News Summary
Bristol, Tennessee is gearing up for the first Major League Baseball game to be held in the state, featuring a matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Scheduled for August 2, this event is expected to attract a massive crowd and includes a fan zone with entertainment attractions. A concert featuring renowned artists will kick off the festivities, promising a full day of excitement for sports fans and community members alike. Preparations are underway for the construction of a temporary baseball field at the iconic speedway.
Bristol, Tennessee Set to Host Historic MLB Game
The 2025 MLB Speedway Classic will take place on August 2, 2025, featuring a matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves. This landmark event will be the first Major League Baseball game ever held in Tennessee, signaling a significant milestone for the region’s sports landscape.
The game will unfold at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway, known as “America’s Fastest Half-Mile.” Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of Global Events, Jeremiah Yolkut, highlighted the importance of this occasion for both Bristol and East Tennessee. The Speedway Classic is anticipated to attract a large audience, potentially making it one of MLB’s largest gatherings of the season.
Ticket sales for the highly anticipated event are currently ongoing through Ticketmaster, with prices starting at $50 plus tax and fees. In addition to the game, a vibrant fan zone will be set up at the venue, offering a variety of attractions. This includes food trucks, interactive baseball games, a Ferris wheel, and live musical performances from artists such as Jake Owen, Reyna Roberts, and Adam Doleac.
An exciting highlight of the event will be a pregame concert featuring music legends Tim McGraw and Pitbull, scheduled to begin approximately one hour before the first pitch. The concert and fan zone are expected to enhance the overall experience for attendees, making it a full day of entertainment.
Field Construction and Game Preparations
In preparation for the game, a temporary baseball field is being constructed at the speedway. This ambitious project involves the use of nearly 20,000 tons of gravel and will include specific features such as racks of seats for grandstands and a synthetic turf playing surface that matches that of Rogers Centre in Toronto. The field dimensions will span 400 feet to center field, 375 feet to the gaps, and 330 feet down the lines.
Moreover, the construction will see the establishment of clubhouses for both teams, which will include locker rooms and weight rooms designed to meet MLB standards. The development process also entails the removal of concrete and portions of existing structures at the speedway to accommodate the baseball setup.
Media Coverage and Additional Details
The historic event will receive national attention through coverage by MLB Network and ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” ESPN will incorporate this game into its promotional campaign “50 States in 50 Days,” further enhancing the event’s visibility.
The game in Bristol follows two previous matchups between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves, scheduled to take place in Cincinnati on July 31 and August 1. A buffer day on August 3 has been reserved to accommodate any potential weather delays that could affect the schedule.
It is important to note that the baseball facilities and components installed for this event will be temporary and will be dismantled ahead of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, slated for September 13, 2025. The significant materials used for field preparation will include 340 tons of clay, emphasizing the scale and investment involved in bringing MLB to Tennessee.
As the excitement builds for the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic, the game is poised to not only captivate baseball fans but also to set a precedent for future major sporting events in East Tennessee. This event marks a historic opportunity for the community and sports enthusiasts alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cincinnati Reds to Face Atlanta Braves in Historic Event
Major League Baseball Makes Historic Debut in Tennessee
ESPN SportsCenter Kicks Off 50 States in 50 Days Tour in Bristol
Bristol School Sports Set for Major Upgrade and Events
Bristol Tennessee to Renovate Baseball Stadium
Bristol City School Council Rescinds Stadium Agreement
MLB to Host Pregame Concert at Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol City Council Pauses Baseball Stadium Agreement
Bristol Motor Speedway Prepares for MLB and NASCAR Events
MLB Speedway Classic to Feature Concert by Pitbull and Tim McGraw
Additional Resources
- AP News
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- WJHL News
- Google Search: MLB Speedway Classic Bristol
- Columbia Daily Herald
- Google Scholar: MLB Speedway Classic Bristol
- WLWT News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLB Speedway Classic
- AJC Sports
- Google News: MLB Speedway Classic
