Builders approved for Braves' new ballpark

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to approve the builders for the Braves new ballpark.

American Builders 2017 will oversee construction of the stadium, which is schedule to open in early 2017. The Commission also voted to approve multiple long form agreements that dictate a 30-year partnership between the franchise and the county. They include an assurance agreement, construction administration agreement, development agreement, non-relocation agreement and stadium operating agreement.

"We are thrilled the Cobb County Commission has taken this large, and final, step that will allow this project to move forward. These agreements are the framework that will ensure a successful partnership between our organization and Cobb County," said Braves Executive Vice President Mike Plant. "Our team has worked side-by-side with the staff in Cobb County to ensure that we have the right partner in place to deliver the world-class venue that we all expect to see here on opening day of 2017. American Builders 2017 expertise in ballpark construction, ties to the local community and assurances of delivering the ballpark within budget gave us all the confidence to entrust them with this project."

American Builders 2017 is a joint venture that has completed more than 330 sports projects, including Target Field in Minneapolis, Coors Field in Denver and Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

"Building the new home of the Atlanta Braves, €”such an iconic project located in the heart of our hometown €”is really a dream for our team." American Builders 2017 Principal-in-Charge Rob Taylor said. "We formed American Builders so we could draw on the resources, experience and expertise we have, both locally and nationally, and be able to deliver this project successfully for the Braves and Cobb County. We are confident in the ability to meet the schedule and look forward to the first pitch in the new ballpark in 2017."