Atlanta is a Team Town

By Craig Dekshenieks

For sports fanatics, there’s no better place to be than in Atlanta.

If baseball is your thing, head to Turner Field to watch the Braves—the perennial gold standard in major league baseball. With veteran pitchers like Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe as well as infielder Chipper Jones leading the way, and the big bats from Jason Hayward and All-Star game MVP Brian Mccann rounding out the team, there’s plenty of reasons to be excited about the Braves in 2011. New manager Freddie Gonzalez is back in Atlanta to follow in the footsteps of legendary Bobbi Cox and to lead the team to the playoffs.

The Southeast has always been a haven for college football fans but the Falcons have changed that thinking in recent years. Ranked as one of the best teams in the NFC, star players include quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez. Don’t be surprised when the Falcons dominate the competition this season!

Despite being mired in mediocrity for the past decade, the Hawks not only made the playoff in 2008, they shocked the world by almost ousting the Boston Celtics in the opening round. Since ’08, the team has taken three straight trips to the playoffs, earning the Phillips Arena with the nickname the “Highlight Factory.” With Larry Drew serving as the new head coach and with the team slotted within the same division as the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat, 2010-2011 is sure to be an exciting season.

Atlanta is fortunate to have other professional franchises as well. The Georgia Force is part of the Arena Football League, one of the most interesting sports you’ll ever see. Meanwhile, soccer fans will enjoy stand-out teams like the Atlanta Silverbacks and the newly minted women’s team, Atlanta Beat. The WNBA finds a happy home in the area as well, with the Atlanta Dream rounding out the city’s sports opportunities across the board.

Don’t forget about minor league hockey, NASCAR and professional golf. If you can’t find a spectator sport to enjoy in Atlanta, you aren’t looking hard enough!