The Rome Braves may be “The Only Game in Town” for the residents of this quiet and unassuming town of 35,000 on the way to Northeast Georgia, but for baseball fans in the Metro Atlanta area willing to make a little drive, this is Minor League Baseball in a mini Major League Park that allows fans to get close to all the action and enjoy many of the trappings found at a Big League Ballpark, at a fraction of the cost.
Haven’t been to Rome in a while? Let me refresh your memory. Rome is actually 50 miles or less from spots in East Cobb, Cherokee or even parts of Fulton County. It’s a nice drive- part of it off I-75 that takes you through rolling hills and meadows. It’s a hop, skip and a jump from those in North Cobb or Bartow County.
When you arrive in Rome, you will be greeted by some of the friendliest people in the state of Georgia. From the parking lot attendants to the ticket sellers and everyone in the park, this is baseball, the way it was meant to be played and enjoyed.
Tickets at priced at $5 and up. The $5 tickets set you “standing room” tickets, but that really means you can sit out on some nice picnic or round tables in designated areas and eat your snack or dinner with ease. Fans can also choose from Field, Club, Dugout and Box seats. I know fans hate to hear this, but there isn’t a bad seat in State Mutual Stadium.
I recently attended a game between Rome and the Lexington Legends, an A team of the Kansas City Royals. It was the only bobblehead night of the year in Rome and it appeared to be a crowd of just over 3,000 on a hot July night. On a Thursday night, the night before I attended, the Braves and the legends played before 4,647 fans.
There is plenty of reasonably priced food throughout the ballpark. Bubba’s BBQ on the first base line has very good barbecue, with combo plates, chicken tenders, fries and different drinks. Traditional ballpark favorites and some culinary surprises are found throughout the rest of the stadium.
Like I touched on earlier, the food choices can enjoyed in your seat, or at the other seating areas tucked in various spots of the ballpark. The tables on the berm in right field give a great view, and the Marina with picnic tables and bar stools down the third base line is a fun option. Stay alert for those foul balls.
Take a look adjacent to the big ballpark, you will see a smaller one. The Rome Braves Miracle Field is a specialized kid-sized field that provides opportunities for children with disabilities to play baseball. The Braves raised the money to build this immaculate little jewel, and it has provided many days of enjoyment for children in Northwest Georgia while serving showing a strong commitment to the community.
Most Major League players pass through Class A on their way to the majors, so some of the players in Rome will soon be up in the show. The proximity to Atlanta is convenient for watching the player’s development and also allows the operation of teams like Rome and Gwinnett (the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate) to serve as part of the Braves overall marketing strategy. It’s true, “This is Braves Country.”
A great gameday experience in Rome and a cozy and modern ballpark. This is perfect night out for the rest of summer and into the fall. The Rome Braves season lasts until the first week in September and they have 16 home games in August.
Rome Braves and State Mutual Stadium
Opened: April 6, 2003
Capacity: 5,105, plus 14 suites
Dimensions: 335L, 401C, 330R
Surface: Grass
Owner: City of Rome
Website: romebraves.com
Phone: 706/368-9388
League: South Atlantic League, Class A
Team Parent: Atlanta Braves
Address: 755 Braves Blvd., Rome, GA 30161
