Celebrations to include a dozen cars lining Battery Avenue, photo opportunities with trophies, driver appearances, and MORE!
ATLANTA (August 12, 2024) – On the heels of Friday’s announcement of the Major League Baseball Speedway Classic presented by BuildSubmarines.com in Bristol, TN, the Braves will host a NASCAR Night at Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta on September 6.
The Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves will play a national regular season game in the MLB Speedway Classic at Tennessee’s Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. (ET) on FOX. The MLB Speedway Classic, which is presented by BuildSubmarines.com, will mark the first American or National League game ever played in Tennessee, which will become the fifth different state across the country since 2016 to host an MLB game that will be a first-time AL or NL contest. A baseball diamond ready for a Major League game will be built across the famed Bristol track at one of the largest standalone sporting venues in the nation.
Braves and NASCAR fans will be able to celebrate early by attending the September 6 game at Truist Park, when the Braves take on the Toronto Blue Jays. The Battery Atlanta will be an ode to NASCAR for fans to enjoy pregame. Battery Avenue will be lined with a dozen pace and show cars, from Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, and more. Fans will be able to take photos with the cars as well as some of the sport’s most coveted trophies.
NASCAR Night will feature photo opportunities, interactive stations, and special appearances by some fan favorite NASCAR drivers. NASCAR drivers will be integrated into the pregame ceremony with the celebratory First Pitch, ‘Play Ball,’ and more.
Visit Braves.com/SpeedwayClassic to learn more about the MLB Speedway Classic in 2025. A-List and A-List Premium Members will have access to a presale the week of September 16, with a Registered Users presale planned for October. Speedway Classic tickets will go on-sale to the public in early December. A-List and A-List Premium Members will receive communication about their presale in early September. Register for the Braves Insider newsletter here to gain access to the October presale.
Story 1: The Olympic Village’s Most ‘Individualistic’ Swimmer—Luana Alonso!
Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso wanted to compete for the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics instead of representing her home country.Instagram / @luanalonsom
Move over, Olympic records—Luana Alonso is setting new standards in “unique behavior” that’s turning heads in Paris. This 20-year-old Paraguayan swimmer didn’t just dive into the pool; she made a splash all over the Olympic village with her “individualistic” flair, leaving other athletes feeling as uncomfortable as a speedo that’s one size too small.
Word on the street (and in every gossip column) is that Luana was politely asked to leave the Olympic village for her “individualistic” behavior that made fellow athletes feeling “uncomfortable”. But what exactly did she do? Let’s just say, Luana was (allegedly) living her best life in Paris like a tourist on a five-star vacation.
First, she was spotted hanging out with sports royalty, snapping selfies with Rafael Nadal. Then, she checked into a luxury French hotel, indulged in some high-end shopping, and paraded around in outfits that would make a lifeguard blush. The pièce de résistance? A late-night trip to Disneyland, where she stayed so late that even Mickey Mouse had already clocked out by the time she returned close to 5 AM.
When rumors started swirling that she got booted from the village for her antics, Luana took to Instagram to set the record straight, saying she wasn’t expelled and that people should stop spreading false info. She didn’t want to make a statement, but she wasn’t going to let the lies get to her either. Because why let a little thing like public opinion ruin your Disney hangover?
After heading back to the U.S. where she’s a student at SMU, Luana dropped another bombshell: She’d rather represent the USA anyway. “It’s not a pleasure to represent Paraguay,” she said, adding that she’d prefer to be back at college. Cue the eye rolls from the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, with President Camilo Perez basically telling her, “Good luck with that,” noting she’d need to seriously step up her game to represent Team USA.
Now back on SMU’s campus, Luana might not be winning any swimming medals, but she’s definitely taking home gold in the “living her best life” category. Whether she’s making headlines for her Olympic dreams or her dream vacations, one thing’s for sure—Luana Alonso isn’t letting anyone dictate her story.
Story 2: Czech Tennis Duo Wins Gold—and Possibly Each Other’s Hearts
Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac and Katerina Siniakova react with their gold medals after defeating China’s Wang Xinyu and Zhang Zhizhen in the Mixed Doubles final tennis match at the Roland Garros stadium at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
In what might be the most awkwardly romantic Olympic victory of all time, Czech Republic tennis stars Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac nabbed the gold medal in mixed doubles, but it’s their off-court story that has everyone swooning. The pair, who were dating for four years before calling it quits in July, decided that their breakup wasn’t going to stop them from smashing the competition at the Olympics.
Cue the Hallmark movie music, because after their gold medal win, they were spotted sharing a kiss on the court, sending the internet into a frenzy. Fans are already drafting wedding invitations, but the couple’s response to the rumors? Katerina shrugged off the relationship questions with a cool, “That’s our personal life,” while Tomas quipped, “This is top secret. In red words: Top Secret.”
Whether or not they’re back together, one thing’s for sure: They’ve got the best “we won a gold medal and maybe got back together” story in sports history. Tennis fans are eagerly waiting for the sequel—either on the court or at the altar.
Story 3: Georgia Tech’s Block Party Performer Hits a High Note—With Emily Ratajkowski!
Georgia Tech fans, buckle up! Your upcoming Helluva Block Party just got a whole lot more interesting. Shaboozey, the up-and-coming country star set to perform at the event on August 31st, is making headlines for more than just his music. He’s been spotted cozying up to none other than Hollywood’s reigning bachelorette, Emily Ratajkowski!
Shaboozey performs at Bounce Beach on Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Montauk, NY. (Photo by Scott Roth/Invision/AP)
The romance rumors kicked off after the two were seen packing on the PDA at a New York City hotspot earlier this week. They walked into Musica nightclub hand-in-hand for Afrobeats artist Rema’s album release party, and it seems like they didn’t leave each other’s side all night. The pair also made an appearance at Hudson Yards last night, where Shaboozey performed, and the chemistry between them was reportedly sizzling backstage.
The duo was first seen together at Michael Rubin’s star-studded Fourth of July bash in the Hamptons last month, so who knows—maybe sparks were flying amidst the fireworks. With Shaboozey set to light up the stage at Georgia Tech, fans (me) are wondering if Emily might just show up to cheer him on.
Stay tuned, because whether it’s Olympic drama, rekindled tennis love, or a country star’s Hollywood fling, this week’s sports gossip is serving up all the spicy details you didn’t know you needed.
No. 2 ranked World Long Driver Colton Castro joined Nick Cellini and Chris Dimino and talked about being a crab fisherman in Alaska, being a long driver, and golf.
Interested in becoming a football season ticket member? Come select your own seats!
THE FLATS –Georgia Tech athletics will host a Select-A-Seat event for prospective new football season ticket members on Sunday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field.
FILE – Georgia Tech wide receiver Malik Rutherford (8) runs after a catch against Wake Forest during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Tech fans interested in purchasing season tickets to catch all of the exciting action of the Yellow Jackets’ six home games in 2024 are invited to participate in the event. Prospective season ticket members will meet with a representative from Georgia Tech athletics’ ticket office, be shown open seating options and have the opportunity to sit in seats before deciding on where they would like their season tickets to be.
To participate in the Select-A-Seat event, simply click HEREto fill out an RSVP form and a Georgia Tech athletics’ ticket representative will be in touch with more details.
2024 GEORGIA TECH FOOTBALL TICKETS
Season Tickets
2024 Georgia Tech football season tickets are on sale now and include the best seats for the Yellow Jackets’ six-game home slate, which features Atlantic Coast Conference showdowns against Duke, NC State and Miami (Fla.) at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field and Tech’s highly anticipated matchup with Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Season ticket packages begin at just $225. Click HERE to become a season ticket member today.
Three-Game Mini-Plans
Three-game mini-ticket plans to catch the exciting action of Georgia Tech football in 2024 are on sale now. Mini-plans include a ticket to the Yellow Jackets’ highly anticipated showdown versus Notre Dame on Oct. 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Sept. 14 Military Appreciation Day home game versus VMI and the choice of either the Oct. 5 ACC matchup versus Duke or the Nov. 21 primetime ACC battle against NC State. Click HERE to purchase a three-game mini-plan.
Single-Game Tickets
Single-game tickets for Georgia Tech’s five home games at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field in 2024 – Aug. 31 vs. Georgia State, Sept. 14 vs. VMI, Oct. 5 vs. Duke, Nov. 9 vs. Miami (Fla.) and Nov. 21 vs. NC State – and a limited number of single-game tickets for the Notre Dame game on Oct. 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking HERE.
Georgia Tech finished 7-6 overall and 5-3 in ACC play in 2023 (good for a tie for fourth place in the 14-team ACC), and claimed its first bowl win in seven seasons with a 30-17 victory over UCF in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. The Yellow Jackets return 17 starters, including all-ACC honorees DL Zeek Biggers, OL Joe Fusile, RB Jamal Haynes, QB Haynes King, WR Eric Singleton, Jr. and OL Jordan Williams.
Alexander-Tharpe Fund
The Alexander-Tharpe Fund is the fundraising arm of Georgia Tech athletics, providing scholarship, operations and facilities support for Tech’s 400-plus student-athletes. Be a part of the development of Yellow Jackets that thrive academically at the Institute and compete for championships at the highest levels of college athletics by supporting the Annual Athletic Scholarship Fund, which directly provides scholarships for Georgia Tech student-athletes. To learn more about supporting the Yellow Jackets, visit atfund.org.
Story 1: NFL Meets the Bachelor: Will Levis and Victoria Fuller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis responds to questions during a news conference after an NFL football practice Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Hold onto your helmets and roses, folks! The NFL has just added a glittering new duo to its power couple catalog. Tennessee Titans QB Will Levis has hard launched his relationship with none other than Bachelor Nation royalty, Victoria Fuller.
Will, who was picked 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL draft, had a bit of a bumpy ride on draft day. His then-girlfriend, influencer Gia Duddy, went viral for looking like she’d rather be anywhere else than waiting for Will to be drafted. Their relationship fizzled out faster than a popped champagne bottle in 2023, amid rumors that Gia had moved on to country star Morgan Wallen after relocating to Nashville with Will.
Enter Victoria Fuller, a Bachelor Nation superstar with a romantic resume more dramatic than a reality TV finale. From finishing fourth on Pilot Pete’s season to dating country singer Chase Rice and later getting engaged on Bachelor in Paradise, Victoria’s love life has kept fans on their toes. After her split from Greg Grippo in May, Victoria and Will, both Nashville locals, found themselves drawn to each other. Will made their relationship Instagram-official with a cozy boat picture, tagging Victoria, who then shared it with her 719K followers. With Will at 25 and Victoria at 30, the couple is reportedly having a fantastic time together, proving that age is just a number when you’re both this photogenic.
Story 2: Gold Medals and Golden Drama in USA Gymnastics
Over in Paris, Team USA Gymnastics isn’t just winning gold medals; they’re also serving up some spicy drama. MyKayla Skinner, who snagged a silver medal in Tokyo, decided to stir the pot on YouTube by suggesting that the current gymnastics roster lacked “hard work.”
FILE- Mykayla Skinner, of United States, prepares to vault during the artistic gymnastics women’s apparatus final at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. The Olympic medal-winning gymnast has come under fire for alleging that gymnastics coaches are scared to do their job out of fear they will be reported for abusive behavior. She has since walked back those comments, saying she did not intend to disrespect any of the women who will compete for the U.S. at the Paris Olympics. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)
“Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t like what it used to be. The girls just don’t have the work ethic,” she said, sparking a social media inferno. MyKayla has since issued a public apology on Instagram, but the gymnastics world was already on fire. After the team clinched gold, Simone Biles responded with an Instagram post captioned, “lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions.”
MyKayla, not one to take things lying down, blocked Simone on Instagram, which Simone announced with a cheeky “oops ive been blocked” tweet. Suni Lee jumped into the fray, commenting, “Put a finger down if Simone Biles just ended you,” on Simone’s post. With gold medals and gold-standard clapbacks, Team USA Gymnastics is setting records in both athleticism and sass.
Story 3: The Love Story of Texas‘ ‘Pole Assassin’
And now, for the grand finale: love has officially triumphed at the University of Texas, where special teams coordinator Jeff Banks has tied the knot with his girlfriend, the unforgettable Pole Assassin.
Danielle Thomas, the monkey and Jeff Banks
If you need a refresher, back in 2021, Banks made headlines for his relationship with the stripper known as Pole Assassin, whose real name is Danielle Thomas. Their love story was anything but ordinary, featuring a pet monkey named Gia, who once made an appearance on Jerry Springer and allegedly bit a child during a Halloween event. Despite the initial chaos and public scrutiny, Banks and Danielle have weathered the storm. The couple, who have been dating since February 2018, celebrated their love by getting married last weekend in Texas.
Here’s to their happily ever after – proving that sometimes, love conquers all, even when a pet monkey is involved!
He’s (Oscar Delp) a leader by action. He’s a kid that’s taking a lot of reps here, so everybody will want to compare him and say he’s filling Brock Bowers’ shoes. That’s not happening. We’re not asking anybody to fill Brock Bowers’ shoes. We’re asking Oscar to be Oscar, which is extremely physical, extremely tough, dependable. I mean, you talk about a guy that, I don’t know, that he’s missed a practice since being here, and there’s a lot of time that Darnell was out or Brock was out, that Oscar took double the load, so his durability has been incredible. He doesn’t necessarily have to lead by what he says, although he does speak up. He… he leads by his actions. And I appreciate his work ethic.
KIRBY SMART
Topics discussed in today’s presser include:
Rara Thomas dismissed Team Depth Not sure how the team will respond to adversity Branson Robinson is ahead of schedule No worries about “Expectations” Building D-Line Depth” Oscar Delp leading by example Longer seasons and camp prep The Running Back Room is looking great Tate Ratledge bringing “toughness” to the O-Line and finally… The latest injury update
Experience Includes Special “Cultural Day” Activities Such as Visiting the Atlanta History Center’s ‘More Than Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron Exhibit’ and Meeting Mrs. Billye Suber Aaron, Ambassador Andrew Young and Dusty Baker on Friday, August 2ND
Hank Aaron Invitational is the Premier Diversity-Focused Baseball Development Initiative, Powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation in Partnership with USA Baseball
ATLANTA, GA – Following a memorable experience at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex (JRTC) in Vero Beach, Fla., 44 of the 120 participants from Week Two of the 2024 Hank Aaron Invitational (HAI)have been selected to play in the annual HAI showcase game hosted at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, on Saturday, August 3rd. The Hank Aaron Invitational, hosted by MLB and the MLB Players Association, is powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation (YDF) and is the premier diversity-focused baseball development experience for diverse high school-age baseball players in the United States.
The 44 selected athletes – a number that pays homage to the number worn by the legendary Aaron throughout his Hall of Fame career – hail from across the nation and will represent their communities in the special showcase event airing on MLB Network. The participants earned their spots following a week-long program of competition, coaching and evaluation from baseball’s best many of whom are former Major League and Minor League players, managers or coaches. Notably, the showcase game rosters include five players from the greater Atlanta region. All players are expected to graduate high school in 2025 or 2026. **Attached separately are the rosters for the Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game at Truist Park**
The rosters will be broken down into two teams, with Stan Kyles coaching in the bullpen for both teams – “Team Hank Aaron” and “Team Jackie Robinson,” managed/coached by the following:
Team Aaron
Lou Collier (Manager)
Marquis Grissom
Antonio Grissom
Marvin Freeman
Team Robinson
Jemile Weeks (Manager)
Mike Jackson
Brian Hunter
Tye Waller
The Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game will be played Saturday, August 3rd at 10:30 a.m. EST, prior to the 7:20 pm EST matchup between the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins. Admission for the showcase game is free, and attendees may reserve tickets here. The showcase matchup will stream LIVE on MLB.com and will re-air on MLB Network Sunday, August 4th at 8pm ET. Gregg Caserta and Michael Bourn will on the call, with Emily Haydel, granddaughter of Hank and Billye Aaron, as the sideline reporter.
Prior to this showcase game, the Atlanta Braves will host a special “Cultural Day” for players and coaches, who will have the opportunity to visit the Atlanta History Center’s More Than Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron exhibit on Friday, August 2nd. Additionally, attendees will hear from VIP guests Mrs. Billye Aaron, Ambassador Andrew Young and Dusty Baker. That evening, the 44 players will be recognized on the field prior to the Braves contest against the Maimi Marlins. Athletes will also meet 2022 National League Rookie of the Year and Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris, who is notably a Hank Aaron Invitational and Nike RBI program alumnus. Prior to and during the game, Harris and his mother Dr. Latucha Harris will be distributing backpacks with school and teacher supplies as an initiative of his Catch 23 Foundation.
These young men, along with the other 240 players from both weeks of the developmental portion of the Hank Aaron Invitational, were treated to a memorable opportunity on and off the field at the JRTC. In addition to being instructed by dozens of former Major League players, managers and coaches on the field, they heard from a notable list of guests from throughout the baseball community, including MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark, YDF Global Ambassador and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., University of Missouri Head Baseball Coach Kerrick Jackson, Current Southern Head Baseball Coach Chris Crenshaw, Former Southern Head Baseball Coach Roger Cador, Licensed Clinical & Sports Psychologist Dr. Kensa Gunter and President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Bob Kendrick.
FACTS ABOUT THE HANK AARON INVITATIONAL:
· The event started in 2015 as the Elite Development Invitational but was renamed at the 2018 World Series to the Hank Aaron Invitational to honor the legacy of the legendary Hall of Famer.
· The event is powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, which is a joint initiative by MLB and MLBPA to support efforts that focus on improving the caliber, effectiveness and availability of amateur baseball and softball programs across the United States and internationally.
· Over the last six MLB Drafts, more than 65 alumni of this event were selected, including 10 in 2024. These include 1st round picks Christian Moore (8th overall, LAA), Braden Montgomery (12th overall, BOS), and Cameron Smith (14th overall, CHC); 4th round pick Ty Southisene (Chicago Cubs); 8th round picks Tyler Wilson (New York Yankees) and Cameron Hill (Philadelphia Phillies); 11th round pick Christian Little (Seattle Mariners); 15th round pick Erik Parker (Los Angeles Dodgers); 16th round pick TJ McCants (Seattle Mariners); and 17th round pick Jacoby Long (New York Mets). Previous HAI alumni selected in the first round include Dillon Head, George Lombard, Termarr Johnson, Elijah Green, Justin Crawford, and Cam Collier.
· In total, more than 200 alumni of the program are playing baseball at the next level, either professionally or on the collegiate level.
We’ve had to chase down bats the last few trade deadlines. I think with the expanded playoffs, it’s getting harder and harder to make acquisitions and to make trades because that extra playoff team has added another layer of teams that are contending and that and that don’t want to sell. So the number of sellers have diminished greatly and you know, finding bats in the outfield, every deadline has been really challenging. So, we’d rather be just a little bit overstocked to go into a year.
ALEX ANTHOPOULOS
ATLANTA – The trade deadline has passed and it’s time for our Baseball Man, Chris Dimino, to catch up with the best GM in all of baseball, Alex Anthopoulos. He’ll reveal what his plan for the team is for the rest of the season, why pitching is what will take you far in the postseason, his belief in the offense, dealing with adversity this season, and MORE!
Atlanta sends LHP Tyler Matzek and minor-leaguer Sabin Ceballos to San Francisco
FILE – Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Luke Jackson throws to a Washington Nationals batter during the ninth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Washington. Atlanta won 11-8. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Braves today acquired RHP Luke Jackson and OF Jorge Soler from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for LHP Tyler Matzek and minor-league INF Sabin Ceballos. Jackson and Soler both return to Atlanta after winning the 2021 World Series title with the club. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta designated RHP Darius Vines for assignment.
Jackson, 32, has pitched in 36 games for the Giants this season, compiling a 4-2 record with a 5.40 ERA (21 ER/35.0 IP) and 33 strikeouts. The right-hander spent parts of five seasons with Atlanta from 2017 to 2021, pitching to a 16-6 record with a 3.93 ERA (111 ER/254.0 IP) and 19 saves. He appeared in 11 games during the 2021 postseason, including three scoreless appearances in the World Series.
A nine-year major league veteran, Jackson owns a career record of 22-10 with a 4.23 ERA (160 ER/340.1 IP) over 322 games with the Rangers (2015-16), Braves (2017-21) and Giants (2023-24). He was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers with the 45th overall selection of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of Calvary Christian High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Soler, 32, has batted .240/.330/.419 with 12 homers and 40 RBI over 93 games with San Francisco this season, compiling a 116 OPS+ and 1.1 bWAR. A veteran of 11 major league seasons and a National League All-Star with Miami last year, the Cuban native owns a .243 (818-for-3371) average and 182 home runs over 963 career games. He paced the American League with 48 home runs in 2019 while with the Royals.
Atlanta acquired Soler from Kansas City at the trade deadline in 2021, and he batted .269/.358/.524 with 14 homers and 33 RBI in 55 games with the Braves over the remainder of the season. He appeared in all three rounds of the 2021 postseason with Atlanta, and captured World Series Most Valuable Player honors after hitting three homers and driving in six over six games versus the Houston Astros. Soler opened the scoring in Atlanta’s decisive Game 6 victory with a three-run homer in the third inning. He also won the World Series in 2016 with the Chicago Cubs.
Matzek, 33, owns an 8-9 record with a 3.40 ERA (55 ER/145.2 IP) in 143 games over four seasons with Atlanta, including a 9.90 ERA across 11 games this year.
Ceballos, 21, was selected by Atlanta in the third round of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft and owns a .264/.363/.356 line over 98 career minor-league games.
ATLANTA – Hank Aaron Week is an annual celebration of the life and legacy of Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron and his profound impact on baseball, in business, and through his philanthropic efforts. This work is continued through the Henry Louis Aaron Fund, which exists to positively impact the future of baseball by investing in those who are following in his footsteps on the field and in the front office. Operated by the Atlanta Braves Foundation, the Henry Louis Aaron Fund supports projects that enable increased representation in the game at all levels, events that showcase young talent from underrepresented communities and career development opportunities for future minority business leaders.
This year, the 2024 Hank Aaron Week is presented by Google for the second year and will take place from Tuesday, July 30 to Saturday, August 3.
For more information on the Henry Louis Aaron Fund and to support his legacy, please visit Braves.com/Hank.
L.E.A.D. Center for Youth Ambassador Signing Day & Alumni Dinner Ring Ceremony
WHAT: L.E.A.D. is a sports-based development organization that uses baseball as a tool to empower Black youth to overcome three curveballs that threaten their success: crime, poverty, and racism. The ceremonial dinner will showcase L.E.A.D.’s work supporting young athletes in achieving educational goals and overcoming circumstances through baseball.
WHEN:5:30 p.m. Media and guest arrival (3rd base gate)
6:00 p.m. Event begins
Wednesday, July 31
United States Postal Service (USPS) Henry “Hank” Aaron Forever Stamp Unveil
WHAT: The Atlanta Braves are partnering with the United States Postal Service to unveil a commemorative Forever stamp in honor of Henry Louis Aaron. Free and open to the public, the unveiling ceremony will include remarks from Mrs. Billye Suber Aaron, Atlanta Braves Chairman Terry McGuirk, and U.S. Postal Service representatives.
The stamp art features a portrait of Aaron as a member of the Atlanta Braves, based on a 1968 photo, showing Aaron’s famous right-handed batting stance from the waist up. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp and pane with original art by Chuck Styles and typography by Kevin Cantrell.
WHEN:9:00 a.m. Gates open and Media arrival begins (3rd base gate)
10:00 a.m. Ceremony begins
10:35 a.m. Post-ceremony media availability
Atlanta History Center – Author Talks Series | The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron by Howard Bryant
WHAT: The Atlanta History Center will continue the Author Talks series with special guest author, Howard Bryant, known for writing a biography on Hank Aaron titled, The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron. Bryant will engage in conversations surrounding the legacy of Hank Aaron and background on the curation of the biography. The Author Talks series aims to connect writers with readers for thought-provoking discussions about life and literature. Bryant’s book served as an inspiration for the More Than Brave exhibit at the Center, which honors the life of Hank Aaron and was funded by the Henry Louis Aaron Fund.
Braves Nike RBI Scholarship On-Field Presentation – Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves
WHAT: As part of the Braves’ efforts to create more equity and access in baseball, the team will celebrate the Atlanta Braves Nike RBI program with a special on-field presentation as the Atlanta Braves take on the Miami Marlins. The Braves will recognize eight college-bound Braves RBI baseball and softball athletes who will compete at the collegiate level and receive college scholarships. The Braves will celebrate more than 650 athletes who participated in the Braves RBI summer league, powered by the Marquis Grissom Baseball Association, and acknowledge the Senior Baseball and Girls Softball teams who will represent the Braves at the 2024 Nike RBI World Series in August.
Hank Aaron Invitational Cultural Day | More Than Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron Exhibit & Luncheon
WHAT: In partnership with Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), the Braves will host the top 44 elite high school baseball players from the Hank Aaron Invitational for a special showcase game at Truist Park. Before the showcase game, the players will experience a Hank Aaron Invitational Cultural Day to learn about the life and impact of the event’s namesake, Hank Aaron.
The Hank Aaron Invitational Cultural Day will include a guided tour of the More Than Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron exhibit and lunch at the Atlanta History Center. Following the tour, there will be a conversation with special guests, including Mrs. Billye Aaron, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Dusty Baker, about Hank Aaron’s experience and perseverance in baseball and beyond.
This event is not open to the public.
WHERE:Atlanta History Center
130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
WHEN:10:30 a.m. Media arrival begins
11:00 a.m. HAI athletes arrive and begin tour
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Panel Discussion featuring Ambassador Andrew Young, Mrs. Billye Suber Aaron, and Dusty Baker
Hank Aaron Invitational On-Field Presentation – Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves
WHAT: Hank Aaron Invitational athletes will be recognized during a special pregame on-field presentation before the Atlanta Braves take on the Miami Marlins on August 2. The ceremony is a leadoff into the Hank Aaron Invitational game on the following day, August 3.
Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game at Truist Park
WHAT: In partnership with Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), the Braves will host the top 44 elite high school baseball players from the Hank Aaron Invitational for a special showcase game on Saturday, August 3rd at Truist Park. The players will be selected to participate based on their performance during the week prior at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla. The Hank Aaron Invitational is an annual event – supported by USA Baseball and the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation – featuring the top 200 high school-aged players from around the United States.
The Hank Aaron Invitational showcase is free and open to the public. Visit braves.com/showcases to learn more and secure tickets. While the Hank Aaron Invitational showcase is part of Hank Aaron Week presented by Google, this event is not specifically sponsored by Google.
WHERE:Truist Park
755 Battery Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
WHEN:8:00 a.m. Media arrival begins (3rd base gate)
8:15 a.m. Batting Practice
9:30 a.m. Gates open
10:35 a.m. First Pitch
Please RSVP in advance for each event for parking and arrival details
