Ted Turner
Stadium namesake whose name was chosen over fan favorites like Hank Aaron Stadium.
The stadium that housed the Atlanta Braves from 1997 to 2016 was named after Ted Turner, the team's former principal owner. Despite a poll in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution showing that "Hank Aaron Stadium" was the most popular name choice among Atlanta residents at the time of construction, the ballpark was instead named after Turner. Fans subsequently nicknamed it "The Ted." To honor Hank Aaron, the city of Atlanta renamed the section of Capitol Avenue on which the stadium sits to "Hank Aaron Drive," giving Turner Field the street number 755, after Aaron's home run total.
- character
- Media Mogul & Owner
- affiliation
- Atlanta Braves (MLB)
- status
- Former Principal Owner
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
While the text does not detail Turner's personal management style, it highlights a significant public preference regarding the stadium's identity. According to a poll in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Hank Aaron Stadium" was the most popular name choice among Atlanta residents at the time of construction. Despite this, the ballpark was named after Ted Turner. In response, fans adopted the nickname "The Ted." To honor Hank Aaron instead, the city of Atlanta renamed the section of Capitol Avenue on which the stadium sits to "Hank Aaron Drive," assigning the street number 755 to match Aaron's career home run total.
In Their Own Story
The narrative surrounding Turner in this text is strictly limited to the naming and location context of his namesake stadium. The facility, originally Centennial Olympic Stadium with 85,000 seats, was converted into a 49,000-seat baseball park for the Braves. Private entities, including NBC and other sponsors, covered approximately $170 million of the $209 million construction bill. The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) paid for the conversion to ensure it served as the Braves' new home, moving the team less than one block from their previous location at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium.
Reader's Guide
It details that the stadium named after him hosted 11 NLDS games (1997–2005, 2010, 2013), four NLCS appearances (1997–1999, 2001), one World Series in 1999, the first-ever NL Wild Card Game in 2012, and the 2000 All-Star Game. The Braves played their final game there on October 2, 2016, defeating the Detroit Tigers 1–0. After the lease expired at the end of that year, the team moved to SunTrust Park (now Truist Park) in Cobb County.
Did You Know?
- The stadium named after Turner was originally built as the 85,000-seat Centennial Olympic Stadium for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Despite a poll showing "Hank Aaron Stadium" was the most popular name choice among Atlanta residents, the ballpark was named after Ted Turner.
- Fans nicknamed the stadium "The Ted" after Turner.
- The city of Atlanta gave Turner Field the street number 755, after Hank Aaron's home run total.
- The stadium hosted the first-ever NL Wild Card Game in 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ted Turner in relation to the Atlanta Braves?
Turner served as the principal owner after buying the club in 1976, ending an era of corporate management from Cincinnati. He was already a well-known media figure and founder of CNN before taking control of the baseball franchise.
Why did Ted Turner buy the Braves?
The purchase occurred when the team needed financial aid to survive a turbulent economic period. Turner invested capital that allowed the organization to grow securely over the long term.
What was Ted Turner's legacy impact on the organization?
His tenure is defined by stabilizing the books and managing the transition to a new ballpark facility. These actions ensured the Braves remained a stable presence in Atlanta during a time when many teams struggled financially.
When did Ted Turner first appear as an owner?
He first took over leadership of the franchise during the 1976 season. This date marks the beginning of his direct influence on the team's operations and future direction.
Is Ted Turner currently associated with the Braves?
No, he is no longer an active owner but remains a key part of the club's historical narrative. His departure ended his official role, yet his contributions to stability are still acknowledged by fans today.
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