Explore Rome's AdventHealth Stadium
When in Rome, go see the Emperors. Atlanta's High-A affiliate plays in this northern Georgia locale, taking the field at AdventHealth Stadium. Get some barbecue, settle in and mingle with a mascot family.
Rome Emperors (affiliate of the Atlanta Braves since 2003)
Established: 2003
League: South Atlantic League
Ballpark: AdventHealth Stadium (opened 2003)
Championships: 2003, 2016
Notable alumni: Jeff Francoeur, Max Fried, Jason Heyward, Ronald Acu?a Jr., Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Freddie Freeman, Michael Harris II, Craig Kimbrel, Charlie Morton, Brian McCann
The Rome Braves debuted in 2003 and have been a model of consistency ever since, playing in the same ballpark, in the same league, with the same parent club and with the same name until 2024 when they transitioned from the Braves to the Emperors. They did move up a rung on the Minor League ladder, however. Prior to the 2021 season the South Atlantic League was shifted from Single-A to High-A, as part of a larger reorganization of Minor League Baseball.
Rome is located in the northwest corner of Georgia, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and at the confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers (this latter waterway runs behind AdventHealth Ballpark on the right-field side). The city was named Rome because, like its Italian counterpart, it was built within a region encompassing seven hills with rivers that run in between them.
Rome sporadically hosted a Minor League team from 1903 through 1921, and again in 1950 and '51. The Rome Braves' arrival marked the return of Minor League Baseball after an absence of more than 50 years. The team relocated from Macon, Ga., where they were also an Atlanta affiliate known as the Braves.
AdventHealth Stadium
Ballpark Location (via Google Maps)
Rome Emperors Schedule
Rome Emperors Roster
755 Braves Boulevard
Rome, GA 30161
706-378-5100
Capacity: 5,105
Dimensions: left field, 335 feet; center field, 401 feet; right field, 330 feet
Park factors (2021-22)
100 = league average
Runs: 79 | Homers: 54 | Hits: 92
South Atlantic League environment: 5.00 runs per team per game (fifth-highest among 11 full-season leagues)
The Rome Braves' relocation from Macon was made possible by the construction of AdventHealth Stadium, which opened in 2003 and was known as State Mutual Stadium through 2021. The ballpark is located within a large chunk of land that is bordered by the Oostanaula River to the north and Highway 1 (Veterans Memorial Highway) to the south. Downtown Rome is located farther south, closer to the point where the Oostanaula meets the Etowah and thus forms the Coosa River. This is often referred to as the town's River District.
Parking at the facility is plentiful within the lot that envelops the facility from the third-base side to first. The Eastside Parking lot, situated between the ballpark and the Oostanaula River, offers "Deluxe Tailgating Spots" on gamedays that include parking for three cars, river views and shaded areas.
Most fans will enter AdventHealth Stadium via the home plate entrance, the focal point of a stately brick-columned exterior. The entrance leads to a concourse that runs behind the seating bowl, which extends from third base into shallow right field. The seating bowl is divided into two sections; club and dugout level seats are located closest to the playing field, while box level seats provide a more elevated view of the action.
On the third-base side of the facility, the seating bowl gives way to the Miller Lite Marina, a gathering space with nightly food and drink specials. The right-field portion of the concourse is more spacious, as it includes a grass berm seating area, picnic pavilion and a large kids zone. No matter where you are in the ballpark, expect to be part of a crowd that roots extra hard for the home team. Most Rome Emperors fans are also Atlanta Braves fans, aware that the players they are rooting for today may soon be taking the field at Atlanta's Truist Park.
Concessions
Most of the Rome Emperors' concession items are located on the covered concourse, underneath the seating bowl. Here you'll find the usual array of ballpark basics, alongside "only in the South" specialties such as boiled peanuts. The Three Rivers Club, located behind home plate under section 200, is a full-service restaurant open to anyone with a club level ticket. Here you'll find burgers, salads and sandwiches with a slightly more sophisticated spin.
Less sophisticated, but arguably more satisfying, are the offerings to be had at Bubba's BBQ Barn. This standalone structure, located down the third-base line, is home to BBQ meat platters and sandwiches, as well as specialties such as the Kitchen Sink Nachos (topped with pulled pork and, well, everything else.) For dessert hit up the self-explanatory Sweet Spot, purveyors of ice cream, root beer floats, funnel cakes and more.
Mascots
The Rome Braves mascot story is a tale as old as time, in which a bachelor settles down, gets married and starts a family. Romey, a blue sea creature born at the confluence of the Oostanaula and Etowah Rivers, has been with the team since its 2003 inception. He met Roxie during the fall of 2005, and she made her ballpark debut the following season. The two got married prior to the 2007 season, at a heartwarming ceremony attended by several other Braves' farm system mascots. Their son, Romey, a diminutive figure in a gladiator helmet, joined them at the ballpark in 2015.
Where to Stay
Headed to the stadium and looking for a hotel nearby? Your Wyndham is waiting. As the Official Hotel of Minor League Baseball, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts welcomes baseball fans with a portfolio of 24 trusted brands. Find Hotels by Wyndham closest to the ballpark below and book now at wyndhamhotels.com.
? Days Inn by Wyndham Rome Downtown
? Days Inn by Wyndham Adairsville
? Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Rome
? Baymont by Wyndham Adairsville
? La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rome
Local Attractions
Rome's tourism website repeatedly refers to the city as "Georgia's Rome," lest anyone confuse it with Italy's Rome. While Georgia's Rome is devoid of ancient ruins, the traffic patterns are far less chaotic and there's still plenty to do. The city's downtown, located south of AdventHealth Stadium, is historic, scenic and filled with things to do and see. The Town Green, featuring three fountains symbolizing Rome's rivers, is a good starting point. It offers access to various downtown trails and river views.
Rome's Victorian-era District is called "Between the Rivers," which also explains its location. Learn more about the city's rich and oft-tumultuous past at the Rome Area History Museum. The Desoto Theatre was built in 1929, and holds the distinction of being the first theater built for "talkies" (movies with sound) in the South. Similarly, the Rome Symphony Orchestra began performing in 1921 and is still active today. It's the South's oldest symphony.
Food and Drink
There are plenty of dining and drinking options throughout Rome. Blossom Hill Burgers and BBQ is a popular pick, as is Moe's Original BBQ. If you're craving chicken salad, then you have no choice to visit Chicken Salad Chick. For a wider-ranging menu, check out Jefferson's for wings, burgers and oysters. The Cosmic Dog Outpost is located not in outer space, but along the Etowah River. For the local-est of local beers, visit River Remedy Brewing Company.
Moving On
The Rome Emperors are the center point in a constellation of Minor League teams. Head east to see the Gwinnett Stripers, located two rungs above Rome on the Braves' Minor League ladder. A pair of Alabama-based teams, the Birmingham Barons and Rocket City Trash Pandas, are located to the southwest and northwest, respectively. Or make a straight shot north, into Tennessee, to see the Chattanooga Lookouts.
The Road to Atlanta
The Braves' system is located firmly in Braves country. While it may seem like three of the teams are located in Georgia, please note that the Augusta Braves are actually based in North Augusta, S.C.
Single-A: Augusta GreenJackets
High-A: Rome Emperors
Double-A: Mississippi Braves
Triple-A: Gwinnett Stripers
