News Summary
Major League Baseball and Bristol Motor Speedway have partnered to host Tennessee’s first MLB game. The Speedway Classic Open House marked the start of construction for a temporary baseball field, culminating in a game featuring the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. The project involves significant alterations to the speedway, with the new field designed for a record crowd and amplified entertainment, ensuring an unforgettable experience for baseball fans.
Bristol, Tennessee — Major League Baseball (MLB) and Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) have announced their collaboration for a momentous event as they prepare to host the first MLB game in Tennessee. The Speedway Classic Open House Event took place on June 24, 2025, marking the official start of construction for a temporary baseball field at the speedway. This unique venture will culminate with the MLB Speedway Classic game on August 2, 2025, featuring a matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves.
Demolition of the existing racing infrastructure took place just a day earlier, on June 23, 2025, to facilitate the construction of the baseball field. The new field will cover approximately half of the previous infield area of the racetrack, utilizing around 17,500 tons of gravel to ensure the infield is properly leveled. Significant alterations to the speedway’s layout have occurred, including the removal of the Goodyear Building and portions of the pit wall to create a suitable environment for the field.
Exciting details about the game and its venue have emerged. The baseball field is set to feature dimensions of 400 feet to center field, 375 feet to the alleys, and 330 feet down each baselines. The playing surface will consist of 340 tons of clay combined with synthetic turf similar to that utilized at the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Additionally, 215 lights will be installed to illuminate the field, ensuring perfect visibility for both players and fans alike.
To accommodate teams and officials, temporary clubhouses are being constructed, featuring necessary amenities such as showers, locker rooms, weight rooms, and training facilities. In anticipation of significant crowds, a dedicated fan zone will be available on game day, which will showcase performances by popular artists including Pitbull, Tim McGraw, and Jake Owen. Local food trucks, a Ferris wheel, and interactive baseball games will also enhance the stadium experience for attendees.
Coverage of the event is set to be provided by national broadcasters, with MLB Network and ESPN expected to feature the game prominently in their programming. As part of the promotions, ESPN’s “SportsCenter” will engage in a related campaign to spotlight the event leading up to the matchup.
All renovations undertaken at Bristol Motor Speedway are temporary, designed specifically for the baseball game. After the event, the MLB plans to dismantle all baseball-related elements before the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, scheduled for September 13, 2025. This meticulous planning and logistical effort are being orchestrated with the assistance of BaAM Productions, a company specializing in developing temporary facilities for events of this magnitude.
Excitement is building around the potential attendance, which aims to set a new record for the speedway. Organizers are optimistic about surpassing the NCAA-record crowd of 156,990, which was achieved during a college football game held at the venue in 2016. With key MLB officials highlighting that this event will stand as one of the most iconic days in baseball during the 2025 season, expectations are high for both fans and participants alike.
This groundbreaking collaboration between MLB and BMS exemplifies the growing intersection of sports and entertainment, and it represents a significant moment for baseball fans in Tennessee and beyond.
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Additional Resources
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- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- WJHL
- Google Search: Bristol Motor Speedway MLB
- AP News
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- WLWT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Motor Speedway
- WJHL Video
- Google News: Bristol Motor Speedway MLB
