Game On

A closer look at three local pro teams that consistently score with fans

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

While we understand the allure of world-class baseball in Atlanta and national football championship parades in Athens, those are far from being the only hot tickets around. Gwinnett County loves its local teams, too. With Georgia Swarm lacrosse, Atlanta Gladiators hockey, and Gwinnett Stripers baseball, the area has three professional teams that leave it all between the lines. But even beyond the final score, the trio is winning big in another arena: the fan experience. From fireworks shows and fantastic food to flying teddy bears, spectators always come out victorious by attending local sporting events.

Georgia Swarm

Indoor lacrosse is a beautiful game, where speed, strength, and smarts all converge during four quarters of organized chaos. From December to April, the Swarm play at Gas South Arena and have proudly represented Gwinnett County in the National Lacrosse League since 2016—even winning the NLL crown back in 2017. The team spirit is unbeatable. Not only do fans groove to never-ending tunes over the course of the game, but they also perform the arm-flailing “Goal Dance” after each score and sway their phone lights to “Sweet Caroline” in the third quarter. But what’s really music to the fans’ ears? The affordable seats (full season ticket packages start at $77), themed nights (casino and school spirit nights, to name a few), and post-game autograph sessions.

Gwinnett Stripers

Named after the fish regularly caught in area waters, the Stripers are the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A affiliate, making their games the best place to see top prospects for the 2021 World Series champs as well as current big leaguers rehabbing from injuries. But even if you’re a casual fan who can’t tell your OPS from your ERA, a day at Coolray Field always promises good food and a great time. For the former, look no further than All The Fixins barbecue and Slow Pour Brewing’s smoked wings. And when it comes to in-game entertainment, the club’s summer calendar is filled with Friday fireworks, Sunday kid days, and themed games sprinkled throughout the season, which takes place late March through September. Two favorites on the annual promo roster include Star Wars Night and a costumed Halloween outing. On Wet Nose Wednesdays, dogs get free admission, so bring your furry friend and have a ball.

Atlanta Gladiators

The average hockey player travels about five miles in a game. On blades. Wearing pads. That’s a lot. But avid followers of the Atlanta Gladiators, a mid-level professional ice hockey squad, understand the physical commitment and know exactly how to keep their guys motivated: with enthusiastic cheers and chants that echo from behind the glass all the way up to the Gas South Arena rafters. From October to April, Gladiators games are loud and proud for all 60 minutes. But as much as the ruckus might have to do with the on-ice action, it could also be a sign of sheer exhilaration from fans hearing news of $5 Wednesday tickets or seeing the avalanche of stuffed animals being flung onto the rink during the annual Teddy Bear Toss game. Whatever the case, when the Gladiators sit down for Sunday autograph sessions, it gives both sides the opportunity to tell the other how much they appreciate one another.