A Week of Free MLB All-Star Festivities in Atlanta: Home Run Derby Featuring Andruw Jones, MLB Draft & Red Carpet Show
By Jonathan Raymond (11Alive)
Published: June 10, 2025
Updated: June 10, 2025, 3:18 PM EDT
In celebration of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves have announced an exciting lineup of free public events for fans to enjoy. The festivities are set to take place in various locations throughout Atlanta from July 13 to July 15, offering fans a unique chance to participate in the energy and excitement of All-Star Week without the need for paid admission.
Among the highlights are a special Home Run Derby X event featuring beloved former Braves icon Andruw Jones alongside several other MLB alumni, a live broadcast of the 2025 MLB Draft, and the All-Star Red Carpet Show, where fans can catch a glimpse of their favorite players up close as they arrive at Truist Park.
Home Run Derby X: Past Legends, Present Fun
The first of the free events will kick off on Sunday, July 13, at 2:45 p.m. at Georgia Tech’s Mac Nease Baseball Park. The event, dubbed Home Run Derby X, brings a fresh and energetic twist to the traditional home run derby format. The derby will feature a 3-on-3 co-ed team competition, including participation from some of baseball’s most recognizable retired stars as well as elite softball players.
Headlining the event will be Andruw Jones, the celebrated Braves center fielder who dazzled fans with his power and defensive prowess during his career. Joining him will be:
- Jeff Francoeur, another former Braves favorite now known for his work in broadcasting
- Ryan Howard, a former MVP and power hitter with the Phillies
- Ryan Zimmerman, the long-time face of the Washington Nationals
- Ian Desmond, a versatile player and former Nationals standout
In a nod to inclusivity and athleticism across the sport, several top women’s softball players will also be featured:
- Jocelyn Erickson
- Alex Hugo
- Ashton Lansdell
- Ali Newland
Each team will be captained by one of the MLB legends and include a mix of male and female athletes in a format that promotes excitement and accessibility. The contest will feature four teams, with the tournament set up to include two semi-final rounds followed by a final to determine the winning squad.
Fans who wish to attend will be happy to know that admission is entirely free, though tickets will be limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of general admission tickets will be handed out at the stadium starting at 1 p.m. on the day of the event.
MLB Draft: A Firsthand Look at the Future of Baseball
Later that same day, fans will have the rare opportunity to witness the excitement and drama of the 2025 MLB Draft in person. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event will be held at the Coca-Cola Roxy theater in The Battery Atlanta, just steps away from Truist Park.
The MLB Draft is a major moment in the baseball calendar, marking the introduction of the game’s next generation of stars. Fans will be able to sit in the audience as teams announce their selections, players take the stage, and dreams come true.
While seating is free, availability is limited, and fans who want to attend must register in advance for a chance to secure tickets. This marks a continuation of MLB’s efforts to make marquee events more accessible to fans while promoting deeper engagement with the game’s future stars.
Red Carpet Show: Glitz and Glamour Before the Game
All-Star Week culminates on Tuesday, July 15, when the much-anticipated All-Star Game takes place at Truist Park. In the hours leading up to the main event, fans will be treated to the All-Star Red Carpet Show, a festive and star-studded spectacle that will allow fans to see MLB’s biggest names in a Hollywood-style setting.
The red carpet event will start at 2 p.m. and will take place in The Battery, the mixed-use development surrounding Truist Park that has become a central hub for Braves fans and visitors alike.
According to the Braves and MLB, the red carpet will be an impressive 700 feet long, leading straight to the right field gate of the stadium. Along the route, players, coaches, and their families will walk and pose for photos while fans cheer them on.
This event offers a unique chance for fans to interact with players and feel connected to the excitement of the All-Star Game in a relaxed, festive setting. It’s especially appealing for families and younger fans who may not be attending the game itself but still want to be part of the celebration.
Atlanta Gears Up for All-Star Week
This year’s All-Star Week is shaping up to be one of the most accessible in recent memory. By offering free admission to these marquee events, MLB and the Braves are aiming to create a sense of community and inclusion while celebrating the best that baseball has to offer.
Atlanta, with its rich baseball history and passionate fan base, is an ideal setting for the festivities. The presence of legends like Andruw Jones and Jeff Francoeur connects the city’s storied past with the excitement of the present, while the MLB Draft and red carpet show spotlight the game’s future and its ongoing cultural relevance.
Whether you’re a lifelong Braves fan, a casual baseball follower, or someone simply looking for a fun day out in the city, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during All-Star Week in Atlanta.
Event Summary at a Glance
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Run Derby X | Sunday, July 13 | 2:45 p.m. | Georgia Tech’s Mac Nease Park | Free (tickets on-site @ 1PM) |
| MLB Draft | Sunday, July 13 | 6:00 p.m. | Coca-Cola Roxy, The Battery | Free (registration required) |
| All-Star Red Carpet Show | Tuesday, July 15 | 2:00 p.m. | The Battery to Truist Park | Free, open to the public |
As Atlanta prepares to welcome baseball fans from across the country, this trio of free events promises to build excitement, foster fan engagement, and showcase both the heritage and future of the sport. Whether you’re watching towering home runs, witnessing draft-day dreams, or waving at All-Stars in person, All-Star Week 2025 is designed to be a celebration for everyone.
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