News Summary
The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will make history by playing in the first-ever Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway. Scheduled for August 2, the game marks the initial Major League Baseball event in Tennessee, alongside festivities such as a concert by Tim McGraw. A new baseball field will be constructed on the NASCAR racetrack, accommodating unique pre-game experiences and engaging fan activities. This landmark event promises to celebrate sports and community while drawing in record attendance.
BRISTOL, Tennessee – The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are gearing up for a groundbreaking event, as they will play in the first-ever Speedway Classic on August 2, 2025. This historic game will take place at Bristol Motor Speedway, which is famously known as the “Last Great Coliseum.” The matchup will mark the first Major League Baseball (MLB) game ever played in the state of Tennessee.
The game, scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. ET, is part of a three-game series, with earlier games taking place in Cincinnati. The Speedway Classic aims to attract a record attendance, potentially exceeding previous significant events held at the venue, which has a capacity of 146,000 and is primarily known for its NASCAR racing events.
In a move designed to enhance the fan experience, each ticket purchased for the game will include access to a concert by country star Tim McGraw, which will occur one hour before the first pitch. Fans seated in designated sections will have exclusive floor access to the concert area, creating a unique pre-game atmosphere.
Special Features of the Speedway Classic
The event will feature the Braves and Reds wearing special jerseys that showcase bold NASCAR-style lettering, emphasizing the crossover between baseball and motorsports. To accommodate the baseball game, a entirely new baseball field will be constructed on half of the racetrack’s infield. This development will involve using 20,000 tons of gravel and 340 tons of clay to create a synthetic turf playing surface, similar to that used at the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. The baseball field dimensions will measure 400 feet to center field, 375 feet to the gaps, and 330 feet down the lines.
Construction will also include removing part of the Goodyear building and segments of the pit wall to facilitate the new field. Additional amenities at the Speedway will feature clubhouses complete with showers, weight rooms, and locker rooms for the players.
Fan Engagement and Activities
The Speedway Classic aims to become not just a sporting event but a comprehensive entertainment experience for fans. A dedicated fan zone will offer a variety of entertainment options, food selections, and activities for attendees. Performers in the fan zone will include Adam Doleac, Jake Owen, Reyna Roberts, and Timothy Wayne. The fan zone will also feature a Ferris wheel, beer garden, pitching tunnels, and batting cages to engage fans of all ages.
Fans will have opportunities for photos with the Commissioner’s Trophy and displays of MLB stock cars, creating memorable experiences associated with the event. The game will be broadcast live on FOX, as well as streamed on FOX Sports platforms, ensuring broad accessibility for baseball enthusiasts.
Background and Significance
The presence of MLB in Tennessee has long been a talking point, with the nearest teams being the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. This historic matchup at Bristol Motor Speedway not only marks a milestone for baseball in Tennessee but also highlights the growing collaboration between different sporting venues. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed excitement over the unique setting, indicating the league’s commitment to exploring innovative ways to engage with fans.
As excitement builds leading up to the Speedway Classic, both the Braves and Reds are ready to make history in what promises to be a memorable evening filled with sports, music, and community celebration.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Braves Speedway Classic
- Wikipedia: Speedway Classic
- Speedway Digest: Turf Installation at Bristol
- Google Search: Bristol Motor Speedway MLB game
- MLB.com: Braves vs Reds at Speedway Classic
- Google Scholar: Bristol Motor Speedway MLB game
- Sporting News: Braves Reds 2025 Tickets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Cincinnati.com: Tyler Stephenson’s Ricky Bobby Gear
- Google News: Braves vs Reds 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.
