News Summary
The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will participate in the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 2, marking a historic moment for Tennessee as the first regular-season MLB game in the state. Fans can expect racing-inspired uniforms and a lineup of performances from renowned artists. Local businesses are preparing for a surge of tourists, anticipating significant economic impact and showcasing the region’s hospitality during this momentous event.
Bristol, Tennessee – The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are set to take part in the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 2, marking a historic moment as the first regular-season Major League Baseball game ever to be played in the state of Tennessee. With an expected attendance exceeding 100,000 spectators, this event promises to be a thrilling experience for baseball enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Both teams will debut exclusive racing-inspired uniforms specifically designed for this event. The Braves will sport caps featuring flames atop the visor, while the Reds will don caps adorned with checkered racing flags. Their jerseys reflect elements inspired by racecars, incorporating bold outlines, shadowing, and movement that denote speed and excitement. As the designated home team, the Reds will showcase white jersey numbers, departing from their traditional red, while the Braves will maintain their classic red color scheme for their uniform numbers.
In addition to the unique uniforms, custom-designed helmets will also make their debut during this historic game, inspired by the helmets seen in NASCAR. The new helmets will feature race-style player numbers and design elements that evoke the thrill of racing. Each uniform worn by the players will include a commemorative Speedway Classic patch to honor this special matchup.
The festivities for this landmark event will include a special pregame concert featuring renowned artists such as Tim McGraw, Pitbull, and Jake Owen, adding to the vibrant atmosphere expected on the day. The concert and game are anticipated to attract a large number of visitors to Bristol, greatly benefiting the local economy.
Local businesses are gearing up for the influx of tourists, with many owners taking proactive measures to prepare. Shops in the area are stocking up on merchandise tailored for Braves and Reds fans, including items like hoodies, sweatshirts, shot glasses, and unique custom fudge flavors. The expected economic impact of the event is significant, with Northeast Tennessee tourism officials highlighting that visitors typically stay for an average of 3.5 days and spend approximately $300 per person per day during their stay.
The Speedway Classic has received a substantial financial boost of over $4.8 million from the State of Tennessee’s Special Event Fund to support this event. This funding is intended to facilitate the successful execution of logistics and marketing aimed at attracting baseball fans and generating economic benefits for the region.
Business owners are encouraged to showcase the renowned southern hospitality for which the region is known during this high-profile event. With preparations underway and excitement building, the MLB Speedway Classic promises to be more than just a baseball game; it stands to be a celebration of sport and community, bringing together fans from near and far to experience a historic moment in Tennessee’s sports history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves to Play at Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol to Host Historic MLB Game in Tennessee
MLB Speedway Classic to Boost Bristol’s Economy
Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds to Play at Bristol Motor Speedway
Cultural Experiences and Community Engagement Flourish in Bristol
Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds to Play at Bristol Motor Speedway
Atlanta Braves to Host Historic MLB Game in Tennessee
MLB Speedway Classic to Debut at Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol City Council Approves Property Tax Increase
Bristol City Council Approves Significant Property Tax Increase
Additional Resources
- ESPN
- Wikipedia: MLB Speedway Classic
- ABC 6
- Google Search: MLB Speedway Classic
- Battery Power
- Google Scholar: MLB Speedway Classic
- MLB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLB Speedway Classic
- Sports Illustrated
- 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.
