Fort Bragg to host MLB in special game

The Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins will play a first-of-its-kind regular MLB season game in celebration of the nation’s servicemen and servicewomen at Fort Bragg, N.C., this weekend on Sunday, July 3rd. The game will air nationally on ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” and ESPN Radio at 8:00 p.m. (ET).

The newly named Fort Bragg Field, a new, 12,500-capacity ballpark constructed by MLB and the MLB Players Association hosts the “Fort Bragg Game” during the military post’s annual Fourth of July festivities. Following the game, the ballpark will be converted to a permanent softball field and multi-purpose facility for those who serve at Fort Bragg, a gift courtesy of the Major League Clubs and Players. This event will mark the first regular season game of a professional sport ever played on an active military base.

Fort Bragg is the most populated military installation in the United States and is home to the Army’s Global Response Force, which provides strategic military capabilities globally in defense of our nation’s security interests. The installation is virtually a city in itself, consisting of more than 250,000 people, encompassing an area of almost 500 square miles, with an annual impact of $9.8 billion to the local economy.

“As the son of a Navy officer, I am extremely proud to stand with all Players and Major League Baseball as we honor our nation’s military and our country, through the playing of a regular season game in historic Fort Bragg on Fourth of July weekend,” said Tony Clark, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). “Many players are the grandsons, sons and brothers of men and women who have served or continue to serve our country. This one-of-a-kind ballpark construction project provides us with an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to all who serve to protect our great nation.”