The Atlanta Braves were awarded the 2021 MLB All-Star Game, marking a fifth time the franchise will hold the honor. However, it will be their first time doing so at SunTrust Park, which opened in 2017.
“Major League Baseball is pleased to award our 2021 All-Star Game to the Braves and the City of Atlanta, which partnered on a compelling All-Star Week bid,” commissioner Rob Manfred said. “We look forward to showcasing the best of our sport and the Braves’ new home, SunTrust Park, to a global audience.”
Braves chairman Terry McGuirk added: “When we built SunTrust Park and The Battery Atlanta we envisioned our complex would be the perfect setting for an All-Star Game and we are thrilled to be able to showcase the ballpark, Cobb County and the City of Atlanta to the world.
“We would like to thank Commissioner Rob Manfred, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Dan Corso from the Atlanta Sports Council, William Pate from the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cobb County Chairman Mike Boyce and all the Cobb commissioners for their efforts in helping us secure this premiere event for our community.”
The Braves previously hosted the 1972 MLB All-Star Game at Atlanta Stadium, then at Turner Field in 2000. Prior to their move to Atlanta for the 1966 season, the Braves also hosted the Midsummer Classic in 1936 when they were in Boston and 1955 in Milwaukee.
The Braves will follow the Dodgers in handling one of MLB’s jewel events and add to a recent run of National League clubs hosting an All-Star Game. The Dodgers’ are receiving the exhibition in 2020 for the first time since the 1980 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.
When the announcement was made in April 2018, Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten promised a new wave of upgrades to Chavez Ravine.
Although MLB attempts to rotate the All-Star Game between Leagues, the NL has been on a dominant run since the Cincinnati Reds hosted at Great American Ball Park in 2015. The following year it was played at Petco Park, then Marlins Park, and Nationals Park in 2018.
The Cleveland Indians received 91st Midsummer Classic this season, and after the Dodgers and Braves over the next two years, the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field could be in line for the 2022 All-Star Game.
MLB has already named the Philadelphia Phillies as host for the 2026 event.
