Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium opens; Pittsburgh Pirates beat Atlanta Braves 3-2.

On April 12, 1966, an exciting event took place in Atlanta: the opening of the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. This historic occasion witnessed a thrilling baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the Pirates emerging triumphant in a 3-2 victory. Let’s delve into the significance of this event and its lasting impact on the sport.

The Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility that played a central role in Atlanta’s sports history. As the city’s first major league baseball stadium, it symbolized the growing stature of Atlanta as a sports hub. The inaugural game, between the Braves and the Pirates, drew a passionate crowd, eager to witness the beginning of a new era in Atlanta sports.

The game itself was a closely contested battle, with both teams displaying their skills and determination. The Pirates took an early lead in the first inning when Bill Mazeroski hit a two-run home run, putting them ahead 2-0. The Braves weren’t discouraged and managed to tie the game in the fifth inning, thanks to a two-run single by Felipe Alou.

However, the Pirates weren’t ready to relinquish their lead. In the sixth inning, Roberto Clemente hit a solo home run, securing the go-ahead run for Pittsburgh. Despite the efforts of the Braves, they were unable to level the score, ultimately resulting in a 3-2 victory for the Pirates.

The opening of the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Braves franchise. The stadium served as the team’s home for the next 31 years, witnessing many memorable moments, including Hank Aaron’s record-breaking 715th home run in 1974. It also hosted other significant events such as the 1972 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Over the years, the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium became an iconic symbol of Atlanta’s sports culture. Its unique features, including the “upside-down” flying saucer scoreboard, and its vibrant atmosphere attracted fans from all over the city. The stadium’s capacity of over 50,000 allowed for large crowds to gather and cheer on their beloved Braves.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. As the 1990s rolled around, the need for a more modern stadium grew apparent. In 1996, the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was replaced by the Turner Field, where the Braves played until 2016 when they moved to SunTrust Park.

Although the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium is no longer standing today, its legacy lives on in the hearts of Braves fans and the history of Atlanta sports. The opening game on April 12, 1966, stands as a significant moment in the city’s baseball history and the beginning of an era that shaped the future of the Braves franchise.

the opening of the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on April 12, 1966, was a noteworthy event for Atlanta and its sports community. The thrilling game between the Braves and the Pirates showcased the stadium’s potential to host memorable sporting events. The stadium’s impact on Atlanta’s sports culture cannot be understated, and its legacy continues to be felt in the city to this day.