construction costs were heavily subsidized by NBC and other Olympic sponsors, and the cost of converting the stadium into a baseball specific facility was handled by the ACOG. Following the completion of the 1996 Paralympic Games, the stadium was leased to the Atlanta Braves. The North stands were removed, and the outfield bleachers were install just prior to the 1997 baseball season. The original pillars that supported Centennial Stadium’s north end grandstands are still standing, outlining the shape of the stadium’s original layout.
The fate of many Olympic facilities is a few weeks of glory followed by a long life of vacancy; too often these facilities are built without a plan for the future. Centennial Olympic Stadium is a prime example of how Olympic facilities should be handled. By devising a plan that considered the future needs of the community, the Centennial Olympic Stadium project was a success beyond just the Olympics. Although Turner Field's run is coming to an end*, it still stands as a reminder of a great Olympic success story.
The fate of many Olympic facilities is a few weeks of glory followed by a long life of vacancy; too often these facilities are built without a plan for the future. Centennial Olympic Stadium is a prime example of how Olympic facilities should be handled. By devising a plan that considered the future needs of the community, the Centennial Olympic Stadium project was a success beyond just the Olympics. Although Turner Field's run is coming to an end*, it still stands as a reminder of a great Olympic success story.
Notes: This website offers a great side-by-side illustration of the stadium’s original Olympic layout and newer baseball configuration. Give it a visit at: http://www.andrewclem.com/Baseball/TurnerField.html
*The Braves are scheduled to move to a new stadium in Cobb County, Georgia following the 2016 season.
*The Braves are scheduled to move to a new stadium in Cobb County, Georgia following the 2016 season.