Having Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz in the rotation didn't work. Winning all those division titles in a row didn't work. Heck, even the gigantic Coca-Cola bottle in the outfield didn't work.

But you know what's going to increase attendance at Turner Field and make it more fun to attend a game?

Why, a 15,000-pound mechanical cow that stands 40 feet, does the Tomahawk Chop and will be planted next to the Coke bottle starting June 20!

I mean, duh. Can you believe the Braves didn't think of erecting such an attraction sooner?

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 

The Braves liked the idea because the cow enhances the fan experience, said Derek Schiller, executive vice president of sales and marketing for the Atlanta Braves.

The Coca-Cola bottle at Turner Field shoots off fireworks after home runs. An AT&T sign keeps track of strikeouts. The cow adds another interactive element.

"I think it's going to be a great complement to the stadium," Schiller said.

"It supports what is a very well-known and famous fan activity, doing the tomahawk chop. It fits well with the Braves culture and with Turner Field."

Personally, I have no idea what a cow has to do with Atlanta. Putting a tribute to giant bovines would make sense in Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis or maybe even Denver.

But Atlanta?

There's an explanation, of course. Turns out the supersized cow is a supersized advertisement for Chick-fil-A Restaurants and was built by Kern Studios, a company that makes Mardi Gras parade floats. There's no truth to the rumor the cow won't be operational on Sundays (when Chick-fil-A is closed) but there's a slight chance it will dispense showers of Polynesian dipping sauce after each home run. Also, if the addition proves to be a success, I'm hoping they'll find room to add a gigantic carton of waffle fries. 

A big BLS head nod to The Sporting Blog for the tip.