News Summary
Bristol Motor Speedway is preparing to host the first-ever MLB Speedway Classic, featuring the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. This landmark event will transform the racing venue into a standard baseball field, a historic moment for Tennessee. Major renovations are underway, including ground-leveling and installation of a synthetic grass field. The event is expected to attract a record-breaking crowd, celebrating MLB’s presence in the region. Fans will enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and local attractions, making it a memorable experience for all.
Bristol, TN – In a historic first, Bristol Motor Speedway is set to host the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic featuring the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves on August 2, 2025. Major League Baseball (MLB) and Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) announced significant updates regarding the transformation of the racing venue into a baseball field during a news conference held on June 24, 2025. This event marks the first MLB game ever played in Tennessee, generating substantial excitement among local fans and the broader baseball community.
Construction and renovation efforts are already underway at BMS, with demolition work initiated on June 23, 2025. The transformation to create a Major League standard baseball field includes moving 17,500 tons of gravel for leveling the infield and bringing in 340 tons of Pennsylvania clay for the playing surface. The field will feature synthetic grass, similar to that used at the Rogers Centre, the home of the Toronto Blue Jays.
The planned field dimensions are set for 400 feet to center field, 375 feet to the alleys, and 330 feet down each baseline, adhering to MLB standards. Additional construction includes installing protective fencing, padding, and foul poles around the field area. To ensure visibility during night games, 215 lights will be added. New facilities are also being built, including locker rooms, showers, strength and conditioning rooms, and batting cages for both teams.
This dynamic event promises various additional attractions for fans. A fan zone will be established, featuring local food trucks, interactive baseball games, and a Ferris wheel, ensuring an enjoyable and engaging atmosphere for attendees. Renowned performers, including Pitbull and Tim McGraw, will headline the entertainment lineup, with additional acts such as Jake Owen, Reyna Roberts, and Adam Doleac scheduled to perform.
Tickets for the MLB Speedway Classic are available for purchase, reflecting the high anticipation surrounding the game. The event is expected to draw a record-breaking crowd, potentially making it the largest audience for a baseball game in history. Enthusiastic fans can also expect team mascots, a beer garden, and special appearances from the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales.
Creating the baseball venue has necessitated substantial renovations at BMS, including the removal of pit walls, gas pumps, and sections of the Goodyear building to accommodate the new playing field. Temporary grandstands will be constructed along both first and third-base lines to accommodate fans, alongside designated areas for media and broadcasting. Major broadcast networks, including MLB Network and ESPN’s SportsCenter, will cover the event live, highlighting the significance of this historic game.
Once the MLB Speedway Classic concludes, Bristol Motor Speedway will pivot to restore the raceway in preparation for a night NASCAR race scheduled for September 13, 2025. This dual-purpose use of the venue underscores Bristol’s versatility in hosting major sporting events and its commitment to providing memorable experiences for fans of all kinds.
As the countdown to August 2, 2025, continues, the excitement surrounding the MLB Speedway Classic grows, promising to be a landmark occasion in both baseball and Bristol Motor Speedway history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WJHL
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- WLWT
- Google Search: MLB Speedway Classic Bristol
- AP News
- Google Scholar: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Knox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLB Speedway Classic
- WVVA
- Google News: MLB Bristol Motor Speedway
