SPRING SPORTS LINEUP

The spring weather in Atlanta is perfect for catching a game or two while you’re in town. From baseball to soccer, basketball, rugby and even roller derby action, our schedule is packed with Atlanta sporting events.

BY DEMETRIUS BELL

Atlanta Braves

The 2021 World Series Champions led by Ronald Acuña Jr., Max Fried and hometown heroes Michael Harris II and Matt Olson will have their home opener Thursday, April 6 against the Padres. Teams from the American League will be coming to Truist Park more often thanks to MLB’s new scheduling format, and that includes the game against the Astros April 22. Promotional games include Deaf Awareness Day April 23 against the Astros, a Matt Olson bobblehead giveaway April 25 against the Marlins,

Star Wars Night May 19 against the Mariners and a Kyle Wright bobblehead giveaway on May 22 against the Dodgers. www.braves.com

Atlanta Hawks

While the regular season may be winding down, Trae Young, Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela are flying high above the hardwood as the Hawks look to make another push to the 202223 NBA Playoffs. Hispanic Heritage Night takes place March 28 when the Hawks host the Cavaliers, while Fan Appreciation Night April 7 sees the Hawks host the 76ers. The home action for the Hawks occurs at State Farm Arena, which earned its own respective TRUE Platinum-level certification back in 2022 and helps set the case for Atlanta being a top sporting location. www.nba.com/hawks

Atlanta United FC

2022 FIFA World Cup Champion

Thiago Almada will be the star attraction for Atlanta United FC’s seventh season of MLS competition. Fans will have seven chances from March through May to take in a match at the world-renowned Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The schedule includes a rematch of the 2018 MLS Cup Final against the Portland Timbers March 18 and then a big rivalry match against Charlotte FC May 13. Not only is Mercedes-Benz Stadium known for being an incredible soccer venue but it also recently received TRUE Platinum-level certification for reducing its waste close to zero for a full year. It’s the first sports stadium on the planet to receive such recognition, which is another feather in the cap for the home stadium of the 2018 MLS Cup Champions. www.atlutd.com

Atlanta Dream

Rhyne Howard, 2022 Rookie of the Year, and newly acquired 2020 Olympic gold medalist Allisha Gray will lead the Dream as they move toward returning to the playoffs in 2023. The team’s home opener takes place May 28 when they host the Indiana Fever, and then Chicago Sky rolls into town May 30. Thanks to a newly expanded schedule, those will be the first two of 20 home games for the Dream this season at Gateway Center Arena. dream.wnba.com

Rugby ATL

Rugby ATL takes the field in 2023 with new logos, uniforms and colors as they’ve traded in red for green. United States international player Alex Maughan and the rest of the Rattlers play at Atlanta Silverbacks Park for exciting matchups including College Night March 4 as Rugby ATL hosts the NOLA Gold. Additionally, March 18 is Bark In The Park, April 8 is Turn ATL Green night when Old Glory DC comes to town. May 6 is the Kids Takeover Game against Chicago Rugby, and the game May 20 against the Dallas Jackals will be dedicated to the military and first responders.

www.rugbyatl.rugby

Atlanta Motor Speedway

All eyes will be on the hometown favorite Chase Elliot as he attempts to pick up another win at his local circuit at the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 Sunday, March 19. If that’s not enough speed for you, then weekend ticket packages are available starting at $69 for March 17-19, which include a ticket to Friday’s practice session, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 208 and NASCAR Xfinity Series RAPTOR King of Tough 250, plus the main event on Sunday. www.atlantamotorspeedway.com

Atlanta Roller Derby

The Yaarab Shrine becomes the place to be on select evenings this spring, as the Atlanta Roller Derby league gets into full swing. March 4 sees the Atlanta Rumble Bs in action against River City Roller Derby’s B-Team. Following the opener at 5 p.m., the Atlanta Dirty South Derby is in action against River City’s A-Team at 7:30 p.m. The opening bout April 22 serves as the Atlanta Rookie Showcase, followed by the Dirty South Derby facing off against the New Jax City Rollers of Jacksonville. All events feature food trucks and entertainment at the half. www.atlantarollerderby.com