Sideline Report for Friday, April 14, 2017

Hank Aaron takes in his new statue in Monument Garden at SunTrust Park after the unveiling ceremony last month.

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

Hank Aaron takes in his new statue in Monument Garden at SunTrust Park after the unveiling ceremony last month.

Here’s six things to know about Atlanta sports this weekend:

1. It’s Braves' Opening Day!

The first pitch of Braves' Opening Day will be thrown out by Hank Aaron on Friday and the game against the San Diego Padres is set to begin at 7:35 p.m. Tickets are sold out. Friday's game is the first of a four-game home series with the Padres.

2. Hawks at Wizards on Sunday

The Hawks will begin the first round of playoffs with a series against the No. 4 Washington Wizards. Game 1 will tip off on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center. Games 3 and 4 will be hosted by the Hawks in Atlanta. Check out what other games to watch this weekend in the AJC's NBA Playoffs Weekend Report.

3. Atlanta United to take on Montreal

Doug Roberson asked Atlanta United goalkeeper Alec Kann about Saturday's match at Montreal, his performance so far this season and how the team is progressing. Roberson also predicts the starters of Saturday's match.

4. What we learned about the Falcons this week

D. Orlando Ledbetter breaks down the biggest Falcons' news of the week including the Falcons singing a former UGA track star and how long it took Matt Ryan to watch the Super Bowl film after the Falcons' loss in February.

5. Atlanta Super Bowl date announced

The NFL released the date of Super Bowl LIII on Thursday which will be held in Atlanta. The 2019 Super Bowl will be the third Super Bowl held in Atlanta. The NFL is also planning to release the 2017 regular-schedule of games on Thursday.

6. Junior leading Tech quarterback race

With injury to Georgia Tech's presumed starting quarterback Matthew Jordan in spring practice on April 8, one of Tech's junior quarterbacks is leading the race for starter ahead of Tech's spring game on April 21. Coach Paul Johnson is hopeful for Jordan's return. Ken Sugiura writes an update about the Yellow Jackets' quarterback race.