About Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, known as "The Launching Pad" for its hitter-friendly dimensions and high altitude for a southeastern city, was the home of the Braves from their arrival from Milwaukee in 1966 through 1996. The circular, multipurpose stadium was typical of its era but played host to extraordinary baseball.
Hank Aaron's pursuit of Babe Ruth's all-time home run record culminated here on April 8, 1974, when Aaron hit career home run number 715 off Al Downing of the Dodgers. The moment, broadcast on national television, is one of the most significant in baseball and American cultural history.
The Braves' dynasty of the 1990s — featuring Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz — began here, and the stadium hosted the 1995 World Series championship, the franchise's first title since 1957. The stadium was demolished in 1997 after the Braves moved to Turner Field.
Fun facts
- Hank Aaron received death threats while chasing Ruth's record and needed a police escort.
- The stadium was nicknamed "The Launching Pad" because the ball carried exceptionally well.
- A section of the outfield wall where Aaron's 715th homer cleared still exists as a monument in a parking lot.
- Broadcaster Skip Caray jokingly suggested the stadium's epitaph should be "a nice place to watch a game if you like concrete."
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