Over the past few weeks, we have received multiple requests from the AJC related to private parking lots around SunTrust Park and have responded to each of them in a timely manner. As has been too often the case in recent years regarding coverage of SunTrust Park and its surrounding development, the truth has been lost in a flood of comments from people who oppose this project or have limited knowledge of it. For that reason, we want to make it clear to everyone our philosophy regarding private lots around SunTrust Park, which mirrors the approach we have had at Turner Field.

1. The safety of our fans and the security of their vehicles is the number one concern of the Atlanta Braves in regards to parking on gamedays.



We know that on a gameday thousands of people will expect to park in a secure environment and want to safely navigate to the ballpark. As long as a private lot provides a secure environment and safe access, we have no objection to them being utilized on gameday.

2. The Atlanta Braves expect so-called "gypsy lots" around SunTrust Park and we plan to integrate them into our traffic management plan, just as we have co-existed with private lots around Turner Field.



We have never tried to prevent private lots near Turner Field and we don't plan to do that at SunTrust Park. That being said, we expect these lots to provide a safe environment for fans. Parking is a public safety issue that we take very seriously. We trust the leadership of Cobb County to set the benchmarks for these safety measures and to ensure they are met on gameday.

3. We support the County's desire for an ordinance to ensure safety, security and the free flow of vehicles around a special event.



We included the need for an ordinance in our discussions with the county because the ultimate expectation is that the Braves will resolve any issues to the satisfaction of our fans. Therefore, ordinances governing conduct and maintaining a consistent experience for our fans, regardless of where they park, has to be put in place.

4.Whether someone charges for parking near SunTrust Park is of no concern to us. Whether the lot is safe for vehicles, pedestrians and doesn't interrupt the flow of traffic is our concern.

Our commitment to Braves fans is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for them to enjoy their experience. For the majority of our fans, that experience starts with parking. We have a long history of working in partnership with private lots around our ballpark. We have stated from the outset of the project that we expect, and welcome, these private lots around SunTrust Park.