Looking for an affordable summertime outing fit for your Georgia family? A minor league baseball game is a homerun choice.
Played at a real ballpark, complete with real baseball players, ballpark food and ample family-friendly entertainment options, a minor league game offers much of the same fun found at a major league game — minus the expense and stress of getting there.
The Gwinnett Stripers showcase future stars on their way to “the show.”
The Atlanta Braves have three Minor League Baseball (MiLB) affiliate teams in Georgia.
At Coolray Field outside of Lawrenceville, the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A) showcase future stars on their way to “the show” as well as big leaguers on rehab assignments. The Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. had a brief stopover there this spring. Fun fact: 2025 marks the 61st season of affiliation between the Braves and Stripers (and their predecessors), the longest-running Triple-A affiliation in pro baseball.
New this season, the Columbus Clingstones (Double-A) meet foes like the Montgomery Biscuits and Rocket City Trash Pandas at Synovus Park. Mascot Julius the penguin and the Rome Emperors (High-A) rule at AdventStadium.
If you’re not a stickler for state boundaries, the Augusta GreenJackets, the Braves’ A affiliate, host home games just over the state line in North Augusta, S.C., at SRP Park. Additionally, the Chattanooga Lookouts, a Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, play at AT&T Field just a few miles north of the Tennessee-Georgia line.
Chopper, mascot for the Gwinnett Stripers, greets fans at Coolray Field near Lawrenceville. Photo courtesy Gwinnett Stripers
6 reasons to go
Our Walton Gas researchers have reviewed the promotion schedules and other information about Georgia’s minor league teams. There are several very good reasons to check out a game this summer.
- Budget-friendly tickets. Single game tickets range from $11 to $13 for general admission, meaning the average movie ticket costs more. Discounts are available for groups as well as for military personnel.
Promotions can make games even more affordable. For instance, if the Emperors win on a Wednesday, ticket holders get a free general admission ticket to any regular season home game. Kids under 12 always get free admission to Emperors’ games on Sundays. During its 2025 inaugural season, the Columbus Clingstones offer free admission to Sunday games to kids who sign up for Fuzzy’s Kids Club (also free). - Every seat is a good one. Smaller ballparks keep everyone close to the action. You can sit close enough to hear the pop of the catcher’s mitt and see all the action on the field.
- Affordable concessions. Ballpark food is part of the experience, but at a major league game the price of concessions can rival a fine dining tab. The Stripers’ host Throwback Thursdays throughout the season, offering $2 hot dogs and $2 beer. On Thirsty Thursdays, the Clingstones sell domestic beer for $3.
- Cool mascots. Photo ops and getting a high-five with an energetic team mascot is often the highlight of a minor league game for kiddos. Chopper the Groundhog, weighing in at an official 21,000 wood chips, keeps fans hyped at Stripers games.
Following Rome’s rebrand in 2024, the team introduced a new mascot, Julius. An emperor penguin, his name is an homage to the Roman leader Julius Caesar. - Great entertainment. Minor league baseball games are designed with families in mind, and it shows. Even if your younger kids won’t sit still to watch the game, they’ll love all of the other entertainment.
Games typically feature a theme night like the Stripers’ Christmas In July that includes a Christmas ugly sweater t-shirt giveaway. Both the Stripers and the Clingstones host Wet Nose Wednesdays when fans are welcome to bring their dogs along. Giveaways — think hats, t-shirts, bobblehead figures and more — are frequently offered to the first 1,000 fans to arrive on special promotion nights.
Between innings, there are games staged on the field. A popular feature at Stripers games is the Reel it in Relay when three fishing-themed mascots compete in an entertaining race.Fans who stick around for the final out on Fridays can enjoy a fireworks show at all Georgia minor league ballparks.
Fans who stick around for the final out on Fridays can enjoy a fireworks show at all Georgia minor league ballparks. On designated dates, every team invites kids to come onto the field for a post-game run around the bases. - Caring for community. Cheering on a minor league team can also help your community. Every Tuesday night, the Rome Emperors team up with a local nonprofit to help raise money for their organization. On Giving Sundays, Clingstone fans who donate gently used items to Goodwill receive half-price tickets to a future game.
Smaller ball parks keep everyone close to the action.
The Macon Bacon, a summer collegiate team, is known for its fun theme promotions like Hawaiian Night.
More diamond deals
The budget baseball possibilities don’t end with MiLB teams. Georgia families can also affordably connect with the game of baseball at:
Collegiate Summer Leagues. Family-friendly environments are a common feature of collegiate summer baseball leagues found in towns across the state. The Alpharetta Aviators, Lake Oconee Wild Things and Gainesville GolDiggers are among teams in the Sunbelt Baseball League where an adult admission is $7. Senior citizens and veterans get in free.
It’s worth the drive to Macon to check out a Macon Bacon game. The team is a member of the Coastal Plains League, a prime summertime destination for Division 1 collegiate talent. Beyond providing a glimpse at future baseball stars, nearly every Macon Bacon game has a unique theme, such as Hawaiian Night and Mardi Gras Night. Reserved seats start at $15.
Rivaling some minor league facilities, Little League Southeast Park in Warner Robins is modeled after Volunteer Stadium in South Williamsport, Penn., home of the Little League Baseball World Series.
Little League Southeast Region baseball tournament. The Little League Southeast Park in Warner Robins allows Georgians to take in ESPN-broadcasted games that determine which team will advance to the legendary Little League World Series. The regional baseball tournament begins July 31. Best of all: Admission and parking are free.