DENVER — For the first time since 1998, the MLB All-Star Game will be played in Colorado.
Major League Baseball (MLB) has moved the game from Georgia to Denver’s Coors Field this summer.
9NEWS confirmed with an MLB source on Monday night the game will indeed be headed to the Mile High City.
MLB said Tuesday morning that it chose the Rockies because they were already in the bidding process to host a future All-Star Game. The Rockies had supplied a detailed plan for hotel, event space and security that took months to assemble, and MLB staff had already made several site visits to Denver.
MLB announced last week the game would be moved out of Atlanta in response to a controversial voting law in Georgia. The Los Angeles Dodgers remain the hosts of the 2022 All-Star Game, as previously announced. It will be the first Midsummer Classic at historic Dodger Stadium since 1980.
9NEWS has reached out to Gov. Jared Polis, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, the Colorado Rockies and MLB for comment.
Polis’ office released the following statement to 9NEWS on the possibility Monday night:
“Like so many Coloradans, I’m excited and hopeful that Major League Baseball makes the best decision and formally chooses to play the 2021 All-Star game in Denver. It would be good for baseball and good for Colorado.”
Hancock’s office said something similar:
“We are excited about the possibility of hosting the All Star Game and are awaiting MLB’s decision.”
On Sunday night, Polis’ office released the following statement to 9NEWS:
“The Governor knows that Colorado is the best home for the All-Star Game, especially because Colorado also has strong laws that enable voters to cast their legal ballots any way they choose including through mail or in person. The Governor will be burning up the phones the next few days to see if there is an opening to bring the All-Star game to Denver.”
The Colorado Rockies and Coors Field last hosted the All-Star Game in 1998 and were not scheduled to host in the coming years.