MLB All-Star Game going back to Atlanta in 2025 after ’21 event was pulled over voting law

Major League Baseball on Thursday announced Atlanta will host the 2025 All-Star Game after the 2021 game was removed from the city in protest of the state’s newly passed voting legislation. 

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred shared the news during a press conference.

The 2021 All-Star Game was moved to Colorado after Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed a voting rights bill into law in response to President Biden’s electoral win in Georgia in the 2020 election.

Critics argued the law was too restrictive and would make it harder for minority communities to vote.

Kemp took a victory lap of sorts in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday, noting the law remains the same.

“Georgia’s voting laws haven’t changed, but it’s good to see the MLB’s misguided understanding of them has,” Kemp wrote in his post. “We look forward to welcoming the All-Star Game to Georgia. Go Braves!”

This will be the third time Atlanta will host the game, joining the Midsummer Classics in 2000 and 1973. It will take place at Truist Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves.

“I commend Terry McGuirk, Derek Schiller, the entire Braves organization and the Atlanta Sports Council for leading this effort,” Manfred said at the news conference, according to MLB.com 

“As a model of success on and off the field, the Braves deserve to host the All-Star Game. Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta will provide fans a world-class experience in 2025. We look forward to working with the Braves and local leaders to deliver a memorable All-Star Week that brings people together and benefits the community in many ways.”

In a separate statement, the Braves expressed their excitement with the All-Star Game returning to the Peach State. 

“We are thrilled that Major League Baseball has awarded the Atlanta Braves the 2025 All-Star Game,” Braves chair Terry McGuirk said in a statement. 

“Time and time again, Atlanta has proven to be a world-class destination for the most exciting entertainment and sporting events. I am excited that baseball fans will have the opportunity to experience Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta along with all this area has to offer,” McGuirk added. “Over the coming months, we look forward to working alongside MLB to create memorable experiences that will showcase and support our community.”