In March of 1997, Turner Field opened its gates for thousands to come make memories. Just this past Sunday the Ted closed it’s gates and turned off its lights for the last time. Although the long days spent at the Ted are now over, the memories that Braves fans have made will live on for centuries.

My very first professional sports game was spent at the Ted and although I can only recollect the Dip n Dots and running the bases, that’s all that is needed to make a memory. I can remember the thrills of going to a baseball game with my dad because of one thing: ball park food. I wasn’t old enough to understand the rules of baseball but I could always count on my dad to take me to the upper level and wait as he watched me run the bases. I can remember the anticipation of becoming a fifth grader because that meant you got to sing the National Anthem on Turner Field. As we waited in the basement, I saw Chipper Jones on the back of a golf cart and I didn’t think life could get any cooler.

Then as I got older Turner Field meant something much more than a reliable place to get Dip n Dots. It was a place where I could sit and watch a sport I love while in the presence of my friends. It was a place where I could always count on my dad to name off a random fact as I watched the game draw out. It felt like home being surrounded by thousands of people that share the same love for your hometown.

Although Turner Field is no longer in business, it will forever be a symbol of the promise of baseball to come. No matter where you are baseball will always promise to put a smile on your face. Whether your team is winning or losing, you’re enjoying quality time with people that you care about. The memories to come at SunTrust Park won’t replace the memories made at Turner Field, but create a new storybook for baseball fans to make their mark.