Bristol, Tennessee, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Bristol, Tennessee witnessed a disappointing weekend for local Division II college football teams, with all three squads suffering defeats. Newberry narrowly lost to Emory & Henry by 36-34, while Catawba brought home a significant victory against Tusculum, winning 38-3. Carson-Newman was unable to secure a win against UVA Wise, with a final score of 35-14. In addition, the MLB Speedway Classic saw a record turnout despite weather interruptions, showcasing the community’s love for sports in the region.
Bristol, Tennessee – Local Division II college football teams faced disappointing outcomes over the weekend, with all three teams suffering losses on Saturday. Newberry fell short against Emory & Henry with a close score of 36-34, while Catawba dominated Tusculum with a decisive victory of 38-3. Carson-Newman also experienced defeat against UVA Wise, losing 35-14.
In a separate sporting event, the MLB Speedway Classic attracted a record crowd despite being halted by rain. The game, which took place at Bristol Motor Speedway, was washed out in the bottom of the first inning. Fans eagerly returned the following day to watch a match between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. Sunday’s weather was dry and overcast, lending a favorable atmosphere for the rescheduled game.
The MLB Speedway Classic was announced nearly a year ago as part of MLB’s initiative to bring baseball to non-traditional locations. Previous events have been held at the “Field of Dreams” site in Iowa in 2021 and 2022, as well as events in Alabama and North Carolina. Although attendance for the event was limited with not all tickets sold, Bristol Motor Speedway has a racing capacity of 146,000, allowing potential attendance to exceed 90,000 or more.
The previous paid attendance record at Bristol was 84,587, established on September 12, 1954, during a Yankees game at Cleveland Stadium. Due to the significant impact on playoff races, particularly as the Reds are competing for a wild-card spot, the game could not be canceled. Police escorts were arranged for the teams to return to the stadium on Sunday.
Fans enjoyed ample space at the venue which allowed for dancing and festivities during the MLB event. Attendance figures were scheduled to be announced later on Sunday, with 85,000 tickets sold as of the prior Monday. The big question for Sunday revolved around how many fans would choose to return following the weekend’s festivities.
Additionally, Sunday marked the seventh anniversary of the Battle at Bristol, college football’s largest game held on September 10, 2016. That event drew an astonishing 156,900 attendees, where Tennessee triumphed over Virginia Tech with a score of 45-24. Reflecting on the significance of that event, Bristol Motor Speedway President Jerry Caldwell looked forward to future games at the venue.
FAQ
What were the results of local Division II college football games?
All three local Division II college football teams lost on Saturday. Newberry defeated Emory & Henry 36-34. Catawba triumphed over Tusculum 38-3. Carson-Newman won against UVA Wise 35-14.
What happened during the MLB Speedway Classic?
A record crowd attended the MLB Speedway Classic, despite the game being washed out due to rain in the bottom of the first inning. Fans returned on Sunday to watch the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds play.
What was the weather on Sunday during the MLB event?
Sunday’s weather was dry and overcast at Bristol Motor Speedway.
What is the significance of the MLB Speedway Classic?
The MLB Speedway Classic was announced nearly a year ago by Commissioner Rob Manfred. It was part of MLB’s initiative to take baseball to non-traditional locations. Previous MLB games were held at the “Field of Dreams” site in Iowa in 2021 and 2022.
How many tickets were sold for the event?
MLB planned to announce attendance figures later on Sunday, with 85,000 tickets sold as of the prior Monday.
What was the attendance record at Bristol Motor Speedway?
The previously set paid attendance record was 84,587, established on September 12, 1954, at Cleveland Stadium for a Yankees game.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Football Game Results | Newberry defeated Emory & Henry 36-34, Catawba triumphed over Tusculum 38-3, Carson-Newman lost to UVA Wise 35-14. |
| MLB Speedway Classic Attendance | Record crowd despite the game being washed out; attendance on Sunday saw fans return for Braves vs. Reds. |
| Attendance Record | Previous record was 84,587, established for Yankees game in 1954; MLB event sold 85,000 tickets ahead of time. |
| Event Significance | Initiative to bring MLB to non-traditional locations, previous events held in Iowa, Alabama, and North Carolina. |
| Historical Context | Sunday marked the anniversary of the Battle at Bristol; significant past attendance of 156,900 in 2016. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Tennessee High School Football Rankings Released
Bristol Firefighter Brandon Clawson Honored in Procession
Remembering Lonnie D. Bristol: A Life of Service and Community
Tennessee High School Football Rankings Released
Tributes to Harold D. Mitchener and Lonnie D. Bristol
Community Mourns the Loss of Harold D. Mitchener and Lonnie D. Bristol
Local Community Mourns the Passing of Three Cherished Individuals
John W. King Appointed Associate VP for Advancement at ETSU
Divided Reactions Emerge Following Controversial Death
Additional Resources
- Fox Sports: MLB Speedway Classic Suspended
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- WCYB: Future of Football at BMS
- Google Search: Battle at Bristol 2016
- Fox Sports: Record Crowd Expected
- Google Scholar: MLB Speedway Classic
- Popular Mechanics: Bristol Racetrack Football Stadium
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Tech vs Tennessee 2016
- ESPN: Building the Battle at Bristol
- 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.
