Bristol, TN, September 2, 2025
News Summary
The MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway drew a record-breaking 91,032 fans, marking the largest attendance for a Major League Baseball game in Tennessee history. The game featured the Cincinnati Reds against the Atlanta Braves and was impacted by rain delays. Despite this, community involvement flourished as MLB donated the artificial field to East Tennessee State University and hosted a youth skills workshop. The event showcased MLB’s efforts to promote baseball in non-traditional locations, creating a memorable experience for all attendees.
Bristol, TN – The MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway has set a new attendance record, drawing 91,032 fans – the largest crowd for a Major League Baseball game in Tennessee’s history. This unique event featured the Cincinnati Reds facing off against the Atlanta Braves and marked the first regular-season MLB game ever played in the state. However, the excitement was marred by extensive rain delays, which impacted the actual number of attendees present during the game.
Rain impacted the game significantly. The initial delay lasted for over two hours and 17 minutes, leading to a suspension in the first inning with the Reds leading 1-0. The game resumed the following day, Sunday afternoon, where the Braves made a comeback to secure a 4-2 victory. During this game, Braves pitcher Hurston Waldrep made his MLB debut, and fellow teammate Eli White stood out, hitting two home runs during the continuation of play.
Additionally, MLB made a generous contribution to the local community by donating the artificial playing field to East Tennessee State University after the game. The event also provided a platform for local youth, as MLB’s Ambassador of PlayBall, James Lowe, held a skills workshop for over 200 young players prior to the start of the main event, fostering an interest in baseball among the youth in the area.
In an effort to expand baseball’s reach, Major League Baseball is deliberately scheduling games in non-traditional locations. The unique setup for this game included players being introduced from pickup trucks, along with special race-themed uniforms bearing numbers reminiscent of racing cars. While Bristol Motor Speedway typically accommodates 146,000 spectators for racing events, adjustments were made for this baseball game, with certain sections blocked off to provide a more suitable setting.
By the time of the event, over 85,000 tickets had been sold, surpassing the previous record for MLB attendance. Previous MLB games set in unusual locations include events at Fort Bragg, Iowa’s Field of Dreams, and Birmingham, Alabama. This creative approach to hosting games has thrilled players and fans alike, making the experience at a racetrack exceptionally memorable.
A variety of entertainment options were available for attendees before the game, including food trucks, live music, and even a Ferris wheel, making for an enriching overall experience. Even Reds manager Terry Francona noted the importance of this game in promoting baseball despite players feeling an initial reluctance to disrupt their routines. Braves first baseman Matt Olson expressed enthusiasm for the unique opportunity to hit a baseball onto the racetrack, illustrating the excitement surrounding the event.
Community members have shown appreciation for bringing such a significant event to Bristol, allowing fans from across the country to visit and experience the charm of the locale.
Event Details
- Event Name: MLB Speedway Classic
- Location: Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN
- Date: June 2023
- Teams: Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves
- Record Attendance: 91,032
- Game Outcome: Braves win 4-2
- Debut: Hurston Waldrep
- Home Runs: Eli White (2)
Conclusion
The significant turnout and community involvement showcase the potential for baseball’s growth in non-traditional markets. Events like the MLB Speedway Classic are pivotal in expanding the fan base and deepening the connection between baseball and local communities.
FAQ
- What was the attendance record for the MLB Speedway Classic?
- The event set a record with an attendance of 91,032 fans, marking the largest crowd in Tennessee for an MLB game.
- Who played in the MLB Speedway Classic?
- The Cincinnati Reds faced the Atlanta Braves in this historic game.
- What impacts did the rain have on the game?
- The game was delayed multiple times due to rain, including an initial delay of over two hours and 17 minutes, leading to a suspension in the first inning.
- What was significant about this event for the local community?
- MLB donated the artificial playing field to East Tennessee State University after the game, and the event included a skills workshop for youth players.
- How is MLB expanding its reach through events like this?
- Major League Baseball aims to bring the sport to non-traditional locations to attract new fans and promote baseball, similar to past events held in unique venues like Fort Bragg and Iowa’s Field of Dreams.
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Additional Resources
- MLB News: Braves Win at Bristol Motor Speedway
- Wikipedia: Baseball in the United States
- NASCAR News: Speedway Classic Outreach Expansion
- Google Search: MLB Speedway Classic
- AP News: MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol
- Google Scholar: MLB Speedway Classic Braves vs Reds
- ESPN: Sights and Sounds of the Speedway Classic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Baseball
- CBS Sports: Where to Watch MLB Speedway Classic
- Google News: MLB Speedway Classic Bristol
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.
