They will relocate to a new $672 million (£420 million/€501 million) 42,000-capacity arena in Cobb County in suburban Atlanta when their 20-year lease agreement for Turner Field runs out at the end of 2016.

News of the move caught has everyone by surprise. 

Mike Plant, Brave's executive vice-president of business operations, said the team has not signed a contract with Cobb County, but he's "100 per cent certain it will happen".

The proposed new stadium, located about 10 miles northwest of Turner Field, will be part of a 60-acre development near Cobb Galleria mall.

Turner Field opened in 1996 as the 85,000-seat main venue for the Atlanta Games, hosting athletics as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

It will be remembered for Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic Flame at the Opening Ceremony and the world records set by Donovan Bailey and Michael Johnson in the 100 and 200 metres respectively.

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic Flame at the Opening Ceremony of Atlanta 1996 was one of the Stadium's greatest moments

Afterwards, it was downsized and reconfigured into the Braves' new home beginning with the 1997 season, replacing Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium across the street.

The old venue, which had been the home of the Braves since they moved to Atlanta from Milwaukee in 1966, was knocked down and turned into a car park for the new facility.

Now, the new Stadium nicknamed "the Ted" after its namesake - former Braves owner Ted Turner - could be headed for a similar fate, even though it is still newer than 14 of the other 29 parks in MLB.

After Turner Field opened in 1997, the Braves hosted the 1999 World Series, 2000 All-Star Game and four National League Championship Series.

American Michael Johnson celebrates breaking the world record in the 200 metres in the Centennial Olympic Stadium at Atlanta, adding it to the gold medal he had won in the 400m

But talks with Atlanta Fulton County Recreational Authority, who own Turner Field, at improving facilities broke down earlier this year.

Plant claimed Turner Field needs up to $200 million (£125 million/€149 million) of infrastructure improvements to enhance fans' experience over the next few years.

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