Now in its second season, Atlanta's Sun Trust Park appears to be more fan friendly than its rather bland predecessor Turner Field. Thanks to my frequently travel partner Dennis, it's this website's first look at the newest stadium around the majors.
Taking many of its architectural cues from ballparks in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, this baseball-only park serves up views of the surrounding neighborhood. There are plenty of advertising opportunities and ways to celebrate team history. I especially liked the way that previous pennants and titles are honored on the right field light stands.
There are plenty of restaurants -- the Delta Sky 360 Club gets Dennis' endorsement for a first rate food buffet, soda, beer and wine included with your ticket and one bonus I don't recall from eateries at other parks: your parking is rolled in. So it's dinner, beverages, parking and the a field box seat behind home plate. All, in his case for $130. A bargain compared to New York, but more noteworthy it's smart marketing. Putting everything you'd need for the night in one purchase gets away from the sense of being nickle-and-dimed.
Baseball will never again be the home of the $5 ticket, dollar dog and $2 parking. But paying just once makes a lot of sense, especially when it's an appealing park and an improving team.
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