1. April 10 vs. Mets: Braves celebrate 50 seasons in Atlanta
The Braves are planning several celebrations throughout the year for their 50th season in Atlanta, but the biggest one will be at Friday’s home opener. A pregame ceremony will include video highlights and appearances by Braves icons. Scheduled to appear at the celebration are Hank Aaron, Bill Bartholomay, Sid Bream, Bobby Cox, Dale Murphy, Phil Niekro, Chipper Jones and Fred McGriff.
2. April 10 vs. Mets: Friday night fireworks debut
Every Friday night game at Turner Field is followed by a fireworks show. Themes for this season include The Beatles (April 10), AC/DC (May 1 vs. Reds), Frank Sinatra (June 5 vs. Pirates), Motown (June 19 vs. Mets) and Star Wars (July 3 vs. Phillies).
3. May 3 vs. Reds: Braves Bark in the Park
Fans attending the game can also purchase tickets for their dogs in a package that includes a ceramic Braves dog bowl. (Canines must be accompanied by an equal number of humans with tickets.)
4. May 20 vs. Rays: Javy Lopez Bobblehead Night
Lopez played 12 seasons for the Braves starting in 1992 and was named to three All-Star teams. He set the season record for home runs by a catcher with 42 in 2003 and caught Kent Mercker’s no-hitter on April 8, 1994, at Dodger Stadium.
5. May 24 vs. Brewers: Tenth Avenue North concert
Christian pop-rock band Tenth Avenue North will perform after the game. Admission is included with game tickets.
6. June 9 vs. Padres: David Justice Bobblehead Night
Justice was a bridge from the Braves’ lean times in the 1980s to their 1990s glory days. He was named National League rookie of the year in 1991 and was third in MVP voting in 1993. Justice was selected for two All-Star teams during his eight seasons with the Braves.
7. June 10 vs. Padres: Summer concert series debut
British pop artist Charli XCX will perform at the first of three scheduled postgame concerts this season. All fans who buy a ticket for the game can stay for the concert. R&B group Boyz II Men is scheduled to perform June 20 (vs. Mets). The act for Oct. 1 (vs. Nationals) has yet to be announced.
8. Aug. 7-9 vs. Marlins: Alumni Weekend
The 1995 World Series championship team will be honored during this homestand. The first 20,000 fans at the Aug. 8 game will receive replica World Series rings. The Legends game will feature members of the 1995 team playing against other Braves alumni. There also is a ceremony planned before the Braves play the Marlins.
9. Aug. 14 vs. Diamondbacks: John Smoltz Night
Smoltz is set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y. The first 20,000 fans at the game will receive a Smoltz bobblehead doll, and the Braves will honor him with a tribute before they play the Diamondbacks. Smoltz’s attendance hasn’t been confirmed yet.
10. Sept. 10 vs. Mets: Julio Teheran Bobblehead Night
Teheran was selected to the All-Star team for the first time last season, and now the ace pitcher gets his first bobblehead doll as a big-leaguer. The first 20,000 fans at the game will get one.
