Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
Home of the Atlanta Braves (1966–1996) and Atlanta Falcons (1966–1991)
Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, often referred to as Fulton County Stadium and originally named Atlanta Stadium, was a multi-purpose stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia. The stadium was home of the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1966 until 1996 and the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) from 1966 until 1991. It was built to attract an MLB team and in 1965 succeeded when the Milwaukee Braves announced their relocation, with the stadium opening for regular season use that same year.
- Opened
- 1965 (Regular season)
- Falcons Tenure
- 1966–1991
- Location
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Capacity (Football)
- 57,000 (initial), later expanded to approximately 60,000
- Status
- Demolished (August 2, 1997)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Braves and expansion Falcons shared the venue for 26 years, until the Falcons moved into the newly completed Georgia Dome in 1992. The Braves continued to play at the stadium for another five years, then moved into Turner Field in 1997, the converted Centennial Olympic Stadium built for the previous year's Summer Olympics. Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium hosted baseball events. Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium was demolished on August 2, 1997.
In Their Own Story
On April 4, 1997, the legacy of the stadium began its final chapter when home plate was removed and transported to Turner Field, where Hank Aaron installed it in the new facility. The inside of the structure was demolished between spring and summer of that year. On August 2, 1997, the stadium was imploded, with remains later cleared away. A parking lot now occupies the site, featuring an outline of the original stadium. The monument marking Hank Aaron's historic 715th home run landing point remains in its original location. The outfield fence from the old venue was donated to the Georgia State Baseball Complex and installed prior to the 1998 season, preserving a physical piece of the Falcons' early years.
Reader's Guide
The stadium sat 60,606 for football and 52,007 for baseball. The baseball competition for the 1996 Summer Olympics was held at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium while the Braves were on a three-week road trip.
Did You Know?
- On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron became baseball's all-time career home run leader by hitting his 715th home run off the Los Angeles Dodgers' Al Downing.
- In 1973, the stadium's name was changed to the compound Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium after the county threatened to withdraw its financial support.
- The stadium hosted the World Series for the first time in 1991 when the Braves played the Minnesota Twins in what ESPN judged to be the best World Series ever played.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium?
This facility was the first permanent home of the Atlanta Falcons, hosting the team from their inaugural 1966 season through 1991. It served as an open-air venue in Atlanta, Georgia, before the franchise eventually moved to a domed stadium.
What role did Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium play for the Falcons?
The stadium provided the foundational setting for the franchise's early years under the open sky, accommodating roughly 54,000 football fans. It hosted every home game for the team during its first quarter-century of existence before being replaced by modern facilities.
When did Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium stop hosting Falcons games?
The venue ceased to be the Falcons' home after concluding the 1991 season, marking the end of a 26-year tenure. The stadium itself was eventually demolished in 1997, removing the physical site where the team's legacy began.
Why is Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium important to Falcons history?
It stands as a monumental chapter in franchise lore because it witnessed the very first games played by the Birds in their inaugural season. This open-air location defined the early identity of the club before the era of domed stadiums took over professional football in Atlanta.
What was the capacity and status of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium?
During its time as a football venue, the stadium held between 53,792 and 54,000 spectators. Although it opened in 1966 to great anticipation, the structure no longer exists today after being torn down in 1997.
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