Braves’ 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Brings Fans and First Responders Together in a Moving Tribute

ATLANTA — The sound of steady footsteps filled Truist Park on a warm September evening as hundreds of participants ascended the stadium’s concrete stairs in heartfelt remembrance of the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Held on September 6, the annual Patriot Day 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb united supporters, first responders, and local leaders for an experience that went far beyond athletics. Hosted by the Atlanta Braves Foundation in collaboration with the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of Georgia and the Georgia Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society, the event blended physical challenge with deep emotional significance.

Even before the climbers lined up, the stadium hummed with excitement. Families attached memorial ribbons to their shirts, and firefighters tightened their bunker gear and adjusted their helmets. The familiar smell of popcorn mixed subtly with the scent of freshly polished fire boots—a symbolic merging of ballpark culture and service dedication.

As dusk settled, a short ceremony set a reverent tone. Bagpipes echoed a solemn tune through the stands while a massive American flag unfurled near center field. A moment of silence followed, uniting the crowd in quiet reflection before the climb began.

Every step mirrored the bravery of the first responders who charged up the Twin Towers on that tragic morning. Many firefighters completed the climb in full gear, sweat pouring as they honored their fallen brothers and sisters. “Each stair reminds us of the courage shown that day,” said Captain Eric Jennings of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. “This is how we ensure their legacy lives on.”

The event carried a dual mission: honoring the fallen and supporting the living. All proceeds went to the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of Georgia, which offers financial aid to first responders and their families during hardship. According to Braves Foundation representatives, this year’s climb generated substantial contributions—enough to fund equipment grants and emergency relief across Georgia departments.

Fans of all ages took part. Twelve-year-old Mia Thompson climbed beside her mother, occasionally stopping to admire the ballpark glowing under the evening lights. “It’s tough, but I keep thinking about the heroes who never gave up,” she said, catching her breath.

For the Braves, the evening highlighted the franchise’s deep-rooted connection to the community. “Baseball has always meant more than the scoreboard,” said Derek Schiller, Braves president and CEO. “Tonight is about honoring the bravery of first responders and the resilience of families who continue to uphold the memory of 9/11.”

As the final participants reached the upper deck, applause rolled through the stadium like soft thunder. The skyline shimmered beyond the ballpark, a reminder that unity persists even in sorrow. The stadium lights dimmed for a moment, leaving a single spotlight on the American flag at center field—a fitting end to a night defined by quiet strength and shared gratitude.