Bristol, Tennessee, October 19, 2025
News Summary
The MLB Speedway Classic marked Major League Baseball’s first regular-season game in Tennessee, featuring the Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway. Surpassing attendance expectations, the event drew a crowd of 91,032 fans despite a rain-induced delay. The historic transformation of the racetrack into a baseball diamond and the lively fan engagement, including a concert by popular artists, highlighted MLB’s ambition to expand its presence into new markets. This monumental event will leave a lasting legacy for the local community.
Bristol, Tennessee
Major League Baseball (MLB) held its first regular-season game in Tennessee during the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway, featuring a matchup between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. This historic event aimed to break the all-time MLB attendance record, with over 85,000 fans initially expected to attend, surpassing the previous record of 84,587 fans set in 1954 at a Cleveland game featuring the New York Yankees.
The game faced a significant delay due to rain, leading to suspension after the bottom of the first inning, with the Braves trailing 1-0 at the time. Play is set to resume at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday–almost two hours after the delay began.
Bristol’s racetrack, renowned for NASCAR races, underwent significant transformations to host this historic baseball event. The venue was leveled and covered with turf and grandstands over a four-week preparation period, creating a baseball diamond across the speedway. Fans enjoyed a unique experience that leveraged the speedway’s rich racing heritage, with special racing-themed uniforms unveiled for both teams.
To further elevate the experience, the event included a pregame concert featuring popular artists such as Tim McGraw, Pitbull, and Jake Owen. A special fan zone with a Ferris wheel and interactive games was set up outside the speedway. Additionally, MLB hosted a Play Ball event for local kids prior to the game.
The transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway symbolizes MLB’s initiative to expand its presence into new markets, following other states like North Carolina, Nebraska, Iowa, and Alabama that have recently hosted MLB games. The Bristol Motor Speedway, opened in 1961 and known as “the world’s fastest half-mile,” will ultimately donate the specially constructed field to East Tennessee State University after the event.
The event drew a record crowd, exceeding initial expectations with a final attendance of 91,032 on Sunday, which set a new MLB-record attendance for a regular-season game. Hall of Famers Johnny Bench and Chipper Jones were on hand to reveal the trophy for the winning team, while former MLB All-Star David Ortiz was part of the Fox broadcast team, engaging with fans during the rain delay.
A NASCAR pit crew introduced the starting lineups for both teams as the festivities continued under challenging weather conditions. While Spencer Strider, the originally slated starting pitcher for the Braves, was unable to pitch due to the delay, fans arrived dressed in team-themed ponchos, trying to make the best of the rain delay.
Summary of Key Information
- First MLB regular-season game in Tennessee: MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway
- Teams: Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds
- Attendance record: 91,032 fans, exceeding previous MLB record
- Game delay: Nearly two hours due to rain, play resumes Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
- Speedway transformation: Significant changes to accommodate baseball, including leveling and turf installation
Background Context
The MLB Speedway Classic is part of MLB’s efforts to reach new audiences across the country, demonstrating the league’s commitment to expanding into previously untapped markets. The enthusiastic attendance and fan engagement highlight the success of the event, setting a high bar for future games and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the MLB Speedway Classic?
Major League Baseball held its first regular-season game in Tennessee during the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Which teams played in the game?
The game featured a matchup between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds.
How many fans attended the event?
The record crowd exceeded initial expectations with a final attendance of 91,032 on Sunday, setting a new MLB-record attendance for a regular-season game.
When will play resume after the delay?
Play is scheduled to resume at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
What transformation did Bristol Motor Speedway undergo?
The speedway underwent significant transformation to accommodate the baseball game, including leveling the track and installing turf and grandstands.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | MLB Speedway Classic |
| Location | Bristol Motor Speedway, Tennessee |
| Teams | Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds |
| Attendance Record | 91,032 |
| Rain Delay | Nearly two hours |
| Play Resumption Time | 1 p.m. ET on Sunday |
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Additional Resources
- AOL News
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- MLB.com
- Google Search: MLB Speedway Classic Bristol
- AP News
- Google Scholar: MLB Speedway Classic Bristol
- ESPN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Fox 17 News
- Google News: MLB Speedway Classic Bristol
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.
