Mortenson is part of team that will build Atlanta Braves stadium

Golden Valley-based Mortenson Construction is part of a joint venture selected recently to oversee construction of the new $672 million stadium for the Atlanta Braves.

Construction of the new baseball venue is expected to begin later this year at a site in Cobb County, a short distance from downtown Atlanta near the intersection of Interstates 75 and 285. Opening day is slated for the spring of 2017.

Mortenson, which is in the throes of building a new $1 billion Vikings stadium where the Metrodome once stood, led construction of Target Field and TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

This time, the firm partnered with Brasfield & Gorrie of Birmingham, Ala., Barton Malow Co. of Southfield, Mich., and New South Construction of Atlanta to build a new 41,500-seat ballpark that will replace Turner Field.

The partnership, called American Builders 2017, has completed more than 330 sports projects, including Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore and Coors Field in Denver.

"American Builders 2017 expertise in ballpark construction, ties to the local community and assurances of delivering the ballpark within budget gave us all the confidence to entrust them with the project," said Braves Executive Vice President Mike Plant.

The Braves will contribute $372 million toward the project, with local sources adding the remaining $300 million. Local cash will come from taxes, fees and the "reallocation of revenue" from other public coffers, according to the team.

American Builders' principal Rob Taylor said the partnership was formed, "so we could draw on the resources, experience and expertise we have, both locally and nationally, and be able to deliver this project successfully for the Braves and Cobb County. We are confident in the ability to meet the schedule and look forward to the first pitch in the new ballpark in 2017."

Janet Moore • 612-673-7752