Bristol, TN, August 9, 2025
News Summary
The MLB’s Speedway Classic significantly boosted the Tri-Cities hospitality sector with an occupancy rate of 83% on Friday and over 90% on Saturday. The event, which drew over 85,000 fans to Bristol Motor Speedway, also led to increased hotel room rates and was a historic first for major league baseball in Tennessee. Despite rain delays, the event showcased the economic impact of sporting events in local communities.
BRISTOL, TN — The MLB’s Speedway Classic provided a significant boost to the Tri-Cities hospitality industry, with a remarkable occupancy rate of 83% on Friday night and over 90% on Saturday, according to CoStar, the hospitality industry’s data tracking analysts. The region, which encompasses Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, had a total of 7,249 hotel rooms available, marking a stark contrast to last year’s occupancy rates in the low 60% range.
This year’s event not only attracted a record-breaking crowd of over 85,000 to the historic Bristol Motor Speedway but also included an unexpected rain delay that postponed Saturday night’s game. Eventually, the Atlanta Braves triumphed over the Cincinnati Reds with a score of 4-2, after a rain delay caused the game to be suspended and resumed on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the delays, the increased hotel occupancy rates reflected a positive economic impact on the region’s 94 hotels, with average daily room rates rising to around $103. The official media hotel for the MLB event, the 305-room Marriott’s MeadowView Conference Resort, was located approximately 30 miles from the racing venue.
This event marked a historic milestone as it was the first-ever major league game played in the state of Tennessee. The excitement surrounding the game was palpable, with Eli White hitting a three-run home run in the resumption of play, and notable performance from Hurston Waldrep, who made his MLB debut during the game.
The Speedway Classic averaged about 1.6 million viewers over the two days of competition, with the rain delay coverage attracting 1.8 million viewers. In contrast, the live game portion peaked at 2.4 million viewers, though overall viewership was lower relative to other recent MLB special events. For example, the Giants-Cardinals Negro Leagues tribute averaged 2.35 million viewers, while the “Field of Dreams” game drew averages of 5.9 million in 2021 and 3.1 million in 2022. Furthermore, the latest edition of ESPN Sunday Night Baseball outperformed the Speedway Classic, drawing an average of 2.03 million viewers.
Overall, this year’s event was not only a notable achievement for the MLB but also a momentous occasion for the Tri-Cities area, highlighting the dual impact of sporting events on local hospitality sectors and broader community engagement.
Background on the Speedway Classic
The Speedway Classic is one of the latest introductions by MLB, filling a space previously occupied by partnerships such as Sheraton, which ended after the 2020 season. With the recent success of the event, discussions about the potential for more major league games in non-traditional markets are likely to continue.
Summary of Key Metrics
- Occupancy Rate: 83% (Friday), 90% (Saturday)
- Record Crowd: Over 85,000 fans
- Viewership: 1.6 million average across two days, peaked at 2.4 million
- Average Daily Room Rate: Approx. $103
- MLB Debut: Hurston Waldrep
FAQ
What city hosted the MLB Speedway Classic?
The MLB Speedway Classic was hosted in Bristol, TN.
What were the occupancy rates for local hotels during the event?
Local hotels had an occupancy rate of 83% on Friday and over 90% on Saturday.
What was the viewership for the Speedway Classic?
The Speedway Classic averaged 1.6 million viewers over the two days, peaking at 2.4 million during the live game.
Key Features Comparison Chart
| Feature | This Year | Last Year |
|---|---|---|
| Occupancy Rate | 83% (Friday), 90% (Saturday) | Low 60% |
| Average Daily Room Rate | $103 | Lower than current |
| Record Crowd | Over 85,000 fans | N/A |
| Average Viewership | 1.6 million | N/A |
| Peak Viewership | 2.4 million | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Morristown Experiences Economic Growth and Upcoming Events
MLB’s Speedway Classic Boosts Tri-Cities Hospitality Market
Mixed Weather and Local Events in Morristown
Morristown Community Celebrates Achievements and Weather Changes
Historic MLB Speedway Classic Draws Record Crowd in Tennessee
Morristown Community Engages in Early August Events
Morristown Celebrates Summer and Fall with Vibrant Events
Morristown Community Celebrates Local Achievements
Bristol Motor Speedway Sets Attendance Record at MLB Classic
Morristown Celebrates Success at First Friday Concert
Additional Resources
- ESPN
- Wikipedia: MLB Speedway Classic
- MLB News
- Google Search: MLB Speedway Classic 2025
- Sports Media Watch
- Google Scholar: MLB Speedway Classic
- Cincinnati News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLB Speedway Classic
- Sports Business Journal
- 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.
