Could it be a dynasty in the making?

Following two weeks of competitions and nearly 2,500 votes, mighty Alpharetta has again emerged as the Best OTP Downtown tourney winner in our March Madness-style Suburban Smackdown contest.

Alpharetta bagged 64 percent of more than 1,400 Championship round votes to prevail once again, holding off a valiant effort by No. 16-seed dark horse Trilith. That makes Alpharetta the tourney victor for the second year running, a bit of Georgia Bulldogs-esque déjà vu.

It makes sense for an OTP destination that’s blossomed with smart, walkable development over the past decade and a half (in many cases, replacing parking lots, strip centers, and underused buildings), with more downtown growth in the pipeline. What's more, the growing, BeltLine-style Alpha Loop links downtown to Avalon and beyond.

For rising up and winning, Alpharetta is the recipient of bragging rights and another year’s worth of good vibes. And yes, our hallowed (virtual) Golden Urby Chalice of Champions!

The Golden Urby Chalice of Champions 2024 (Suburban Smackdown edition).

Welcome to the pantheon of criteria-free, metro-wide Atlanta greatness, Alpharetta—as only the second repeat winner in tournaments history. You earned it. Again. 

Also, a sincere thanks to everyone who remained respectful, fair, and civil while participating in the 2024 tourney.

Photo: Downtown Alpharetta District

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Suburban Smackdown, Best OTP Downtown winners: 

2023: Alpharetta  

2024: Ditto

The hallowed pantheon of Best Atlanta Neighborhood tournament winners:

2011: Inman Park

2012: Old Fourth Ward

2013: Kirkwood 

2014: Reynoldstown 

2015: West End

2016: East Atlanta  

2017: West End (again)

2018-2020: (forced hiatus)

2021: Mozley Park

2022: Avondale Estates

2023: Hapeville

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