News Summary
The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will face off on August 2, 2025, in the Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway, marking the first MLB regular-season game in Tennessee. The unique venue will feature a custom-built baseball diamond within the racetrack, enhancing the challenge and excitement for players and fans. Scheduled for a 7:15 p.m. ET first pitch, the game will include a pregame concert and interactive fan activities, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees. Ticket sales have already begun, with hopes of breaking attendance records at this historic event.
Bristol, Tennessee – The Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds will make history on August 2, 2025, when they compete in the Speedway Classic, marking the first-ever MLB regular-season game played in Tennessee. This groundbreaking event will take place at the Bristol Motor Speedway, a NASCAR racetrack known for its thrilling motorsport events.
The game is particularly notable as it will feature a baseball diamond constructed in the infield area of the renowned racetrack. This unique arrangement raises questions about how the field will play and whether any unconventional elements will arise during the game. As preparations for the event begin, Major League Baseball is collaborating with the speedway to ensure the field meets the standards expected for a professional game.
Scheduled for a 7:15 p.m. ET first pitch, the contest will be broadcast nationally on FOX. The Cincinnati Reds will be designated as the home team for this match-up. Tickets for the game are currently available through Ticketmaster, with prices starting at $50 and a limited number of premium seats situated in the infield area of the speedway.
Leading up to the historic match, the Braves and Reds will face each other in Cincinnati on July 31 and August 1. Following the game at Bristol, August 3 has been set aside as an off-day for both teams. The logistics of building a baseball field into a NASCAR track is an uncommon challenge that teams in the league will navigate. Dimensions of the baseball field will include 330 feet down the foul lines and 400 feet to center field, with varying distances to the alleys.
This event will feature more than just the baseball game; there will be a pregame concert featuring popular artists such as Tim McGraw, Pitbull, and Jake Owen. These performances are expected to add to the electrifying atmosphere of the Speedway Classic. Additionally, an entertainment zone known as the Speedway Classic Fan Zone will open at noon on gameday, complete with interactive games and a Ferris wheel, promising an exciting experience for fans.
The Bristol Motor Speedway, often referred to as “the world’s fastest half-mile,” has a storied history of hosting large-scale events. In 2016, the speedway attracted a remarkable crowd of 156,990 during a college football game pitting Tennessee against Virginia Tech, setting an NCAA record for attendance. This historic venue is poised to possibly break attendance records once again with the introduction of Major League Baseball to its grounds.
To ensure a smooth experience, former Braves player Andruw Jones has advised current players to embrace the opportunity and trust that MLB will deliver a top-notch playing surface. Similarly, former Reds star Sean Casey highlights the significance of understanding the distinctive characteristics of this new field, noting that each game in such an unconventional location could bring about unexpected challenges.
This game follows in the footsteps of the 2022 Field of Dreams game, showcasing a growing trend of MLB events being held in non-traditional baseball venues. The Speedway Classic aims to combine the thrill of baseball with the excitement of NASCAR, as both sports hold a special place in the hearts of Bristol’s residents.
As the date approaches, fans and players alike anticipate what promises to be an unforgettable night of baseball history, complete with entertainment and community spirit.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Knox News
- Google Search: MLB Speedway Classic
- MLB.com
- Google Scholar: Baseball in Non-Traditional Venues
- AP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR
- Fox Sports
- Google News: Bristol Speedway Classic
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
