Sports

ATLANTA SPORTS EVENT GUIDE

Above: Atlanta Braves; Inset: Atlanta United FC

©2021 ATLANTA UNITED

Summertime in Atlanta means temperatures in the high 80s and sports are in full swing. There are exciting sporting events to keep you busy all summer long. Here’s what’s going on that you won’t want to miss.

BY CASSIDY ALLEN CHUBB

Atlanta United FC

The 2018 MLS champions are in the middle of their fifth season with an exciting batch of home games including a July 24 match-up against the reigning 2020 MLS champs, Columbus Crew FC. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or visiting for the first time, Mercedes-

Benz Stadium offers an unforgettable experience. Enjoy watching talented stars like Josef Martinez and Miles Robinson compete on the field while indulging in a fan-friendly priced hot dog for just $1. If you can’t make it in person, United frequently hosts outdoor viewing parties throughout the city. www.atlutd.com

Peachtree Road Race

The Peachtree Road Race returns for the 52nd edition spanning two days (July 3-4) after being canceled last year due to COVID-19. In years past, the race was known as “the world’s largest 10K” but this year the main focus is to be the world’s safest 10K. Participants have the option to compete in person at the usual starting spot (Lenox Square) or virtually. Safety measures worth noting are smaller start waves and more times, which will have half the participants than in a typical year. If you’re not participating in the race, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities including four days at the expo and two event days to choose. www.atlantatrackclub.org/Peachtree

Atlanta Rugby

The RATLERS’ season continues through July 18 with two home games (June 19 and June 26) at Life University’s Lupo Family Field. Game days give fans the chance to win free bites and sips from local sponsors like Chattahoochee Coffee Company, Academic Pizza and Fox Dogs. Take a short drive from downtown Atlanta to catch some Southeast rugby in action and for away games, attend watch parties at Reformation Brewery where you can taste Rugby ATL’s own Sin Bin Brew. www.rugbyatl.rugby

Atlanta Braves

Combine the Atlanta Braves’ talented roster with all of the fun offerings at Truist Park and you get the perfect game day experience. From MVFree to recordbreaking Ronald Acuna Jr., the Braves

Continued from page 25 have players that put on exhilarating performances. The club recently signed outfielder Marcel Ozuna, who finished sixth in MVP voting and was key in helping the Braves reach the NLCS, to a four-year contract. Throughout June and July, fans have the opportunity to receive bobbleheads of fan favorites and even a Ronald Acuna Jr. replica chain during the July 20th game versus the Padres. www.mlb.com/braves

Atlanta Dream

The Atlanta Dream tipped off its 13th season on May 14 in their new home at Gateway Center Arena in College Park. After playing the 2020 season in a bubble at IMG Academy in Florida, the franchise is excited to welcome fans to its new home. Former Arizona standout Aari McDonald was selected No. 3 in the 2021 WNBA Draft. Veteran Tiffany Hayes returns for her eighth season with the Dream after sitting out the 2021 season to fight racial injustices. The Dream unveiled three new uniforms (Heroine, Explorer and Rebel) in collaboration with Nike paying homage to Atlanta and its history. https://dream.wnba.com Georgia Tech Football

The Yellow Jackets’ football season kicks off at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Sept. 4 versus Northern Illinois under second year head coach Doug Collins. Fans can look forward to the collegiate debut of all-American freshman Jahmyr Gibbs and the return of three-time ACC Rookie of the Week Jeff Sims. In partnership with Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Yellow Jackets will play UNC on Sept. 25 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Bobby Dodd Stadium plans to be at full capacity for the 2021 season. www.ramblinwreck.com

Truist Atlanta Open

The return of live professional tennis with in-person attendance is coming back to Midtown at Atlantic Station from July 24 through Aug. 1. Former U.S. Open champions Sloan Stephens and Kim Clijsters will kick off opening night as they meet for the first time on July 25. Socially distanced seating, required face coverings and other safety protocols will be in place. www.atlantaopentennis.com

Truist Atlanta Open