Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sports

Must-See TV

The Buzz: What's movin' and shakin' in the world of sports

Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo

The first few days after Memorial Day are generally a time of recovery after a weekend of brats and brew. But not this year—at least not for soccer fans. Many are calling Wednesday’s game between defending champion Manchester United and Barcelona in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final a dream match in pursuit of the most prestigious trophy in European football. Others are just hoping the event comes off without death or injury. As many as 40,000 British fans are expected in Rome, where 10 United fans were stabbed during a game last year. It’s a gross understatement to say that fans of European football are passionate. After Arsenal's semifinal loss earlier this month, a fan in Nairobi hung himself on his balcony—still wearing his Arsenal jersey. Whoa. This year's final will be broadcast to some 200 million viewers in more than 70 countries and more than 40 languages. Double whoa. Atlanta has some great viewing spots, but the best may be Fadó, where the Guinness will be flowing throughout the 2:30 p.m. ESPN broadcast.

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The Hawks are done, and since attendance figures indicate the city hasn't exactly warmed up to these Braves, maybe fans will stay aboard the hoops train with the recently un-retired Chamique Holdsclaw and the Atlanta Dream, which plays its exhibition opener Tuesday night against Connecticut. Despite its dismal record-setting 4-30 performance, the Dream drew respectable attendance numbers at Philips Arena in its inaugural year. Atlanta has also shown its support for pro volleyball: The AVP Crocs Tour stops by Atlantic Station for the fourth straight year May 29-31. The Atlanta Open will feature some of the top men and women volleyball players in the world, including 2008 Olympic gold medalists Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers. The action will be broadcast on Versus on June 6 and 12, in case you want to catch yourself onscreen, lounging in the stands with a brew or waving a sign while sporting a rainbow wig. Or something like that.