Bench Press: Weekend sports roundup
April 30, 2009 at 4:55 pm by Jonathan Williams
VROOM VROOM, THE PARTY STARTER: The Mitty
Three years ago, the Atlanta Braves gave new meaning to taking the dog for a walk in the park when they hosted the first Bark in the Park. The event allows fans and their furry friends to enjoy a home game with special amenities not offered to the rest of the spectators. It’s become so popular that there are two each year — the first one of the season this weekend.
As the Braves take on the Houston Astros in the last of a three-game series, dogs whose owners pre-registered will get to sit in a designated section at Turner Field where Wag-A-Lot doggie daycare will provide doggie pools, water misters, veterinary services and other pet pampering.
Bark in the Park tickets get admission for one human and one canine, as long as the dog is up to date on its vaccinations, with proceeds going to the Atlanta Braves Foundation. Up to six additional human tickets can be purchased with each combo ticket. Bark in the Park ticket holders get their own special entrance to the park.
Bark in the Park. Sun., May 3. 1:30 p.m. $12-$25 (registration ends April 30). Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive. 404-577-9100. www.braves.com/bark.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) has quickly become one of the most popular sports in the country, giving fans of boxing, wrestling and jujitsu the best of all worlds. Locally, Wild Bill’s Fight Nights have become the place to see some of the best up-and-coming amateur fighters make names for themselves alongside more established professional grapplers.