Major League Baseball announced on Nov. 16 that Atlanta will host the 2025 All-Star game—four years after the league relocated the Midsummer Classic from the city over Georgia’s electoral reform law.
This will be the third time Atlanta will host the game, having previously done so in 1972 and 2000, but the first at the Braves’ current stadium, Truist Park, which opened in 2017.
“As a model of success on and off the field, the Braves deserve to host the All-Star Game. Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta will provide fans a world-class experience in 2025,” said MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. in a statement. “We look forward to working with the Braves and local leaders to deliver a memorable All-Star Week that brings people together and benefits the community in many ways.”
That sentiment had previously soured in 2021 when MLB, under Mr. Manfred’s leadership, decided to move the All-Star game from Atlanta to Denver in response to Georgia enacting a new election law that implemented reforms, including having fewer ballot drop boxes, more early voting, new voter ID requirements to get absentee ballots, and reducing the time period between general and runoff elections.
“Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views. I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft,” said Manfred in a statement at the time.
“Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box,” he continued.
Past Disappointment
The Braves expressed disappointment when the game was relocated from Atlanta to Denver.“This was neither our decision, nor our recommendation and we are saddened that fans will not be able to see this event in our city. The Braves organization will continue to stress the importance of equal voting opportunities and we had hoped our city could use this event as a platform to enhance the discussion,” said the organization in a statement to multiple media outlets.
Critics of the decision, including the Braves, said that the decision to relocate the 2021 All-Star game—which the American League won over the National League—hurt businesses and working class people in Atlanta.
Nonetheless, the Braves expressed its appreciation for being picked to host the 2025 game.
“Time and time again, Atlanta has proven to be a world-class destination for the most exciting entertainment and sporting events,” said Braves Chairman Terry McGuirk.
“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,” he continued. “Over the coming months, we look forward to working alongside MLB to create memorable experiences that will showcase and support our community.”
The 2024 All-Star game will be at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, home of the World Series champion Texas Rangers.
