News Summary
Cincinnati will host a groundbreaking Major League Baseball game as the Cincinnati Reds take on the Atlanta Braves in the first-ever MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway. Set for August 2, the event will also feature country music stars performing prior to the game. Dedicated preparations highlight the unique venue’s adaptability for various sports, promising a memorable experience that merges baseball with a dynamic atmosphere.
Cincinnati will host a historic Major League Baseball game on August 2, 2025, when the Cincinnati Reds take on the Atlanta Braves in the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway. This event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first MLB game held in the state of Tennessee.
The game is set to commence at 7:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on FOX. Tickets are currently available through Ticketmaster, starting at $50, with premium seating options offered in the speedway’s infield, situated adjacent to the baseball diamond.
The Cincinnati Reds will be designated as the home team for this regular-season matchup. In anticipation of the event, the Reds and the Braves are scheduled to meet in two games in Cincinnati on July 31 and August 1, with the August 2 date serving as a contingency in case of inclement weather.
Adding to the excitement, country music star Tim McGraw and Latin music sensation Pitbull will perform at a special pregame concert approximately one hour before the first pitch. This concert will be partially featured during FOX’s pregame programming. Tim McGraw’s connection to baseball comes from his father, Tug McGraw, who was a pitcher and won World Series titles with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. Pitbull, known for his dynamic performances, has previously entertained sports audiences, including a memorable concert at Citi Field during the 2013 All-Star Game.
Bristol Motor Speedway, renowned as “the world’s fastest half-mile,” has a seating capacity of 146,000 for racing events. For the MLB Speedway Classic, a baseball diamond will be constructed over the speedway’s infield, primarily located between Turns 3 and 4. The dimensions of the baseball field will feature 330 feet down each foul line, 400 feet to center field, 375 feet to the right-field alley, and 384 feet to the left-field alley.
MLB is strategically expanding its audience by hosting games in unconventional venues, similar to past events at the Field of Dreams site in Iowa. The CEO of the Braves has expressed enthusiasm about participating in this unique event, emphasizing its importance to the team’s fan base.
Preparations for the Speedway Classic have been underway since prior to the NASCAR spring race in April. The venue has demonstrated its capacity to adapt for various large-scale sporting events, evidenced by a record-setting college football game that took place there in 2016.
As the date approaches, additional announcements regarding the event and surrounding festivities are expected. The combination of America’s favorite pastime with the thrilling environment of Bristol Motor Speedway is set to create an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.
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MLB Speedway Classic to Feature Concert by Pitbull and Tim McGraw
Additional Resources
- MLB.com
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Fox Sports
- Google Search: MLB Speedway Classic 2025
- Music Row
- Google Scholar: Baseball Games at Speedways
- ESPN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cincinnati Reds
- WJHL
- Google News: Tim McGraw 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.
