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Atlanta United have prepared for the upcoming MLS season by reacquiring a familiar face recently: English right back Anton Walkes.
MLS Soccer explains how the 22-year-old defender has signed back on at the Mercedes Benz park, having been on the books of English League One side Portsmouth.
He previously played for the Five Stripes on loan back in 2017, but returned to his parent club Tottenham Hotspur, who loaned him to Portsmouth before selling him.
Anton Walkes Joins Atlanta United For 2020 Season
Portsmouth couldn’t make use of the defender as they hunted promotion from their division. His transfer has divided fans at Fratton Park.
Throughout this season, bwin states that Portsmouth have had problems at the back making Walkes’ transfer all the more baffling for some. However, journalist Mark Catlin explained how letting him leave made sense as he wanted to play regular soccer.
Portsmouth’s loss is Atlanta’s gain ahead of the new season in which they’re hoping to push on in the Eastern Conference.
Capturing Walkes represents something of a coup for Atlanta. His brief stay back in 2017 was a success and he slotted in comfortably at right back during that time. Having finished second in the Eastern Conference they lost in the semi-final of the MLS Cup, but as they’re boasting crowds in excess of their rivals, there is a feeling they could be on the cusp of further success. So, what will Walkes bring to add to that hope?
Manager Frank de Boer is an experienced European soccer player and coach who played in defense himself so he knows the modern game, and how players at the back also need to be able to attack. On the right side of Atlanta’s defense last year was Franco Escobar and whilst he was solid enough at times, he doesn’t have the same attacking attributes as Walkes.
The Englishman is more of a wing back, able to break down the flank at great speed and help the attack.
The Five Stripes played a variation of three at the back last season which is only effective if the full backs overlap and add value to the attack. Julian Gressel can operate as a winger, but with Walkes being added to the roster it gives De Boer far more flexibility in his approach.
Signing a young and exciting player from a major European country is also a big bonus for Atlanta in terms of further recruitment.
The fact Walkes, a player likely coveted by several clubs in his own domestic league, chose to join is a real boost.
That’s been further developed by Manchester United taking Efrain Morales on trial recently. If Atlanta is seen as a club fit for developing talent that can excel on the world stage, they’re more likely to be trusted with loan players from big European clubs.
De Boer’s side finished third overall in the MLS last year and if they’re to catch up with New York City and Los Angeles FC, they’ll need to be able to tap into whatever vein of talent they can. Luring Walkes Stateside is a huge step towards asserting themselves as one of the top MLS sides in the eyes of the soccer world.
For the very latest sports news and views from Atlanta, be sure to check out our sports pages.
Photo credit: Eric Jason Cross / Wikipedia
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The Atlanta Dream start their 11th season in the WNBA on Friday, May 24, 2019 with high hopes and yes, dreams. The Dream’s 2019 home and away schedule shows a very favorable slate that can put the team in a position to win a championship.
This season the Dream play at State Farm Arena after two seasons at McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Tech campus. Previously the Dream played at Philips Arena.
Here is the 2020 Schedule for the Atlanta Dream
Date Time Teams Arena Friday, May 15
7 PM ET Indiana Fever Hinkle Fieldhouse
Indianapolis, INSaturday, May 16 7 PM ET Chicago Sky Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GATuesday, May 19 8 PM ET Minnesota Lynx Target Center
Minneapolis, MNFriday, May 22 7 PM ET Washington Mystics Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GASunday, May 24 3:00 PM ET New York Liberty Barclays Center
Brooklyn, NYWednesday, May 27 7 PM ET Dallas Wings Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GAFriday, May 29 7 PM ET New York LIberty Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GAFriday, June 5 8 PM ET Chicago Sky Wintrust Arena
Chicago, ILSunday, June 7 3:00 PM ET Indiana Fever Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GATuesday, June 9 7:00 PM ET Seattle Storm Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GAThursday, June 11 7:00 PM ET Washington Mystics Entertainment and Sports Arena
Washington, DCSaturday, June 13 7:00 PM ET Connecticut Sun Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, CTWednesday, June 17 7:00 PM ET Phoenix Mercury Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GASunday, June 21 3:00 PM ET Connecticut Sun Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GATuesday, June 23
Indiana FeverGateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GAThursday, June 25 10:00 PM ET Las Vegas Aces Mandalay Bay Events Center
Las Vegas, NVSunday, June 28 4:00 PM ET Dallas Wings College Park Center
Arlington, TXWednesday, July 1 1:00 PM ET Minnesota Lynx Target Center
Minneapolis, MNFriday, July 3 7:00 PM ET
Washington MysticsGateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GASunday, July 5 3:00 PM ET New York Liberty Barclays Center
Brooklyn, NYWednesday, July 8 11:30 AM ET Connecticut Sun Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, CTFriday, July 10 8:30 PM ET Chicago Sky Wintrust Arena
Chicago, ILSunday, August 16 3:00 PM ET Washington Mystics Entertainment and Sports Arena
Washington, DCThursday, August 20 7:00 PM ET Seattle Storm Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GASunday, August 23 3:00 PM ET Phoenix Mercury Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GAWednesday, August 26 7:00 PM ET Dallas Wings Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GAFriday, August 28 7:00 PM ET Los Angeles Sparks Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GATuesday, September 1 10:00 PM ET Phoenix Mercury Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Phoenix, AZFriday, September 4 10:30 PM ET Los Vegas Aces Mandalay Bay Events Center
Las Vegas, NVSunday, September 6 9:00 PM ET Los Angeles Sparks Staples Center
Los Angeles, CAWednesday, September 9 7:00 PM ET Minnesota Lynx Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GAFriday, September 11 7:00 PM ET New York Liberty Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GASunday, September 13 3:00 PM ET Las Vegas Aces Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GATuesday, September 15 10:30 PM ET Los Angeles Sparks Staples Center
Los Angeles, CAThursday, September 17 10:00 PM ET Seattle Storm Angel of the Winds Arena
Everett, WAChicago Sky Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
Atlanta, GAThe Atlanta Dream roster is expected to be similar to 2019 with slight changes. In February, the team added veteran forward Lynetta Kizer.
With first-year coach Nicki Collen at the helm, the Dream reached their first conference finals since 2013.
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With the horrible news of former NBA star Kobe Bryant’s passing, the nation is mourning the loss of an American sports hero.
The Atlanta Hawks and the rest of the NBA all witnessed the greatness of Kobe over the course of his 19-year career. Here are some highlights of Kobe vs. Atlanta.
Flashback: Kobe Bryant Puts On A Show In Atlanta
Atlanta star Trae Young expressed a heartfelt reaction on the passing of the NBA superstar. “All the Lessons All the Advice Every word you ever told me… Will stick with me forever. Thank you Kobe,” Young tweeted.
Former teammate Shaquille O’Neal posted this: “Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah.”
Kobe also had some memorable battles with Atlanta stars, including Joe Johnson. Here are some highlights:
Most of all, Kobe was a wonderful hustand and father. His professional accolades include:
- 5x NBA Champion
- 2 x Olympic Gold winner
- 1 x Oscar Winner
- 1 x MVP. 18 x All Star.
- 33,643 career points
- 60 pts in his last game
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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LSU whipped the Oklahoma Sooners 63-28 in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Saturday evening. The game was played at the enormous Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Here are five things to know about the game, which sets up an LSU-Clemson national championship game.
1. Peach Bowl Attendance Sets Record
The 2019 Peach Bowl broke an attendance record, with 78,347 counted in the stadium.
Joe Burrow isn't the only one breaking records tonight. Tonight's #CFAPeachBowl sets a new attendance record at @MBStadium! pic.twitter.com/YDX8Gl46Aj
— Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (@CFAPeachBowl) December 29, 2019
2. Peach Bowl Win Puts LSU In Record Books
With the win, LSU improved to 14-0, a win total they have never reached before. But the Tigers broke several records behind the Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow.
𝗠.𝗩.𝗣@LSUfootball | #CFAPeachBowl pic.twitter.com/80OzRzc6Gt
— Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (@CFAPeachBowl) December 29, 2019
3. Tale Of Two Quarterbacks
On paper, LSU and Oklahoma were statistically identical, but the game really came down to the two quarterbacks.
“What a tremendous job by everybody,” Orgeron said. “One team, one heartbeat. Everybody in our organization. We got tremendous play by Joe Burrow and have a great coaching staff.”
Two incredible QBs. pic.twitter.com/h9FmkCEMTs
— Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (@CFAPeachBowl) December 29, 2019
4. ESPN Reporter Among 5 Dead In Plane Crash
Carley McCord, a Louisiana sports reporter and the daughter-in-law of LSU OC Steve Ensminger, was among those who died in a plane crash while en route to the Tigers game in Atlanta.
“We are sending so many thoughts and prayers to the Ensminger family, as well as Carley McCord’s family.”
Carley McCord, daughter-in-law of LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger, died in a plane crash while en route to the Tigers' CFP semifinal. pic.twitter.com/hY4zwujHGC
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) December 28, 2019
Atlanta has been a college football oasis for the LSU Tigers. Burrow has thrown 11 touchdowns there just in the month of December alone. But will he win the ‘chip?
Atlanta has so much to do that you need a curated guide to help you sort through it all. Make sure you subscribe to our #ATLHaps newsletter that gives you a weekly tab of Atlanta events you don’t want to miss.
Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
- For a month’s view: The Official Atlanta Events Calendar
- For a more immediate look, check Things to do in Atlanta This Week
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The Celebration Bowl takes place in Atlanta on Saturday, December 21 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The game will feature two of black football’s powerhouse programs, North Carolina A&T vs. Alcorn Braves.
Celebration Bowl 2019: North Carolina A&T vs. Alcorn
The Celebration Bowl also features the conference champions from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
The game is set for a noon kickoff and will be televised live on ABC.
How Much Do Tickets Cost To The Celebration Bowl?
Tickets for the 2019 Celebration Bowl start at just $15! The fifth annual game will match the MEAC and SWAC football champions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, December 21 at Noon ET.
Purchase 3 tickets before game day and get 1 free! This effectively provides a 25% discount for each ticket. Offer valid for $85, $50, $25, & $15 seats.
Tickets for the Celebration Bowl are Digital Tickets. No “Hard Tickets” are printed. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an electronic ticketing venue.
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SunTrust Park is going to have a snow-covered mountain and skiers! The Atlanta Braves and teaming up with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard to host Visa Big Air in Atlanta on two days this month.
The event, presented by Land Rover at SunTrust Park, is slated for Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21.
Visa Big Air: Everything You Need To Know
Visa Big Air is a sanctioned FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Cup, will be the first event of its kind to come to Atlanta.
This two-day event will bring snow sports to Atlanta in a big way, showcasing Olympic winter competitions and elite international men’s and women’s big air athletes.
More than 800 tons of snow will be brought in to create a mountain at SunTrust Park so that the world’s best freeskiers and snowboarders can perform.
Athletes will drop into an approximately 40-degree in-run, then launch themselves off the jump at speeds up to 40 miles per hour to perform their biggest tricks while traveling up to 70 feet in the air.
What Athletes Will Be At Visa Big Air?
Some of the athletes include U.S. Freeski Olympians Julia Krass, Maggie Voisin and two-time Olympic medalist, Nick Goepper.
In addition, Olympic gold medalists Red Gerard, Jamie Anderson and the 2018-19 FIS Snowboard Overall Crystal Globe Winner Chris Corning will represent the U.S. Snowboard Team.
How Much Does Visa Big Air Cost?
A discounted 2-day pass is also available, so you don’t miss any of the action this holiday season.
Here are the various prices:
Delta SKY360° Club $200 (F&B Included, no alcohol) $370 INFINITI Club $150 (F&B Included, no alcohol) $270 Lower Level $75 $140 Terrace Level $55 $100 Vista Level $35 $60 Grandstand Level $25 $40 For the Visa Big Air complete schedule and more info, click here.
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The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is going draw tens of thousands of people to Atlanta for an epic match-up that determines the college football championship.
We’ve compiled all of the relevant questions you have to give you a one-stop shop of answers to the Peach Bowl 2019. Here’s everything you need to know:
Peach Bowl 2019: Here Are 6 Things You Need To Know
As mentioned, the Peach Bowl is one of six BCS bowls that determine the college football champion. The other bowls are:
- Cotton Bowl
- Fiesta Bowl
- Orange Bowl
- Rose Bowl
- Sugar Bowl
1. Who Is Playing In The Peach Bowl 2019?
The #1 ranked LSU Tigers are playing the #4 Oklahoma Sooners in the Peach Bowl.
In 2004, Nick Saban-coached LSU defeated Oklahoma to win its first national championship in four decades.
In 2007, Les Miles led LSU to another championship, this time over the Ohio State Buckeyes.
2. How Much Do Peach Bowl Tickets Cost?
The current average price for the game is $238.62, which is the only Peach Bowl over the past five seasons to have an average price even above $150 on the secondary market.
But there are reports that there are still $60 tickets.
3. Do LSU & Oklahoma Have Hype Videos?
Why, yes, they do. Here is Oklahoma’s:
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 is Oklahoma.
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 is what we do.#OUDNA #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/4DQoYw6LK6
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) December 27, 2019
Oh and here is LSU’s hype video:
The job is far from finished…
So FINISH itVictory for LSU! pic.twitter.com/E8xTaXby4t
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) December 26, 2019
4. What Time Does The Peach Bowl Start?
Game time is 3:p.m. ET on Dec. 28, 2019.
The game will be played in downtown Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
5. How Can I Get Tickets To The Peach Bowl?
You can get tickets to the Peach Bowl through the following options:
- Fan-to-Fan Ticket Exchange
Through the Official Fan-to-Fan Ticket Marketplace of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Ticketmaster offers fans the ability to buy or sell tickets to the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship. For more information, please click here. - Playoff Premium
Playoff Premium is the Official Ultimate Experience of the College Football Playoff. Packages include National Championship game tickets, all-inclusive pregame hospitality, and other amenities. To learn more, click here. - Ticket Reservations – CFP RSVP
Fans may purchase reservations for a team of their choice, with prices determined by demand in the market. If the selected team qualifies for the national championship game, the fan will be charged for face-value game tickets equal to the number of reservations owned. For more information on ticket reservations through CFP RSVP, click here.
6. How Can I Watch The Peach Bowl?
You have several viewing options to watch the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl this year, including:
- TV: ESPN
- Online: WatchESPN
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Tens of thousands of people from Louisiana and Georgia were in congregated downtown Atlanta this weekend for the 2019 SEC Championship.
Because traffic in downtown Atlanta was pretty bad, many people decided to watch this Southeastern Conference (SEC) game at a local bar. The game made three straight trips to the SEC Championship Game for Georgia.
2019 SEC Championship: What You Need To Know About UGA-LSU Game
The 2019 SEC Championship Game was played on Saturday, December 7, 2019, in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
After a long football season, the game determined the 2019 football champion of the SEC. Here are three things you need to know:
1. Who Played In The 2019 SEC Championship?
The SEC West champion LSU Tigers played the East Division champion Georgia Bulldogs and won 37-10. This was the first meeting between these two teams this season.
With the win, #1 LSU locked up a spot in the College Football Playoff.
2. What Were Some Key Stats In The 2019 SEC Championship?
- Jake Fromm was 20-42 for 225 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions
- Joe Burrow was 28-38 for 349 and four touchdowns
- Brian Herrien rushed 8 times for 24 yards
- Clyde Edwards-Elaire rushed 15 times for 57 yards
- George Pickens caught 4 passes for 54 yards and a touchdown
- Justin Jefferson caught 7 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown
3. How Could You Watch The 2019 SEC Championship?
You could watch the game in a number of ways. Here are all the ways:Georgia came into the game ranked #4 nationally after an impressive run through the SEC East. The 11-1 ranked Bulldogs only lost to South Carolina in a wild upset.LSU is undefeated through 13 games and has one of the most high-powered offenses in the nation. Senior quarterback Joe Burrow is a contender for the Heisman Trophy, which is awarded to the country’s top college football player.If you’re in the mood for some grub in downtown Atlanta, check out some of our must-try restaurants:Up Next: Where To Eat In Downtown Atlanta
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The party was in downtown Atlanta on Saturday night after the Georgia State University Panthers shocked the Tennessee Volunteers 38-30 at Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee, a former powerhouse team in the SEC, was supposed to mop the field with the Panthers, who were three-score underdogs. Instead, GSU handed the Vols their first home opening loss since 1983.
Georgia State stuns Tennessee 38-30
Georgia State went 2-10 last year, but quickly showed that they are not the same squad. Remember, the Panthers have only had a football program since 2010. They had never beaten a team in the Power Five.
But on Saturday night, the Panthers were the most powerful team on the field. After the game, the Panthers players were ecstatic.
“One of the happiest days of my life by far,” Georgia State linebacker Ed Curney said, according to ESPN. “We knew it was going to happen. We prepared all week. Coaches told us all week if we do what we are coached to do, we play fast, have fun, play our game, this would be the outcome.”
Dan Ellington’s superb play all day set the stage for a massive upset against the Vols.Last Season the Georgia State Panthers
• Had a 2-10 record
• Finished last in the Sun Belt
• Ranked 104th in total offense
• Ranked 122nd in total defenseThey begin this season with the biggest win in program history, stunning Tennessee in Knoxville. pic.twitter.com/5mmZLLH3cd
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) August 31, 2019
Up next: GSU 2019 Schedule: Who do the Panthers play next?
Georgia State University Football Schedule 2019: Times, Dates, Game Info
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The University of Georgia Bulldogs are ready to play for SEC football in 2019. Georgia plays at legendary Sanford Stadium in Athens is just north of Atlanta.
Head coach Kirby Smart and the gang are looking to challenge for the SEC crown once again, after being bested by Alabama two years in a row. The Bulldogs regular season looks like they will be able to turn in a 10-win season.
Let’s take a look at the Georgia Bulldogs 2019 football schedule:
Here is the Georgia Bulldogs 2019 football schedule
Date Opponent Location Time Saturday, Aug. 31 Vanderbilt – 30-6 Nashville, TN 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 Murray State 63-17 Athens, GA 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 Arkansas State Athens, GA 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept 21 Notre Dame Athens, GA 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Tennessee Knoxville, TN 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 South Carolina Athens, GA TBA Saturday, Oct. 19 Kentucky Athens, GA TBA Saturday, Nov. 2 Florida Jacksonville, FL 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 Missouri Athens, GA TBA Saturday, Nov 16 At Auburn Auburn, Ala. TBA Saturday, Nov. 23 Texas A&M Athens, GA TBA Saturday, Nov. 30 Georgia Tech Atlanta, GA TBA Georgia’s biggest rival is Florida, the annual game affectionately called “The World’s Largest Cocktail Party” in Jacksonville.
In the state, The Bulldogs are annually challenged by Georgia Tech of the ACC.
Week 1: UGA 30 – Vanderbilt 6
The Bulldogs came out explosive on offense in the first game of the season, easily handling Vanderbilt on way to an easy victory.
First 🙌 of the year#ATD #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/rg1D7Zol5g
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) September 1, 2019
Keep up with the latest game info on our Sports Page
