Bristol, Tennessee, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Bristol, Tennessee, is gearing up for an unforgettable MLB Speedway Classic, anticipated to draw nearly 85,000 attendees. This historic event will mark the first Major League Baseball game in Tennessee’s history, held at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Local businesses are preparing for an influx of tourists, with additional parking and amenities offered at Bristol Campground and downtown establishments. Fans from across the nation and beyond have secured tickets, while legends Chipper Jones and Johnny Bench are set to throw the ceremonial first pitches. The event promises to break MLB’s single-game attendance record too.
Bristol Prepares for Historic MLB Speedway Classic with Expected Attendance of 85,000
Bristol, Tennessee, is set to host a historic event as the Speedway Classic approaches, with an expected attendance of nearly 85,000 fans for the Major League Baseball game on Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway. This game will mark the first Major League Baseball contest ever held in the state of Tennessee.
The local economy is gearing up for a significant influx of tourists, with businesses making necessary accommodations to cater to the anticipated crowd. Bristol Campground, which has a longstanding history of serving NASCAR races for 28 years, is preparing for this unprecedented event. Owner Bill Gaines has announced that the campground will open parking spaces for game attendees, estimating to provide 10,000 parking spots to accommodate the expected traffic.
With 2,700 campsites available on the property, Bristol Campground is already seeing interest, with 100 campsites rented out in preparation. Meanwhile, downtown businesses like Blackbird Bakery on Piedmont Avenue are also bracing for increased customer traffic during this event. Bakery manager Brandon Price is excited about the potential surge of new visitors and has emphasized the classic charm and historic architecture of downtown Bristol.
This weekend’s game is expected to break the long-standing Major League Baseball single-game attendance record of 84,587, which has stood since September 12, 1954. As anticipation builds, fans from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and nine countries on four continents have secured their tickets. Adding to the event’s allure, Hall of Famers Chipper Jones and Johnny Bench will be present to throw out the ceremonial first pitches.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Speedway Classic, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. will not be participating due to a calf strain that has put him on the injured list. Acuña has been having an impressive season, batting .309 with 14 home runs and 26 RBIs in 54 games.
Major League Baseball has dubbed the Speedway Classic as one of the most iconic and special days in baseball for the year 2025. With the combination of high attendance expectations and the unique setting of Bristol Motor Speedway, the city is poised to make history in the world of sports.
Background Context
The Speedway Classic is not just a baseball game; it signifies a new chapter for Tennessee’s sports history. The event is expected to bring in significant tourism revenue and showcase Bristol as a destination for major sporting events. Local retailers and service providers are prepared for a surge in business, reflecting the city’s ability to host large-scale events while maintaining its charming atmosphere.
FAQ Section
What is the Speedway Classic?
The Speedway Classic is the first Major League Baseball game ever held in Tennessee, set to take place at Bristol Motor Speedway with an anticipated attendance of 85,000 fans.
When is the Speedway Classic scheduled?
The Speedway Classic is scheduled for Saturday, with various activities planned leading up to the event.
How many fans are expected to attend?
Approximately 85,000 attendees are expected, which would break the existing Major League Baseball single-game attendance record of 84,587.
Who will throw out the first pitches?
Hall of Famers Chipper Jones and Johnny Bench will throw out the ceremonial first pitches.
Will Ronald Acuña Jr. be participating?
No, Ronald Acuña Jr. will not participate due to being on the injured list with a calf strain.
What preparations are local businesses making?
Local businesses, such as Bristol Campground and Blackbird Bakery, are preparing for the influx of tourist traffic by offering additional parking and amenities.
Key Features of the Speedway Classic
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bristol Motor Speedway, Tennessee |
| Expected Attendance | 85,000 fans |
| Attendance Record | Broke MLB single-game record of 84,587 |
| First Pitches | Chipper Jones and Johnny Bench |
| Participating Teams | Details not disclosed, but fans include those from all 50 states |
| Prominent Player Injury | Ronald Acuña Jr. (calf strain) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Historic MLB Game Set for Bristol, Tennessee
MLB Speedway Classic Set to Break Attendance Records
Speedway Classic to Set MLB Attendance Record in Bristol, TN
Bristol Motor Speedway to Host Historic MLB Game
Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds to Compete at Bristol Motor Speedway
Braves and Reds to Compete in Historic MLB Speedway Classic
Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves to Play at Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol to Host Historic MLB Game in Tennessee
MLB Speedway Classic to Boost Bristol’s Economy
Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds to Play at Bristol Motor Speedway
Additional Resources
- WJHL: Bristol Businesses Prepare for Tourist Rush Ahead of Speedway Classic
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- ESPN: MLB Speedway Classic to Break Single-Game Attendance Record
- Google Search: Bristol Motor Speedway MLB Speedway Classic
- Knox News: MLB Speedway Classic Braves-Reds Field Construction
- Google Scholar: MLB Speedway Classic
- Cincinnati.com: Ronald Acuña Injures Achilles to Miss Braves-Reds Series
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLB Speedway Classic
- USA Today: Bristol Motor Speedway MLB Game How to Buy Tickets
- Google News: MLB 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.
