Construction of SunTrust Park enters next phase

Construction ramps up onsite of the new Braves' ballpark in Cobb County.

Mike Plant, Braves' executive vice-president of business operations, says crews have installed all the caissons to stabilize the foundation.  Now, they're beginning to pour concrete for the decks.

"By November, all the decking will be done," Plant tells the Marietta Daily Journal.  "It's going pretty rapidly and you'll see the entire ballpark, from a structural standpoint, by the end of November, early December,"  he adds.

Plant says the team wants LED lighting at the ballpark.  He says the quality's better for fans in the stands and watching on TV.  LED lights will also reduce the time it takes to restore lighting in case of a power outage.

Cobb County Manager David Hankerson briefed commissioners on the project's status.  He says crews are now working six days a week to keep to or accelerate the schedule.

The Braves are also involved in the selection of the new scoreboard.  Plant says the team's input is critical because the club will have to live with that scoreboard for decades.

The Braves intend to move to SunTrust Park in time for the 2017 season.