Bristol Motor Speedway, Tennessee, August 4, 2025
News Summary
The MLB Speedway Classic featuring the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds was suspended due to rain after just one inning at Bristol Motor Speedway. This significant event marks the first regular-season MLB game in Tennessee, attracting over 85,000 fans, surpassing the previous attendance record. With an early Reds lead of 1-0, officials have scheduled the game to resume the next day. The occasion highlighted the merging of baseball and NASCAR cultures, featuring numerous pre-game festivities and a unique setting.
Bristol, Tennessee – The MLB Speedway Classic game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds was suspended due to rain on Saturday night after just one inning of play. This highly anticipated matchup marked the first regular-season Major League Baseball game held in Tennessee. The game was played at the renowned Bristol Motor Speedway, where an impressive record crowd of over 85,000 tickets were sold, surpassing the previous attendance record of 84,587 set during a 1954 game.
The game is slated to resume on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET. Before the rain interruption, the Reds had taken an early 1-0 lead after an RBI single from Austin Hays. The initial rain delay lasted for 2 hours and 17 minutes, which began after one out in the bottom of the first inning.
Michael Hill, MLB’s senior vice president of on-field operations, indicated optimism for improved weather conditions on Sunday. The matchup is part of MLB’s broader initiative to promote baseball in non-traditional markets, similar to past events like the Field of Dreams game in Iowa.
Numerous pre-game activities kicked off the event, including a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Hall of Famers Johnny Bench and Chipper Jones, along with NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott. Funfair attractions, including a 110-foot Ferris wheel, food trucks, and live musical performances featured artists Tim McGraw and Pitbull before the rain delayed the game.
The players were introduced in an exciting parade around the racetrack in pickup trucks, adding a unique flair to the classic baseball game. Andrew Abbott, pitcher for the Reds, arrived in a modified NASCAR race suit, illustrating the crossover appeal of both sports. The first pitch of the game was thrown at 9:41 p.m. ET. Unfortunately, after a brief operational period, additional rain delays forced the cancellation of play for the night.
To accommodate the conditions of the raceway, special arrangements were made, as the field layout required players to adapt to a 400-foot center field and the distinctive outfield created by the racetrack. As most fans were attending a baseball game at a raceway for the first time, there was a palpable sense of excitement and engagement among attendees.
With the game rescheduled for Sunday, the Cincinnati Reds are in pursuit of a wild-card spot in the MLB standings, highlighting the importance of resuming this game. MLB officials plan to report the final attendance figures after reviewing how many fans returned for the game’s continuation.
This historic game at Bristol Motor Speedway not only represents a milestone for baseball in Tennessee but also serves to illustrate the increasing overlap between MLB and NASCAR, appealing to shared fanbases and generating interest in both sports.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bristol Motor Speedway, Tennessee |
| Teams | Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds |
| Attendance | Over 85,000 tickets sold |
| Game Date | Saturday night |
| Resumption | Sunday at 1 p.m. ET |
| Rain Delay Duration | 2 hours and 17 minutes |
| Ceremonial First Pitch | Johnny Bench, Chipper Jones, Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott |
| Pre-game Performances | Tim McGraw, Pitbull |
| Reds Lead | 1-0 after one out |
| Unique Venue | Combination of baseball and NASCAR |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which teams played in the MLB Speedway Classic?
The Atlanta Braves faced off against the Cincinnati Reds.
Where was the game held?
The game took place at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.
Why was the game suspended?
The game was suspended due to rain after just one inning of play.
What was significant about the attendance?
The attendance exceeded 85,000, setting a record for baseball games in Tennessee.
When will the game be resumed?
The game will resume on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Historic MLB Speedway Classic Draws Record Crowd in Bristol
Historic MLB Speedway Classic Delayed by Rain, Braves Triumph Over Reds
Bristol to Host Historic MLB Game
Historic MLB Game Takes Place in Tennessee Under Heat Advisory
Historic MLB Speedway Classic Delayed by Rain in Bristol
Historic MLB Speedway Classic Held in Bristol, Tennessee
MLB Speedway Classic Suspended Due to Rain in Bristol
Bristol, Tennessee Set to Host Historic Major League Baseball Game
Historic MLB Speedway Classic Comes to Bristol
Bristol Hosts Historic MLB Speedway Classic
Additional Resources
- ESPN
- Wikipedia: MLB Speedway Classic
- Fox Sports
- Google Search: Bristol Motor Speedway MLB
- MLB
- Google Scholar: MLB Speedway Classic
- NASCAR
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Cincinnati News
- Google News: MLB Speedway Classic 2025
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.
