Braves Confirm They Are Leaving Turner Field After '16 By Not Exercising Lease Option

The Braves have confirmed in a letter to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed that the club will not "exercise its lease extension option" on Turner Field, a move that "signals confidence" the team will open the '17 season at SunTrust Park, according to a front-page piece by Leslie & Trubey of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. Reed has indicated that the Braves' departure date "is a key component of brokering a new deal" for the Turner Field site. Knowing the Braves will not return to the park in '17, officials "could soon begin negotiations with potential buyers." Reed has noted that "myriad business interests have approached his office about acquiring Turner Field." He said that after news got out that MGM Resorts is "exploring building a $1 billion casino complex near Centennial Olympic Park, as many as four gambling companies have called" to inquire about the site. The Braves in a statement indicated that they "will play some part in The Ted's future" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 8/14).