When the Columbus Clingstones debuted at home for the first time Tuesday, cheers of fans once again rang through the corridors of Columbus’ ballpark formerly know as Golden Park, now named Synovus Park.
Preparing to watch the Atlanta Braves’ Double-A minor league affiliate for the first time, excited fans lined outside the gate hours before the game wearing their Braves and Clingstones gear. Those who waited ultimately got to see a 3-0 win for Columbus.
Synovus Park was transformed from what was previously Golden Park after a $50 million commitment from the city. The plans for the thoroughly-renovated stadium successfully attracted the Braves minor league team, and turned heads Tuesday when fans finally got a chance to get in the park.
Two of those fans were Jeremy and Kristin Turner, who were excited for baseball’s return to Columbus.
“Been waiting on this for a long time. I can’t wait for the gates to open to get inside,” Jeremy Turner said.
He said getting the tickets for the game was an “easy process.”
Jeremy Turner said he is a “lifetime Braves fan” and said he was excited for the possibility of seeing Craig Kimbrel pitch, which happened when Kimbrel took the mound in the eighth inning and struck out two batters.
Shea Spencer and Jamie Spencer grew up in Columbus and regularly attended Columbus Catfish and RedStixx games. The two said they were in high school when pro baseball left left the area.
“I was telling my oldest daughter the other day, we’ve ... waited 17 years to have pro ball, but to have it be the Braves is even more special because this is Braves Country,” Shea Spencer said.
He added that he’s excited for the chance to see future major leaguers play in Columbus.
The Spencers brought their two small children with them, who are becoming fans of the game.
“It took us a while to get them into baseball and they’re starting to get excited because they’re here,” Shea Spencer said. “So, I think that love of the game might grow with them. That’s something I can’t put a price on.”
The Spencers said they bought season tickets and said the process was “super easy.” They got the stadium early and said parking was simple. Jamie Spencer said the Clingstones group sales department is “great to work with, super easy, quick responses.”
“I think that everything that they’re offering ticket-wise is perfect for this region and this area,” Jamie Spencer said.
Shea Spencer said he was excited to see the stadium sold out, which was announced prior to first pitch.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen it probably going back to like ‘07 or ‘08,” he said.
Shea referred to the stadium as “brand-spanking new,” and said, “we’ve never had anything like this. I feel very blessed to have this.”
Fuzzy, the Columbus Clingstones mascot, works the crowd before the Clingstones’ first-ever home game on April 15, 2025. The Clingstones were set to take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Mike Haskey mhaskey@ledger-enquirer.com
Braves great Tim Hudson: Columbus is a baseball town
Former Atlanta Braves great Tim Hudson was in attendance and offered his thoughts on the Clingstones, the stadium and more.
“This town, it’s a baseball town, and I’m proud to be from this area,” Hudson said.
Hudson is a Phenix City native who attended Glenwood School and Auburn University.
“It’s awesome to see every seat packed in here and seeing the support for these boys,” Hudson said. “I think there’s gonna be some future Atlanta Braves in that dugout.”
Hudson pitched in what used to be Golden Park, and said Tuesday, “it’s such a different field now, it’s just very nostalgic.”
“They’ve had a great vision with this ballpark and obviously a lot of support from the city of Columbus and all the fans,” Hudson said. “I think that there’s something to definitely be proud of. I’m happy that I’m still living in this area.”
When asked who was the next great Braves pitcher, Hudson responded, “Blake Burkhalter,” while admitting a partiality to Burkhalter who previously played for Auburn University. Hudson said there’s a lot of “good young talent” in the organization.
Burkhalter was credited for the win Tuesday, as he pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and one walk with eight strikeouts.
“I’m gonna come to as many games as I can,” Hudson said.
‘A magical feeling’
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson told the Ledger-Enquirer before the game he just wanted to tell people, “Welcome home.”
“It is such an incredible feeling walking in here and seeing the people milling around and seeing how many folks are lined up and ready to come in,” Henderson said.
Henderson said, “It’s a magical feeling right now.” Henderson said he remembers being a kid and watching the Baltimore Orioles with his grandfather.
Henderson said Columbus has always been a “baseball town.”
“Even when we did not get the numbers to support the teams that were here, that was largely due in my opinion to the fact we didn’t have the infrastructure,” Henderson said.
Henderson concluded by saying, “I hope everybody gets a chance to come here and holler ‘go stones’.”
Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.
