Whether you're a baseball fan, football enthusiast or basketball lover, 2016 was an interesting year for Georgia sports.
Take a look back at these sports moments and more from the last year.
It's not scheduled for completion until closer to the start of the Falcons' 2017 season and the Sept. 2, 2017, Chick-Fil-A kickoff game, but Atlanta residents have already gotten a look at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Located next to the Georgia Dome, it will feature a uniquely shaped eight-petal retractable roof as well as a halo-shaped video board that will encircle the field.
At the end of the 2017 college football season, Atlanta will host the national championship game for the first time at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Braves fire a manager and hire a new one
Credit: Curtis Compton/AJC file photo
Credit: Curtis Compton/AJC file photo
The Braves fired manager Fredi Gonzalez in May after the Braves ended the prior season mired in disappointment and started the new season in the same way – with a franchise-worst 9-28 start. He was replaced on an interim basis by Brian Snitker, manager of the Braves' Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett.
The Braves interviewed two veteran managers and several members of the Braves coaching staff. But after Snitker compiled a better-than-expected record and received overwhelming support from Braves players, the "interim" title was removed in October when he was named the Braves manager.
Credit: AP Photo/Doug Mills, File
Credit: AP Photo/Doug Mills, File
It took four votes to get to a decision in May, but NFL owners awarded Atlanta its third Super Bowl, which will be played in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The city's presentation emphasized the new stadium and a walkable downtown, as well as attractions and hotel rooms close to the venue.
Atlanta previously hosted Super Bowls in 1994 and 2000.
Braves say goodbye to Turner Field
After a season filled with tributes to players, front-office staff, managers and coaches, the Braves said goodbye to Turner Field on Oct. 2. Representatives from each position on the field were present, including third baseman Chipper Jones and centerfielder Andruw Jones. Braves greats Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Greg Maddux and many others were also on hand to make it a fitting, sentimental goodbye to The Ted.
After playing at Turner Field since 1997, the Braves will open the 2017 season at SunTrust Park in Cobb County.
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
The Atlanta Hawks signed eight-time All-Star center Dwight Howard to a three-year, $70.5 million deal in July, bringing the Atlanta native back home. He went to high school at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy before being drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2004.
So far this season, Howard has given the team an inside presence and has hit a high percentage of his field goals.
Georgians compete in the Olympics
Credit: Jamie Squire
Credit: Jamie Squire
At least 10 athletes with Georgia roots, including several University of Georgia swimmers, participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Lawrenceville native Amanda Weir returned for her third Olympics and earned a silver medal in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay, along with her fellow UGA swimmer Allison Schmitt. UGA swimmers Chase Kalisz and Chantal Van Landeghem also came home with medals.
Gunnar Bentz became the first male swimmer in UGA history to win Olympic gold, but his stay in Rio wasn't without controversy. He was detained after a robbery claim scandal involving fellow swimmer Ryan Lochte and, after returning home, received a six-month suspension in September.
Kirby Smart takes the reins at UGA
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
After firing football coach Mark Richt in 2016, the University of Georgia hired Kirby Smart, Alabama's defensive coordinator. As a former Georgia player, Smart was long thought to regard Georgia as his dream job – the one that could lure him away from Alabama.
After taking the reins for the 2017 season, the Dawgs have had their ups and downs under Smart. The team started with three wins, lost four of the next five and won three in a row before losing to Georgia Tech to finish 7-5.
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