Secrets to Parking at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia for a Braves Game

Parking at a baseball stadium can be time consuming, costly, and generally overwhelming. Turner Field is home of the Atlanta Braves and parking problems can run rampant here at times. Sold out division games and world series games might leave you wondering where you should park, what you should expect to pay, and will there be any spots left. Working at the 1996 Olympic games taught me a few secrets to parking at Turner field. Working there for five years after I graduated taught me more secrets to parking at this great ballpark.

Secret #1

OK, so when your driving down I85 S to get to Turner Field you are going to see all of these signs telling you Turner Field this exit. You know the drill. When I was in college in Atlanta I dutifully followed these signs. If you want to skip the headache and lines of cars waiting to park I recommend driving past these exits to I20. Hop on I20W and take the first exit. You will find yourself on the other side of the stadium and find much shorter lines of cars. You will not be able to leave the stadium this way after a crowded game. The police block off entrances to I20 from Capitol Avenue.

If you want to stay on I85 S, go past the exits with Turner Field signs and get off on Freedom Parkway. If you are coming in on I85N then drive past the I20 exits and you should immediately see the Freedom Parkway exit. The directions are the same from here. Follow Freedom to Boulevard SE. Go Right on Boulevard. Continue driving this direction until you pass the Atlanta Zoo. Hook a right on Atlantic Avenue until you reach Capitol Avenue. Turn right and presto you are behind the stadium where most of those cars are waiting in line to get to. It has been a while since I have driven this way, but if you drive along Atlantic and it turns into a one way, then hook a right at the stop sign and an immediate left. You will be headed towards Capitol Avenue again. You would probably figure that out since it is common sense.

Secret #2

You are going to pass secret number 2 all along Atlantic Avenue while you are trying to avoid traffic. The secret is that a lot of the homeowners (and renters) charge people to park in their lots, grass, and driveways. They charge less than the official Turner Field stadium parking lots. For the most part it is honest people trying to make a little extra cash, but you should always remember to be careful. Don't hand over your keys. Never leave anything valuable in the car. This applies to the trunk as well. You are only setting yourself up for heartache if you leave valuables in your car in Atlanta.

There is also a lot of street parking available in these neighborhoods surrounding in the South side of the stadium. Most people driving in for a game at Turner Field are coming from out of town or live in Atlanta and rarely go to a game. So, they end up clogging up the main exits labeled parking. They never even make it to these side streets for fear they will miss their one and only opportunity to park. You can find more street parking and homeowner parking by going left on Capitol Avenue when you reach it from this side. Just remember you have to walk to your car when the game is over; so do not park too far away. Sometimes it is well worth $10 to park when you get lighting and security after a game at Turner Field has gone into extra innings!

Just remember, some roads around Turner Field do close about an hour before and during the game, which would stop you from getting to these little known parking spots. Make sure you drive up top the stadium from the South side following the directions mentioned before.

I also recommend making this trip during the day on a non-game day. Familiarize yourself with the roads and neighborhoods surround Turner Field and you will be a step ahead of the confused masses waiting in their over hearting cars.
Secret #3

This is by far my favorite secret. Why not park your car at Jocks and Jill's Sport Bar and ride their bus down to the stadium. Your car is parked for free into heir lot. It is safe and best of all you can enjoy yourself on the ride down and at the game. Jock's and Jill's has several locations throughout the Atlanta area. The Brookhaven location usually has a bus running to the game that will carry you back to their restaurant as well. They serve up great bar food in a friendly environment. They are truly a favorite among locals in the Atlanta area. You can visit them online at www.jocksandjills.com. Amazingly these shuttle are free! Yes, free! So, if you get back to Jocks after the game and can't drive, you'll have plenty of money for cab fare.