Coca-Cola to Unveil New Bottle at Turner Field

(BUSINESS WIRE)--There’s a giant new state-of-the-art Coca-Cola bottle stepping up to the plate, and it’s sure to be a hit with Braves fans. The sparkling new 49-foot-tall Coca-Cola Contour bottle will be unveiled at Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves, on July 16th.

The new 21st century rendition of the iconic Coca-Cola Contour bottle replaces the original Coca-Cola Sky Field bottle, which stood high above left field for the past 12 years. With a high-resolution, programmable screen serving as the bottle’s famous red label and lights that can produce millions of different colors, the new bottle will offer a high-tech way to celebrate a Braves’ home run while carrying on the traditional fireworks celebration for which the original bottle was known.

“Enjoying an ice-cold Coca-Cola at a Braves game is the essence of summer in Atlanta, and we think the new Coca-Cola bottle really captures the specialness of that experience,” said Katie Bayne, chief marketing officer, Coca-Cola North America. “The bottle is designed to be entertaining for the fans as well, and we think it will add a new sense of excitement to the experience of being at Turner Field for a game.”

The outside of the bottle is made of a polycarbonate high-impact material and traced in 3,000 tri-colored LED's (Light-Emitting Diodes), each capable of producing over 16 million different colors. The new bottle will be officially unveiled by Coca-Cola and Braves executives including Hank Aaron at a special ceremony at home plate before the start of the Braves July 16th game against the New York Mets at Turner Field. During that game, Coca-Cola and the Braves will distribute genuine pieces of memorabilia from the original Coca-Cola Sky Field bottle to a number of lucky Braves fans. The bottle was fabricated by Freeman Company of Dallas, Texas.

The festivities will continue throughout the weekend, with Coca-Cola Recycling Nights on July 17th and 18th. The Coca-Cola Recycling Education Vehicle (REV) will be on site, featuring recycling trivia games where fans can win prizes, including a Braves Recycling Team t-shirt made from recycled PET. In addition, a concert by the All American Rejects after the Braves game will take place on July 18th.

“The iconic Coca-Cola bottle has been a part of Turner Field since we opened our doors, and the new bottle is an entertaining reminder to Braves fans that America’s favorite pastime and ice-cold Coca-Cola help make summer time special,” said Derek Schiller, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, Atlanta Braves.

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Iconic Turner Field Coca-Cola Bottle Bids Farewell

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Going…going…gone! After 12 years, more than 1,000 home run celebrations and countless family ballpark memories, the 42-foot-tall Coca-Cola Contour bottle standing high above left field will be retired from Coca-Cola Sky Field at Turner Field on July 2. The iconic Coca-Cola bottle has served as a focal point of celebration for Braves fans since its creation in 1997. A new 21st century version of the classic bottle, slated to hit Coca-Cola Sky Field later this summer, is sure to impress.

“The original bottle wonderfully symbolized Coca-Cola’s longstanding relationship with America’s favorite pastime,” said Katie Bayne, chief marketing officer, Coca-Cola North America. “The Coca-Cola bottle in Coca-Cola Sky Field has stood as a distinctive reminder that drinking a Coke is part of summer’s simple pleasures, just like being at a Braves game with your friends and family.”

The Coca-Cola bottle, made of over 11,000 pieces of authentic Atlanta Braves baseball equipment including 6,680 baseballs, 290 bats and 86 gloves, was built as Coca-Cola Sky Field’s main attraction. Four hundred and thirty-five feet from home plate and 80 feet above the field, the Coca-Cola bottle is positioned in Turner Field’s most unique vantage point and is the source of many lasting baseball memories.

Fans are encouraged to visit the original bottle for one last photo and to post these photos and their memories on the Coca-Cola Bottle Facebook page, http://tinyurl.com/kt4hoc, created especially for the bottle’s official retirement. In honor of the famous bottle’s retirement, the first 15,000 fans to enter the stadium on July 2, will receive a commemorative 8-oz bottle with a depiction of Coca-Cola Sky Field.

“Coca-Cola Sky Field and the Coca-Cola bottle really set Turner Field apart from other Major League Baseball stadiums,” said Derek Schiller, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, Atlanta Braves. “The bottle is not only entertaining, it reminds fans that one of America’s most iconic brands was created right here in Atlanta. Braves baseball and Coca-Cola are both sources of pride for Atlantans, so we do all we can to enhance the fan experience at Turner Field.”

The new Coca-Cola bottle will be constructed in Coca-Cola Sky Field later this summer. A special rendering of the new design will be revealed at an upcoming game before the bottle makes its official debut. Promising to be a more high-tech version of the beloved original bottle, the new bottle will offer even more ways to entertain Braves fans. “We can't wait to build on the legacy of our Braves partnership and share our new bottle with Atlantans later this summer,” said Bayne.

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Greg Maddux Hall of Fame Induction moved to accommodate demand

The Atlanta Braves have moved their Braves Hall of Fame induction of Greg Maddux to the Omni Hotel at the CNN Center to accommodate the demand. The luncheon and induction was formerly scheduled for Turner Field's 755 Club.

The Braves will honor their former pitcher on Friday, July 17 by inducting him into the Braves Hall of Fame and retiring his uniform number. The induction will take place at the luncheon and the uniform number retirement will occur in a pre-game ceremony that night before the Braves take on the New York Mets.

Maddux's number 31 will be the sixth Braves uniform number to be retired, joining Hank Aaron (44), Eddie Mathews (41), Dale Murphy (3), Phil Niekro (35) and Warren Spahn (21). The Braves also retired the number 42 along with all teams in Major League Baseball to honor Jackie Robinson.

The recently retired Maddux spent 11 seasons with the Braves beginning in 1993, and was a member of the 1995 World Championship team. He was named the National League Cy Young Award winner four times, winning in four straight years from 1992-1995 - the first pitcher to win the award in four consecutive seasons.

With 355 career wins, Maddux ranks eighth on Major League Baseball's all-time wins list. He collected his 18th Gold Glove Award in 2008 - a Major League record. He will join Hank Aaron, Bill Bartholomay, Lew Burdette, Skip Caray, Del Crandall, Ralph Garr, Tommy Holmes, Ernie Johnson, David Justice, Herman Long, Bill Lucas, Eddie Mathews, Dale Murphy, Kid Nichols, Phil Niekro, John Sain, Paul Snyder, Warren Spahn, Ted Turner, and Pete Van Wieren in the Braves Hall of Fame.

Tickets are available for the July 17 game at Braves.com/tickets, the Braves ticket office at Turner Field, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or at all Ticketmaster outlets.

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Atlanta Braves Announce Facebook Friends Night - Wednesday, June 10

The Atlanta Braves have announced a night for our Facebook Friends, on Wednesday, June 10, when the Braves will play the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:00 p.m. The recently launched Atlanta Braves Facebook page has experienced rapid growth, and on Facebook Friends Night, the Braves have a special evening planned, including an exclusive pre-game party starting at 5:30, to thank the many fans who have become friends of the Atlanta Braves.

Facebook Friends Night tickets, available now for only $25 at braves.com/facebookfriends include:

A seat in the Facebook Friends Night section in the Golden Moon Casino Pavilion (a $28 value)
Admission to the Facebook Friends Pre-Game Party featuring a DJ and prize giveaways.
Two complimentary drinks during Pre-Game Party (Soda, Beer, Wine or Margarita)
The Braves Facebook Friends Pre-Game Party begins at 5:30 p.m. on the Golden Moon Casino Patio at the Top of the Chop.

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MLB, Atlanta Braves, and 'People' to recognize Atlanta-Area Community "All Star" at 2009 MLB All-Star Game

Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves and PEOPLE have launched a national campaign, "People All-Stars Among Us," which will recognize individuals who have served their communities in extraordinary ways. Fans are encouraged to nominate those from the Atlanta-area who are making a difference within the community. This initiative is part of the 2009 MLB All-Star Summer program dedicated to charitable initiatives and recognition of the important role of community service.

Braves fans can log on to www.PeopleAllStars.com through May 22 to nominate themselves as well as community "All-Stars" they would like to recognize within the Atlanta-area. Three finalists representing the Braves will be announced in June and the public will vote online for one winner among the finalists to represent the club at the 2009 MLB All-Star Game on July 14 in St. Louis.

All 30 winners will be integrated into the All-Star Week festivities in St. Louis and honored during the All-Star Game pre-game ceremony. One winning "All-Star Among Us" will be featured in PEOPLE editorial the week of the MLB All-Star Game.

Major League Baseball will dedicate 2009 All-Star Summer to raising funds and awareness for charitable initiatives and celebrating the importance of community service. The charity and community service initiatives, which will be themed "Going Beyond," will be the most extensive in Major League Baseball All-Star history and will complement the celebration of history and traditions of baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals. Major League Baseball will focus its efforts on three key pillars - Health, Youth Development and Community - by supporting healthcare organizations and education programs, increasing opportunities for young people to play baseball, acting in an environmentally-conscious manner and celebrating the community service accomplishments of everyday citizens.

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Coca-Cola and the Atlanta Braves team up in 2009 to increase recycling at Turner Field

Coca-Cola and the Atlanta Braves have joined their green initiatives to increase recycling at Turner Field and to highlight the benefits of recycling. Beginning on Opening Day, Braves game day staff will be outfitted in shirts made from recycled PET plastic bottles. Parking attendants, security staff, ushers, game entertainment staff, ticket takers and guest relations personnel will all be wearing the shirts, which contain yarn made from five recycled plastic bottles. The shirts all feature a Braves logo on the chest, a Coca-Cola Recycling logo on the sleeve and the Coke "Give it Back" recycling logo on the yoke.

"We envision a world where our packaging is seen as a valuable resource that can be re-used to produce a number of products, from new beverage containers to shirts and bags," said John Burgess, President and CEO, Coca-Cola Recycling. "This comprehensive program with the Braves is a great way for baseball fans to show their support for their hometown team and the environment."

Throughout the season, Braves fans will be able to recycle their plastic bottles in more than 250 branded recycling bins and barrels placed around Turner Field as part of the recycling and education program supported by Coca-Cola Recycling LLC. To kick off the program, the Coca-Cola Recycling Educational Vehicle will be in front of Turner Field on Opening Day, educating and entertaining fans with contests, videos, music and prizes. A video will be shown during each Braves game that educates fans on the life-cycle of a 20-ounce Coke bottle, from the point of purchase until it is reused to make apparel. An in-game baseball trivia contest sponsored by Coca-Cola Recycling will give fans an opportunity to win a Braves prize pack including items made from recycled plastic bottles.

"Our long-standing relationship with Coca-Cola has given us many ways to engage our fans," said Derek Schiller, Braves Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "I can't think of a better way to educate our fans on the value of recycling than to show them how these fantastic shirts can come to life when people do something as simple as recycle a plastic bottle."

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Atlanta Braves' FREE Open House set for this Saturday, March 28

The Atlanta Braves will host a free Open House for fans this Saturday, March 28 from 12 - 4 PM. The Turner Field gates will open at noon, and fans can watch the Braves take on the New York Yankees live from Spring Training on the World's largest high definition video board at 1:05 p.m., courtesy of SportSouth. Plenty of free activities including alumni autograph sessions, pitching and hitting games in Scout's Alley, and tours of the stadium will keep fans dry, should inclement weather occur on Saturday.

Fans will also have the opportunity to take advantage of a special one-day sale available only at Open House. For only $498 fans can purchase season tickets in the Lower Outfield Pavilion and enjoy a season of Braves baseball for only $6 a game, a 75% savings off the gate price. Fans interested in the Open House Lower Outfield Pavilion Special can speak to a Braves season ticket representative at Fan Central, aisle 132.

Open House Activities

Watch the Braves take on the New York Yankees live from Spring Training
Meet Braves alumni including Pete Smith, Greg McMichael, and Jim Nash
Win Braves autographed items in between every inning
Pitch from the mound in the Braves bullpen*
Participate in the "Pop Fly Challenge" and try to catch fly balls in the outfield*
Visit the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame, and tour the Braves Dugout and Clubhouse
Play the interactive pitching and hitting games at Scout's Alley
Meet the 2009 Braves Tomahawk Team
"Select A Seat" for the 2009 Season - Braves season ticket representatives will be available at Fan Central, aisle 132, to show fans to their seats so they can sit, relax, and imagine a season of Braves games from that very spot. Full season ticket plans start as low as $249 ($3 a game).

* weather permitting

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Atlanta Braves Hold Auditions for Game Entertainment Team

The Braves will host open auditions for members of their game entertainment team, including:

Heavy Hitters - Thursday, February 26, 5-8 p.m. and Wednesday, March 4, 5-8 p.m.

The Braves electrifying Heavy Hitters drum line performs before, during, and after Braves games at Turner Field.

The Braves are looking for musicians with confidence and charisma, a flexible schedule, and the ability to work games in their entirety every Friday, Saturday and Sunday home game during the season.

PHOTO and VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES: Individuals trying out for the Heavy Hitters drum line will showcase their percussion abilities with instruments including snare, quad, base, and tenor drums, and symbols.

Tomahawk Team - Friday, Feb 27, 5-8 p.m. and Thursday, March 5, 5-8 p.m.

The Braves are looking for high-energy, spirited individuals, with the ability to engage fans, work within a family environment, and perform in front of large crowds.

The Braves Tomahawk Team performs at all home games and many events throughout the community.

PHOTO and VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES: Tryouts will include exercises that simulate game situations such as: Leading fans in "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," interacting with fans in-between innings, throwing t-shirts into the stands, and assisting with in-game promotions and contests.


Turner Field
Enter through the Turner Field 755 Club Lobby, off of Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
Free parking available across the street in the Green Lot


Heavy Hitters - Thursday, Feb. 26 and Wednesday, March 4, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Tomahawk Team - Friday, Feb. 27 and Thursday, March 5, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Please call or email to set up a specific audition time.
Walk ups will be auditioned on a first come first serve basis.
For more information call 404-614-1513, visit www.Braves.com or email Braves.Entertainment@braves.com .

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Atlanta Braves Searching for Bands to Perform Before 2009 Braves Home Games

The Atlanta Braves are looking for bands who think they have what it takes to energize and entertain thousands of fans at Turner Field before a home Braves game in 2009. Country, rock, pop, cover, or original bands can submit their information for review at www.braves.com/bravesbands.

"There is an abundance of great musical talent in our region," said Scott Cunningham, Braves Director of Game Entertainment. "This contest gives us an opportunity to tap into the wealth of talent for our fans to enjoy, while supporting up and coming musicians by providing them a venue and audience at the major league level."

Bands selected to perform before a home game during the 2009 season will receive free tickets for their members to that night's game and a special discount code to pass along to their loyal followers to see them live in action.

One group will be named the "Braves Band of the Year" and win a free suite to the final home game of 2009. The "Band of the Year" will be chosen by the Braves game entertainment staff, who will judge the groups based on combination of factors including crowd participation and enthusiasm.

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'Atlanta Braves Foundation AutographFest' Set for Saturday, January 24th at Turner Field

Fans will be able to meet Atlanta Braves players, coaches, and alumni, and help support a great cause on Saturday, January 24th, at the Atlanta Braves Foundation's inaugural "AutographFest." All proceeds will go directly back into the community through the Atlanta Braves Foundation's community grants program, which provides financial support to local non-profit organizations.

"In these tough economic times, non-profit organizations that dedicate their resources to lifting up our community need our support like never before," said Derek Schiller, Atlanta Braves Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "The Atlanta Braves organization has a long-standing tradition of giving back to help those in need, and now more than ever the Braves Foundation can make a positive impact through the Community Grants Program and help local non-profit organizations continue to make a difference."

In order to give fans the very best experience at AutographFest and to help eliminate long wait times for autographs, a limited number of passes will be presold for each player in attendance. AutographFest passes are available now at www.braves.com/autographfest or by calling 404-614-1512. Silver, Gold, and Platinum level passes, ranging from tax-deductable contributions of $20 - $100, will guarantee fans the chance to meet players and acquire autographs.

The Braves will host another great event for fans, a free Open House, on Saturday, March 28, featuring alumni autograph sessions, autographed item giveaways, tours of the stadium and Braves Museum and Hall of Fame, a "Select-a-Seat" event and much more. Fans will have the opportunity to win autographed items and prizes throughout the day.

Fans can find the perfect seat for the 2009 season and give it a test run at the Braves "Select-a-Seat" event during the Braves Open House. Popular ticket offers include the "Buy 2 Full Season Tickets, Get 2 Free" in the Golden Moon Casino Pavilion, Field Reserved, and Terrace Reserved sections and the $249 full season ticket package. Other ticket specials include two Braves "Six Game Ticket Packs" featuring popular American League opponents, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox starting as low $81. For more ticket package information, fans can go to braves.com/tickets or call 404-577-9100.

Thanks to the generous support of fans, players, employees, and partners, local non-profit organizations receiving grants from the Atlanta Braves Foundation in the past two years include:
A Friend's House, Arthritis Foundation - Georgia Chapter, Atlanta Community Food Bank Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlanta Track Club, Atlanta Track Club, Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, Canine Assistants, Canine Companions for Independence, Carrie Steele-Pitts Home, Childkind, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Cobb Christmas, Inc., CURE Childhood Cancer East Lake Foundation, East Lake Foundation, Georgia Avenue Community Ministry, Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, L.E.A.D., Inc. Latin American Association, Metro Atlanta Project, Muscular Dystrophy Association, GA, Nicholas House, North Metro Miracle League, North Metro Miracle League, READing Paws, Inc., Special Olympics Georgia, Star Struck Foundation, The Auditory-Verbal Center, Inc., The Ron Clark Academy, The Study Hall at Emmaus House, Thirty Metro Atlanta Youth Baseball and Softball Teams, Tomorrow's Champions, Tomorrow's Champions Villages at Carver Family YMCA, YES! Atlanta

Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than 3 million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves fans, players, employees, and partners, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.

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Great holiday gifts available now during the Atlanta Braves Foundation Holiday Online Auction

Just in time for holiday shopping, the Atlanta Braves Foundation will auction off valuable and unique items during the Atlanta Braves Foundation Holiday Online Auction, Dec. 4 - Dec. 15 at Braves.com/foundationauction.
Fans will have the chance to bid on valuable items including:

• 1966 Atlanta Braves team signed jersey featuring Hank Aaron and Phil Niekro
• Twenty Atlanta Braves autographed baseballs framed together, including baseballs signed by Bobby Cox, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Brian McCann, and Tim Hudson
• Framed 2008 Atlanta Braves team-signed jersey
• 2008 Atlanta Braves starting line-up autographed bat

Fans can also bid on other valuable memorabilia including Atlanta Braves autographed baseballs, autographed bats and autographed jerseys from current and former Braves greats including Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, Jeff Francoeur, John Smoltz, Brian McCann, Tim Hudson, Bobby Cox, Dale Murphy, Phil Niekro, and David Justice.

The non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Braves Foundation actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than three million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players, employees, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.

Other great gift ideas for Braves fans this holiday season include:

• Atlanta Braves Holiday 6-Pack - available for a limited time (Nov. 14 - Dec. 15) at Braves.com/holiday or 404-577-9100. Includes a pair of tickets to six marquee games in 2008 including Opening Day, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees games. Other season ticket packages are also available.
• Atlanta Braves Foundation Legacy Brick inscribed with personalized message, available at Braves.com/bricks or 1-877-ABF-BRIX [1-877-223-2749]. Gift certificates also available.
• A wide variety of Braves merchandise is available at the Braves Clubhouse Store at the CNN Center or through the Braves Clubhouse Collection catalog by calling 1-800-433-BRAVES. Free ground shipping on all orders before Nov. 14.
• Atlanta Braves Gift Cards, redeemable for Braves tickets, concessions, and merchandise, are available at Braves.com.

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Braves Announce 2009 Spring Training Schedule

The Atlanta Braves released their 2009 Spring Training schedule yesterday. The 35-game slate begins on Wednesday, Feb. 25, with a road contest against the Detroit Tigers at Lakeland, Fla. The Braves open the home portion of their spring schedule on Thursday, Feb. 26, when they face the Houston Astros at Champion Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Braves' pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to camp on Saturday, Feb. 14, with their first workout set for the following day. The rest of the Braves players are scheduled to report on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with the first full-squad workout slated for Feb. 18. This spring marks the 12th year that the Braves will train at the Disney complex, recently ranked as the one of the best Spring Training facilities in the country by Baseball America.

Atlanta will play a total of 18 home games at Disney and will play two games versus the Detroit Tigers at Turner Field in Atlanta on April 3 and April 4. In addition to its usual Major League opponents, Atlanta will face two World Baseball Classic teams at Champion Stadium for exhibition play when they host Panama on March 3 and Venezuela on March 5. The Braves will play three home games against the Houston Astros and two home games each against the 2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Mets, New York Yankees and Tigers. Other opponents scheduled to play at Champion Stadium include the Toronto Blue Jays, Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston Red Sox.

The Florida portion of the schedule includes three home night games, Tuesday, March 6 versus Houston, Thursday, March 19 against the Tigers and Tuesday, March 24 versus the Pirates.

Individual Spring Training game tickets will go on sale Saturday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m., at the Disney's Wide World of Sports box office, through the Atlanta Braves' website (braves.com), and through Ticketmaster (407/839-3900). Spring Training ticket prices for 2009 range from $15.00 (general admission lawn seats) to $32.00 (lower level reserved seats). Tickets for the two exhibition games at Turner Field will also go on sale Jan. 10, at 10 a.m., at braves.com, through Ticketmaster (800/326-4000) and at any Publix Ticketmaster location.

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First Chance to Secure Opening Day, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees Tickets Starts Today with "Holiday Six Game Gift Pack"

Beginning today, Nov. 14, fans can secure tickets for some of the hottest Braves game in 2009, including Opening Day, and match-ups with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, with the "Holiday Six Game Gift Pack."

Available Nov. 14 - Dec. 15 at Braves.com/holidays or 404-577-9100, the Holiday Six Game Gift Pack includes a pair of tickets to six marquee games in 2009 for as low as $152 (a savings of 27%). The Holiday Six Game Gift Pack also comes with a Braves replica cap, a holiday card, and Braves wrapping paper and a gift box. Other season ticket packages, including a full season ticket package for only $249, are also available for fans looking for additional options.

The Atlanta Braves 2009 home schedule gets under way on Friday, April 10th when the Braves will welcome the Washington Nationals for Opening Night at Turner Field. The New York Yankees come to town for the first time since 2000 in an interleague series June 23-25, followed by an interleague match-up with the Boston Red Sox June 26-28. Tickets to these games and more are available now through the "Holiday Six Game Gift Pack" and other season ticket packages. Fans can call 404-577-5100 for more information.

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Braves Hall of Fame Member Pete Van Wieren Announces his Retirem

Pete Van Wieren, a member of the Braves Hall of Fame has announced his retirement, ending his 33 years as a play-by-play broadcaster for the Atlanta Braves. He spent this past season doing radio exclusively for 94.9 the Bull, 640 WGST and the Braves Radio Network, but had been a part of the Braves broadcasts on TBS for many of those 33 years.

"This is something my family and I have been thinking about the last couple of years," said Van Wieren. "It's simply a desire to live my life without the restrictions of a baseball schedule. I want to thank the Braves, my broadcast partners and especially the fans for their support over the years."

Since joining the Braves network in 1975, "The Professor" as he is known throughout baseball, has also covered the Atlanta Flames of the National Hockey League, the Hawks and the Atlanta Falcons NFL pre-season football. He also served as a sports reporter for CNN and served as a play-by-play announcer on TBS's Big Ten Conference college football games.

"This is a monumental moment in Braves history and a sad one for me personally," said Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz. "Pete has been in our homes and in our lives as one of the great Braves voices, and we will sorely miss him. We wish him many years of good health and happiness in his retirement after 33 years as a beloved and admired voice of the Atlanta Braves."

In 2006, Van Wieren won the Georgia Sportscaster of the Year Award from the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association, marking the 10th time he won the honor (1980, 1988-95, 2006). He was dubbed Atlanta's Favorite Sportscaster in 1977 by the Atlanta Journal.

In 2004, he was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame, along with fellow announcer Skip Caray, who passed away this past August. In 2000, Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell declared July 30th "Skip Caray and Pete Van Wieren Day" in honor of their 25 years of broadcasting Braves games.

Prior to joining Turner, he began his broadcasting career working as the play-by-play man for the Tidewater Tides of the International League for two years. He has also broadcast hockey, college and professional basketball and college and professional football. He also has been a sportscaster for WDHO-TV, Toledo, Ohio; WNBF-AM/FM/TV and WINR-AM/TV, both in Binghamton, NY; WPRW-AM/FM, Manassas, Va.; and WEER-AM/FM, Warrenton, Va.

Van Wieren, who was born in Rochester, NY, attended Cornell University. He and his wife Elaine live in Alpharetta, Ga. They have two children, Steven and Jon.

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Atlanta Braves to Honor Skip Caray with Tribute and Celebration

The Atlanta Braves have announced plans to honor the life of longtime broadcaster and friend, Skip Caray on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

The Braves invite all fans to come and pay tribute to the legendary voice of the team on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Turner Field. Speakers include Braves Chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, longtime broadcast partner and friend Pete Van Wieren and Skip's son Chip Caray. Another longtime broadcast partner and friend, Joe Simpson, will lead the event.

Cherished moments will be shared and video tributes will air throughout the ballpark. Fans who wish to attend can park in the Green lot and enter through the Plaza gates. Gates will open at 9 a.m.

Tuesday night's game, ironically versus the Chicago Cubs, will continue the celebration of Skip's life and career with a special pre-game ceremony with the Caray family and the entire night will be filled with video clips and first person stories shown on Braves Vision.

The game begins at 7:10 p.m., with the pre-game ceremonies beginning at 6:45 p.m.

As a reminder the family has asked in lieu of flowers donations be made to the following organizations:

Camp Twin Lakes
www.camptwinlakes.org or
P.O. Box 933507
Atlanta, GA 31193-3507

Small Dog Rescue (will only accept donations online)
www.smalldoghumane.org

Winship Cancer Institute
www.cancer.emory.edu or
Plaza 1000
762 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30322-4001

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Atlanta Braves Foundation Raises Nearly $80,000 During Atlanta Braves Foundation Weekend, July 4-6

Atlanta Braves Foundation Weekend generated nearly $80,000 for the Atlanta Braves Foundation and its Grants Program, July 4-6, at Turner Field. Braves memorabilia, including game-worn Braves jerseys, autographed baseballs, photos, lineup cards, and other unique and valuable items were sold and auctioned off all weekend to benefit the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

Top silent auction items included a Brian McCann autographed catcher's mask and batting glove that went for $1500, a Chipper Jones autographed game-worn jersey for $1000, and a framed collection of baseballs signed by each member of the 2008 Atlanta Braves team that sold for $1275.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than 2.7 million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players, employees, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.

Atlanta Braves Celebrate Independence Day Weekend with a Salute to Our Troops and an "All American Fireworks Spectacular" on Friday, July 4th

Independence Day celebrations at Turner Field will honor members of the United States military and their families, and a post-game "Salute to America Fireworks Spectacular," presented by Publix Super Markets, will feature a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, choreographed to patriotic music, that will light up the Atlanta skyline in red, white and blue.

The Braves holiday-weekend festivities will continue with a free concert by two-time Grammy Award-winning group Arrested Development in Fan Plaza on Saturday, July 5th. Arrested Development will perform in Fan Plaza beginning at 5:30, and will make an encore appearance in Fan Plaza after the game.

Arrested Development's lead female vocalist, Tasha LaRae, will also perform the national anthem on Friday, July 4th. Operation Homefront Georgia will bring together volunteers from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and National Guard to carry the largest American flag ever displayed at Turner Field during pre-game ceremonies. More than 350 military families will join Operation Homefront at the game, including soldiers wounded in action from Fort Gordon, Georgia. Tributes on BravesVision from Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves will thank military men and women for their service and celebrate the history of our nation.

Serving as the Braves' Honorary Team Captain for the evening on July 4th will be Captain Joseph Anthony, of Richmond, Virginia, a 16 year veteran of the United States Army. Captain Anthony, a decorated soldier, is currently serving in Iraq, and will return home to the United States shortly before Independence Day. His awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Expert Field Medical Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.

For games throughout the July 4 weekend and on September 11th, all Major League Baseball teams will wear "Stars & Stripes" caps that are available for sale to the public with a portion of the proceeds going to Welcome Back Veterans.

Braves Independence Day Weekend schedule:
Friday, July 4th:
7:10 p.m. - Pre-game ceremonies begin on field featuring Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and National Guard and the largest American flag ever displayed at Turner Field
7:20 p.m. - National Anthem performed by Arrested Development's lead female vocalist, Tasha LaRae
7:30 p.m. - Braves Honorary Team Captain, Captain Joseph Anthony, to exchange line up cards with game officials and coaches
7:35 p.m. - Atlanta Braves vs. Houston Astros first pitch
Post Game - "Salute to America Fireworks Spectacular," presented by Publix Super Markets

Saturday, July 5th:
5:30 p.m. - Arrested Development concert in Fan Plaza
7:05 p.m. - Braves vs. Houston Astros
Post Game - Arrested Development encore in Fan Plaza

Traffic Information for the June 20-22 Weekend Atlanta Braves vs Seattle Mariners

The Downtown Connector resurfacing project will close Northbound Lanes for 4.79 miles between University Avenue and 10th Street beginning at 9 p.m., Friday, June 20, continuously through the weekend until 5 a.m., Monday, June 23.

With large crowds expected and on-going construction on the downtown connector, fans heading to or leaving Turner Field this weekend are strongly encouraged to avoid the Northbound lanes of the downtown connector, and plan alternate routes or consider taking Marta.

COMING TO TURNER FIELD: To avoid the downtown connector, take I-285 to I-20. If traveling Westbound on I-20, exit at Hill Street or Capitol Avenue. If traveling Eastbound on I-20, exit at Windsor St./Spring St./Turner Field.

LEAVING TURNER FIELD: To avoid the downtown connector, take I-20 to 285. Directions to I-20 East and West from the various Turner Field parking lots will be posted on electronic message boards as fans leave the stadium.

Georgia D.O.T. urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to bad weather. Callers can also reach live operators to request assistance.

More information on the downtown connector resurfacing project and Turner Field street and traffic maps can be found at www.braves.com/parking.

Weekend series dates and times:

• Friday, June 20: Braves vs. Seattle Mariners - 7:35 p.m.
• Saturday, June 21: Braves vs. Seattle Mariners - 7:10 p.m.
• Sunday, June 22: Braves vs. Seattle Mariners - 1:35 p.m.