Gwinnett breaks ground for AAA Braves ballpark

BUFORD - Gwinnett County Tuesday broke ground for the AAA Gwinnett Braves ballpark, set to open next April when the team makes its debut.

The stadium will be located just off Georgia Highway 20, east of Interstate 85.

Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz said the facility would be world class, offering a place for baseball fans to witness the return of a AAA franchise to its roots in Georgia.

"Our team just got stronger by inviting the good folks of Gwinnett County to be our partners and we really appreciate that," Schuerholz said.

The Gwinnett County Commissioner credited with pushing for a ballpark to bring the Braves minor league team to his county said it was not all about baseball.

Bert Nasuti spoke at the groundbreaking for the 10,000 seat ballpark.

"It's about families and it's about memories," Nasuti said. "That's one of the things that motivated me to bring the idea forward."

The ballpark, yet to be named,will blend state of the art with history and nostalgia, according to Richard Tucker, chairman of the Gwinnett County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The CVB hosted the groundbreaking ceremony, which brought together representatives from the Braves, Minor League Baseball and the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners.

Local baseball fans welcomed the ground breaking; one of them, Art Rilling, a game ranch owner, said it'll be nice to have a Braves team close to home.

"The fact that it's going to be here and be convenient is going to be a real plus for us," Rilling said. "Here you can just drive up, get out and go in."