Cumberland Mall cracks down on parking for expected rush of Braves fans

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Some businesses around SunTrust Park are bracing for the rush of fans and trying to encourage them to stay away.

“I’m aware of the parking situation and I think I’ll just be like a lot of people and just try to figure it out,” Braves fan Gary Brooks said.

Brooks said he’ll eventually make the trip to SunTrust Park for a game. He believes there will be plenty of fans willing to walk from places like Cumberland Mall if they think they can park for free.

“I can absolutely see that being a problem. Parking is already pretty bad and at a premium in this area anyway,” Brook said.

The parking crackdown started weeks ago at Cumberland Mall.

Mall officials are doing what they can to prepare for the expected onslaught of Braves fans looking for free parking.

Bright orange stickers have been placed on cars parked in the lots, warning that they’ll be towed.

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Sources said mall security will use tag readers to track how long cars are parked.

Mall employees are concerned because they said they have been getting parking citations.

“Basically telling us we can only park in one place, even if we’re shopping in the mall on our day off or whatever,” Cheryl Gilbert said.

Gilbert said mall security need to lighten up.

“Don’t punish us because the Braves are here. Find another solution. Make it more convenient for us who work here,” she said.

Cox Media Group