Ivan Allen Jr., Atlanta’s mayor from 1962-1970, played a key role in the city’s growth.
His Impact on Sports:
- He is credited with bringing Major League Sports to Atlanta.
- Allen brought the Braves to Atlanta from Milwaukee in 1966.
- The Hawks basketball team arrived in 1968.
- He also helped land the Falcons.
Allen’s impact extended beyond sports, leading Atlanta through significant physical and economic growth.
Ivan Allen Jr., Atlanta’s mayor from 1962-1970, played a key role in the city’s growth.
His Impact on Sports:
- He is credited with bringing Major League Sports to Atlanta.
- He brought the Braves to Atlanta from Milwaukee in 1966.
- The Hawks basketball team arrived in 1968.
- He also helped land the Falcons.
Allen’s impact extended beyond sports, leading Atlanta through significant physical and economic growth.
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Building a Foundation for a Major League City
Allen understood that attracting major league sports franchises was crucial for Atlanta’s image and economic development. He actively courted team owners and worked tirelessly to create an environment conducive to professional sports. This included spearheading the construction of Atlanta Stadium (later Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium), a key factor in convincing the Braves to relocate.
More Than Just a Game: The Broader Significance
Bringing these teams to Atlanta wasn’t just about sports; it was about solidifying Atlanta’s position as a major city in the South. It boosted civic pride, created jobs, and attracted investment. The arrival of these franchises helped to desegregate the city and showcased Atlanta as a forward-thinking and progressive metropolis.
A Lasting Legacy
While Allen was instrumental in bringing these teams to Atlanta, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of other business leaders and community figures who supported his efforts. However, his vision and leadership were undeniably crucial in transforming Atlanta into the sports hub it is today. His legacy extends far beyond the playing field, shaping the city’s identity and economic landscape for decades to come.
Without Ivan Allen Jr., Atlanta’s sports scene, and indeed the city itself, might look very different today.
