Opponents of the MLB’s decision on Monday to move the 2021 All-Star Game to Denver because of Georgia’s new voting law suggest that the move could end up hurting black Atlanta residents rather than helping them.
They note that the move will represent an economic blow to Atlanta, which is 51% black, and will give a boost to the Colorado capital, which is only 9% black, according to the United States Census figures.
The “Midsummer Classic” was set for July 13 at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, until Major League Baseball on Friday decided to change its location – a decision that was applauded by several major corporations. On Monday, the MLB announced that the game will now be played at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies.
According to the 2019 US Census data, Atlanta is 51% black and 40.9% white, while Denver is 9.2% black and 76% white.
Democrats and voting rights argue that Georgia’s new voting law, signed by Republican Governor Brian Kemp on March 25, would make it more difficult for people, especially those of color, to vote.
Republican supporters say the law is needed to restore confidence in Georgia’s elections after the controversial 2020 presidential election and the two Senate run-off elections in January.
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The ground teams prepare the field at Sun Trust Park, now known as Truist Park, before MLB National League Division Series game 3 between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Atlanta on October 7, 2018. (Associated Press )
The All-Star Game has historically had a notable positive economic impact on host cities, according to data from the Baseball Almanac, as fans, players, sponsors and other individuals flock to the event. This usually provides business for restaurants, hotels and other local establishments.
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Nearly 30% of businesses in Atlanta are owned by blacks, reported the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The 2020 All-Star Game, scheduled to be held in Los Angeles, was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, which also reduced last year’s MLB regular season by more than half its normal 162 game duration. But the 2019 All-Star Game in Cleveland generated about $ 65 million in regional economic activities.
Workers prepare Coors Field on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in Denver, the day before the Colorado Rockies’ season opens against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Associated Press)
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement to withdraw the Braves from the event on Friday in response to growing pressure to change the venue for the July game after Georgia’s Republican-backed electoral reform legislation was passed.
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“Over the past week, we have had thoughtful conversations with clubs, former and current players, the Players Association and the Players Alliance, among others, to hear their views,” said Manfred in a statement last week. “Major League Baseball fundamentally supports the right to vote for all Americans and is opposed to restrictions on the ballot box.”
The legislation imposes new restrictions on voting by mail, adds voter identification requirements and limits ballot boxes. It also determines two Saturdays for early voting before the general elections, an increase of just one, and leaves two Sundays as optional. In addition, legislation prohibits outside groups from distributing food or water to those waiting in line to vote.
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Opponents of the MLB’s game-changing decision reacted on social media.
“Moving the game around different areas … it doesn’t look like the league is trying to expand its audience,” wrote a Twitter user.
“Why did the MLB just move the Atlanta All-Star Game which is 51% black – to Denver which is 9% black?” asked Paul Szypula from New York.
“At least they are moving from a 51% black city to a 10% black city in the name of justice,” wrote Nathan Wurtzel.
“Democrats are really good with all their ‘racial justice’ thing,” wrote The Daily Wire reporter Ryan Saavedra.
Ryan Gaydos and Fox News’s Brittany De Lea contributed to this report.