ATLANTA, Ga. — As Major League Baseball prepares to return to Atlanta for the 2025 Midsummer Classic, the league revisits a pivotal moment from four years ago.
In 2021, MLB made the decision to relocate that year’s All-Star Game from Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, to Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The move followed the passage of new voting laws in Georgia that drew criticism from civil rights organizations and some corporate leaders, who argued the legislation would restrict voter access.
Here is the full release from MLB. The money line from commission Rob Manfred: “Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box.” pic.twitter.com/3tghCUDM47
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 2, 2021
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement at the time explaining the decision was made to “demonstrate our values as a sport” and affirm the league’s commitment to “providing fair access to voting.” Manfred added that discussions with current and former players, the MLB Players Association, and the Players Alliance contributed to the final outcome.
The decision was praised by voting rights advocates and many players and executives around the league. Several pointed to it as a sign that professional sports leagues could use their platforms to address broader social issues.
However, others viewed the move as politically motivated and detrimental to local workers and small businesses in Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves issued a statement expressing disappointment, noting that the team and city lost a major economic opportunity, particularly for minority-owned vendors and surrounding communities.
The 2021 All-Star Game ultimately went forward in Denver, marking the second time Colorado hosted the event. Despite the controversy surrounding its relocation, the game itself featured the league’s top talent and continued the All-Star tradition.
Now, in 2025, the All-Star Game returns to Atlanta for the third time in its history. The city last hosted in 2000 at Turner Field. This year’s event will be played at Truist Park on Tuesday, July 15, as part of MLB’s 95th Midsummer Classic.
