The State of Pro Sports in Atlanta

Having spent most of my life split between Scotland, where soccer is king, and Canada, where hockey rules the roost, it was a definite plus for a sports buff like me to move to Atlanta where all the major sports are represented. What was even astounding to me though was that traditional pro sports fall a ways behind college football and NASCAR in the popularity rankings here in the south but, putting that aside, let's take a look at how the sporting big boys are making out here in the ATL.

Atlanta Braves - Undoubtedly the most successful of all the franchises, the Braves may have become a victim of their own success. They racked up 14 consecutive division titles, a streak that came to an end in 2006, and 1 world series win during that period yet you can walk up to the ticket office on almost any given day, playoffs included, and pick up a great seat. I don't know if fans got blasé or just expected them to win all the time and didn't think they needed the support but this is a team that deserves a better following than they have at the moment. Hanging out with the family at Turner Field is a great way to pass a hot Georgia Summer day.

Atlanta Falcons - This is a team that could have their own ride at Six Flags such has been the rollercoaster nature of their successes. Attendance and interest in the Falcons lagged somewhat after their appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII but was re-energized with the draft of Michael Vick but with the turmoil surrounding him now and the bleak outlook for the team this coming season, you have to wonder if it's time for another downturn. So much of the Falcon's fortunes were laid at the feet of Vick that it may be a while before the team, and the city for that matter, recovers from this massive body blow.

Atlanta Hawks - The less said about the Hawks the better. They have been languishing in the NBA basement for so long that they have almost become an afterthought. It's the only one of the pro sports teams that I haven't gone to see live, a trend I see continuing unabated.

Atlanta Silverbacks - The local pro soccer team and a franchise that is going from strength to strength. They have just made the playoffs for the first time and plans are underway to expand the seating capacity to 15,000 and bring in additional amenities to make it a better facility for fans and players alike. It's also, in my opinion, the best value in town as you can get tickets for as little as $12 and there isn't a bad seat in the house.

Atlanta Thrashers - The NHL has always struggled to gain a foothold in the south but on the occasions where I have gone to the games the Thrasher seem to be blessed with a very knowledgeable and passionate group of fans. It also helps their cause that they have a very exciting young team at the moment and they look to be on the upswing.

I find it interesting that the traditional US sports; football, baseball, and basketball are losing ground here and the secondary sports are seeing a rise in popularity and I wonder if that has something to do with the transient nature of the city which has a large influx of people from other states and countries who come here to work for the big corporations that call Atlanta home. Whatever the case, there is enough sporting action taking place here to keep everyone happy and I can only hope that all the franchises have some level of success and remain here for the long run.