ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The MLB All-Star Game is back in Atlanta for the first time in 25 years. But before the first pitch, several days of fan experiences is taking over an event center near Truist Park!
The MLB’s All-Star Village opened its doors on Saturday at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Running until Tuesday, the festival treats fans to dozens of interactive activities.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: All-Star Village ready to open Saturday at Cobb Galleria
Before the village opened, hundreds of fans lined up for hours outside the venue.
Jacob Bush and his family drove from Bowling Green, Kentucky, to take part in the All-Star Week. Last summer, they drove to the MLB All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas.
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“It was really cool,” Bush said. “We just love baseball, so we came down here to watch it.”
MLB’s vice president of baseball & softball development, David James, said he couldn’t wait for the fans to experience All-Star Village.
“There’s a lot of things going on inside here where families have an opportunity to feel like a pro player,” he said. “Having this here, we’re hoping it allows more people to become fans of the game.”
Here’s a list of what you can expect at the All-Star Village:
Daily giveaways
Each day of the festival, lucky fans will get the chance to win giveaway items — including sunglasses, a tote bag, a mini autograph book and a phone wallet.
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Activities
The MLB’s ALL-Star Village is chock-full of interactive activities offered by the MLB and its several corporate sponsors. You can try your hand in a batting cage or at the pitcher’s mound, play a baseball simulator or VR game, stick to a wall in a Velcro suit for a photo op and even peruse MLB-licensed baseball art!
Click here for a full list of attractions.
Capital One PLAY BALL PARK
Is your child an aspiring baseball or softball star? If so, they’ll enjoy the Capital One PLAY BALL PARK, where children of all ages can attend clinics or play games on a diamond inside the galleria.
The clinics are led by accomplished athletes, including Olympic gold medal-winning softball players Jennie Finch and Natasha Watley.
Player and mascot appearances
Several baseball legends will be at the festival, signing autographs and greeting fans. Click here for a full list.
Mascots from dozens of MLB teams will also be roaming the galleria, including the Braves’ own Blooper.
Food and drink
Alongside several food trucks, fans can enjoy ballpark-inspired bites themed after different MLB teams, from the Chicago White Sox’s Campfire Milkshake to the New York Yankees’ 99 Burger.
Parking options
If you’re going to the festival, be sure to park at one of the Cobb Galleria Centre’s three parking decks — Red, Green and Blue. From the galleria, you can also easily get to The Battery and Truist Park using a pedestrian bridge.
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