ATLANTA -- Hank Aaron added to the excitement about what next summer will bring when he appeared on Thursday night's FOX Sports South broadcast and said, “I can’t wait for the 2021 All-Star Game here in Atlanta. Here we go.”

Just before the start of Thursday’s game against the Marlins, Aaron helped the Braves and MLB unveil the 2021 All-Star logo. The iconic Hall of Famer has stood as one of Atlanta’s greatest ambassadors since being part of the city’s first Braves team in 1966.

“Major League Baseball is eager for the return of the All-Star Game and for the opportunity to put one of the game’s great new ballparks on a worldwide stage,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “Tonight marks the start of an exciting journey for the Braves’ organization and its fans as our sport prepares for a thrilling postseason and for a successful All-Star Week next summer.”

The Midsummer Classic will be played at Truist Park on July 13, 2021. It marks the third time Atlanta has hosted this jewel event. Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium hosted the 1972 All-Star Game, which was highlighted by a home run by Aaron. Chipper Jones experienced the same thrill when he homered in front of the hometown fans when the 2000 ASG was held at Turner Field.

In addition, MLB announced that the 2021 Draft will be held in Atlanta during All-Star Week for the first time. The 2021 MLB Draft will be planned for July 11-13, and for the first time since the inception of the Draft in 1965, the event will be scheduled outside the month of June. The Draft will feature a minimum of 20 rounds across the three days, beginning with the opening night of the Draft on Sunday, July 11, following the 2021 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, part of All-Star Sunday at Truist Park. Since 2009, the first night of the Draft has been held live at MLB Network in Secaucus, N.J. Further details regarding the 2021 Draft will be announced in the coming months.

“Today marks a day where we can be optimistic and look towards next July and all the exciting festivities that come along with All-Star Week,” Braves chairman Terry McGuirk said. “We are delighted to also be a part of the first MLB Draft happening in conjunction of All-Star Week and can’t wait to have the spotlight shine on Cobb County, the City of Atlanta, The Battery Atlanta and of course Truist Park.”