By Alicia Couch Payne
Just a short drive down GA 20/Buford Drive on the outskirts of Lawrenceville fans can get a major-league experience at minor-league savings. Coolray Field is home to the Gwinnett Stripers, one of the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A minor-league affiliates. The Stripers opened their 10th season in Gwinnett on April 4 as they hosted the Norfolk Tides.
Gwinnett took the opening series game 3-1, while Norfolk won game two 6-0 last Friday night. The Stripers got revenge with their own 7-0 shutout to win the series and send the Tides rolling home. Fans saw major league pitcher Mike Foltynewicz in action for the Stripers on Opening Night. Foltynewicz started as part of his rehab until he returns to the Braves. The Stripers’ roster this year has a lot of talent sure to make for exciting play.
The Stripers organization goes above and beyond to provide their fans with a complete experience. On-site parking is convenient and plentiful, and standard one-game tickets cost a budget-friendly $8 per person for general admission seats on The Bank. Once fans arrive at Coolray, there’s an abundance of friendly, helpful staff to assist you.
The park has plenty of food options: burgers, corndogs, chicken tenders, ice cream, burritos, nachos, Philly cheesesteaks, grilled sausage, and more. For imbibing adults, Lawrenceville’s Slow Pour Brewing Taproom opened this year, and fans can grab a high-quality craft beer to wash down the nachos.
A kids’ zone area features various inflatables. Purchase an armband for your child and they can stay occupied and happy while you catch the game. For a $15 one-time membership fee, enroll your child in the Little Anglers Kids Club and they’ll receive a Stripers t-shirt, membership card, and one general admission ticket to all 11 Sunday home games. The Stripers will even host your child’s birthday party.
There are countless ways to take your ballfield experience to another level. To learn more, visit www.GoStripers.com.
