Truist Park, Atlanta
Featured image credit: Populous
Atlanta’s Truist Park has been awarded hosting rights for the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game.
It will be the first time the 41,000-capacity ballpark, designed by Populous, has staged the game and its accompanying All-Star Week events. Truist Park, which opened in 2017, was stripped of hosting rights for the 2021 All-Star Game because of a political fall-out over voting rules in Georgia.
The MLB said it chose Truist Park in part because of the facilities at The Battery Atlanta, a sports and entertainment complex located next to the ballpark. The complex, pictured below, is a mix of shops, dining, living and workspaces.
“It’s exciting to see what the Braves have built and it should be celebrated,” said CC Sabathia, who serves as a special assistant to the MLB’s Commissioner. “They are leading the way in baseball culture, fully embracing all of Atlanta’s music and food scenes.”
Atlanta’s All-Star Game history
The 2025 game will be the third time that the Georgian capital has staged the Midsummer Classic following the 2000 and 1972 editions.
The city’s first hosting, in the Atlanta Stadium, was highlighted by Hank Aaron’s two-run home run that helped the National League to a 4-3 win over the American League.
The 2000 fixture saw the American League triumph by a 6-3 scoreline when Derek Jeter earned the Most Valuable Player award at Turner Field.
“We are thrilled that Major League Baseball has awarded the Atlanta Braves the 2025 All-Star Game,” said Terry McGuirk, chair of the Atlanta Braves, who play at Truist Park.
“Time and time again, Atlanta has proven to be a world-class destination for the most exciting entertainment and sporting events. I am excited that baseball fans will have the opportunity to experience Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta along with all this area has to offer. Over the coming months, we look forward to working alongside MLB to create memorable experiences that will showcase and support our community.”
MLB reportedly cancels Paris plan
Meanwhile, the MLB is reportedly set to cancel plans to play regular season games in Paris in 2025 after failing to find a promoter. The cancellation, reported by the Associated Press, has not been confirmed by the organisation.
The MLB and its players’ association agreed to play in the French capital in March 2022. However, it is said that no progress was being made to make the games work financially therefore leading to the breakdown.
It would have marked a first time for the MLB in France after also playing international matches in Mexico, Japan, Australia, and the UK.
Mexico and the UK will stage two more fixtures apiece in 2024 following the league’s inaugural visit to South Korea. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are set to play twice in Seoul on March 20 and 21with the first being the first match of the season.
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