On a hot day in the middle of the summer, there is no better place to be than a major league ballpark with a group of old friends.
A summer wouldn't be complete without a trip to Turner Field in Atlanta to see the Braves play.
I went to the game last Thursday night when the Braves played against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Going to a baseball game during the Fourth of July holiday weekend has been a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember.
I have been a die-hard Philadelphia fan for my entire life, so going to this game was a no brainer.
I'd have to say that this game was the best experience I've ever had at a baseball game. Every aspect of the night just added to its greatness.
We arrived a few hours early to get our tickets and to tailgate. $7 for a ticket is an awesome deal if you only go to one or two games a year.
Tailgating at a professional sporting event in Atlanta brings fans from every SEC school out to the stadium. I got some evil looks wearing my Auburn hat along with my Phillies T-shirt.
My yelling "War Eagle" at anyone who passed wearing SEC apparel didn't make me many friends either.
Being a fan of the away team is always fun too. I love trash talking with Braves fans. They understand that it's all in good fun and that one series doesn't make a whole season.
The weather that evening was perfect for celebrating our country's Independence Day and for watching our national pastime.
The atmosphere was electric as the Braves were going for the sweep against the Phillies.
We sat in the upper deck on the first base side. It was a great place to watch the game, and we had a wonderful view of the city.
The game was tense and low scoring, which kept everyone on the edge of their seats, and a hot dog and a cold beer only added to the atmosphere.
The Braves honored a member of our Armed Forces in the middle of the sixth inning, and I felt so proud to be part of the standing ovation he was given.
The moment that made the night, however, was during the seventh inning stretch.
A performer from the Atlanta Opera took to the field to sing "God Bless America" before the traditional "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was sung.
Everyone in the stadium was on their feet once again to join in the singing. I've never felt so patriotic.
The game ended in a victory for Atlanta and a sweep of my Phillies, but that didn't matter. There was nothing that could upset me that night.
Since the Braves weren't hosting a game on the Fourth, they had fireworks after Thursday's game. The organization did a great job pairing the fireworks with patriotic music.
I can't think of any other way I'd rather spend my Fourth of July holiday.
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