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. Winners of 14 of the last 16 division titles, the Braves are the gold standard in major league baseball. With veteran pitchers like Tim Hudson and Tom Glavine, as well as infielder Chipper Jones leading the way, and youngsters like Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann rounding into form, there’s plenty of reason to be excited about the Braves in 2008.

The Southeast has always been a haven for college football fans, but the Falcons have changed that thinking in recent years. The Falcons have a new GM, and new head coach, and a new quarterback, but most importantly they have a new attitude heading into this season, so don’t be surprised if the Falcons make some noise in the NFC. You can bet the Georgia Dome will be rocking this fall.

Hockey in Georgia? You bet! In fact, the NHL All-Star Weekend was held in Atlanta back in February. Meanwhile, the Thrashers have been putting together the necessary pieces to have a sustained run of success for many years. Winger Ilya Kovalchuk and goaltender Kari Lehtonen are two of the most exciting young players in the NHL, and with one more key piece to the puzzle, the Thrashers are poised to get back to the playoffs and compete for Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Despite being mired in mediocrity for the past decade, the Hawks not only made the playoffs in 2008, they almost shocked the world by ousting the Boston Celtics in the opening round. Taking the eventual NBA champions to a seventh game surprised everyone except the Hawks. Joe Johnson and the two Josh’s lead the way, but don’t forget about Al Horford, Acie Law and Mike Bibby. The Hawks will definitely be in the playoff picture again next year.

If your interest goes beyond the ‘Big Four’ sports, Atlanta is also fortunate to have other professional franchises. The Georgia Force is part of the Arena Football League, one of the most unique sports you’ll ever see. And soccer fans will enjoy the Atlanta Silverbacks, who play in the USL First Division.

Last fall Atlanta added another professional team to its ranks, as the WNBA announced a new expansion team: The Atlanta Dream. Philips Arena is the team’s home court.

And don’t forget about minor league hockey, NASCAR, and professional golf. If you can’t find a spectator sport to enjoy in Atlanta, you’re just not trying hard enough!