Atlanta Braves to Make History at Fort Bragg, NC

The Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins are playing on Sunday, July 3, at Fort Bragg, NC, marking the first time that a Major League Baseball regular-season game is taking place on an active military base.

The game is slated for 8 pm at a new, 12,500-seat ballpark on the base. The Braves will be the home team, reports MLB.com.

The stadium will be converted into a permanent softball facility for those who serve at Fort Bragg.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, ESPN Radio and MLB.TV.

Fort Bragg is the nation's most populated military installation, home to 250,000 people over more than 500 square miles. Located in Fayetteville, NC, the installation has an annual impact of $9.8 billion to the local economy.

"Major League Baseball's boundless gratitude to our military has led us to a unique event that will benefit the men and women of Fort Bragg and their families for many years," Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a release announcing the event. "I thank the Braves and the Marlins for their participation and all of our clubs and players for contributing to this gesture, which will stand as a fitting new chapter in the national pastime's proud and distinguished military history."

"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 MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark. "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."

The game is the third of a three-game series between National League East rivals, the first two being played in Atlanta. The Braves took Game 1 of the series by coming from behind to defeat the Marlins 8-5 on Friday night.