News Summary
Bristol Motor Speedway is preparing to host the first-ever MLB Speedway Classic, featuring the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. This historic event will take place on August 2, bringing major league baseball to Tennessee for the first time. Fans can enjoy a pregame concert featuring top artists alongside various interactive activities. With a massive capacity of 146,000 and a special baseball field constructed for the occasion, this game promises to be a landmark event in sports history.
Bristol, Tennessee – On August 2, 2025, Bristol Motor Speedway is set to host the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic, featuring a matchup between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds. The highly anticipated game will begin at 7:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on FOX. In a unique twist, the Cincinnati Reds will be designated as the home team for this event.
Tickets for the historic game are currently on sale via Ticketmaster, with prices starting at $35 (excluding taxes and fees). A limited-time promotional offer allows fans to purchase tickets for just $30 until July 6, eliminating extra fees. Premium seating options are also available on the infield of Bristol Motor Speedway.
The game follows two prior matchups between the Braves and Reds in Cincinnati on July 31 and August 1, with the August 2 date serving as a buffer day in case of weather-related disruptions. Adding to the excitement of the event, a pregame concert featuring country superstar Tim McGraw will take place one hour before the first pitch, alongside performances from Pitbull and Jake Owen. Portions of the concert will be integrated into FOX’s pregame coverage.
The Speedway Classic Fan Zone will open at noon on game day, providing fans with numerous interactive activities. Attendees can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a Ferris wheel, batting cages, pitching tunnels, regional food, exhibits, and photo opportunities. Additional musical performances by country artists Timothy Wayne, Reyna Roberts, and Adam Doleac will also be featured in the Fan Zone, enhancing the all-day experience for fans.
Bristol Motor Speedway, which opened its doors in 1961, is sometimes referred to as “the world’s fastest half-mile” and has a robust capacity of 146,000 spectators. For the MLB Speedway Classic, a baseball field will be constructed across the infield of the racetrack, primarily between Turns 3 and 4. The proposed field dimensions will measure 330 feet down the foul lines, 400 feet to center field, 375 feet to the right-field alley, and 384 feet to the left-field alley. Construction will involve approximately 20,000 tons of gravel and 340 tons of clay for the playing surface, which will consist of synthetic turf similar to that used at the Toronto Blue Jays’ Rogers Centre. Enhanced lighting will also be installed to ensure optimal visibility during the game.
This event marks a historic occasion, as it will be the first regular season MLB game held in Tennessee, a state currently without a Major League Baseball team. Furthermore, the Speedway Classic is notable for being the first MLB game ever held at a racetrack, offering the potential for the largest single-game attendance in the MLB season, possibly surpassing previous attendance records.
The MLB Speedway Classic is part of a broader initiative to bring more Major League Baseball events to Tennessee. Following the conclusion of the game, all temporary structures will be dismantled to prepare the venue for its regular NASCAR events, scheduled to resume on September 13.
With an array of enjoyable activities planned for fans, including food trucks and appearances by MLB team mascots, the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway promises to be an unforgettable experience for baseball fans and concertgoers alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
MLB Speedway Classic Set for Historic Matchup at Bristol
Braves and Reds to Make MLB History in Tennessee
Bristol Motor Speedway to Host Historic MLB Game
Bristol Motor Speedway to Host Historic MLB Game
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Reveals 2025 Lineup
MLB to Host First-Ever Game at Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway to Host Inaugural MLB Classic
Bristol Motor Speedway to Host First MLB Game
MLB and Bristol Motor Speedway Collaborate for Historic Game
Bristol Motor Speedway to Host First MLB Game in Tennessee
Additional Resources
- MLB News: Braves vs. Reds at 2025 MLB Speedway Classic
- Google Search: MLB Speedway Classic
- Speedway Digest: Timelapse Video of Field Construction
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Knox News: Braves at Bristol MLB Speedway Classic Game Tickets
- Google Scholar: MLB Speedway Classic 2025
- The Sun: MLB Speedway Classic Bristol Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Braves
- WJHL: MLB Bristol Motor Speedway Conversion
- Google News: Cincinnati Reds
