News Summary
ESPN SportsCenter will host Major League Baseball in Tennessee for the first time when the Atlanta Braves face off against the Cincinnati Reds on August 2, 2025. The game, part of the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway, will also feature a pregame concert by Tim McGraw and Pitbull, making it a milestone event for local sports and community tradition. Fans can expect an immersive experience with ticket sales already underway.
Bristol, Tennessee – In a historic announcement, ESPN SportsCenter will bring Major League Baseball to Tennessee for the first time on August 2, 2025, when the Atlanta Braves take on the Cincinnati Reds as part of the MLB Speedway Classic. The game will take place at the Bristol Motor Speedway, known as “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.” This groundbreaking event marks the reintroduction of ESPN’s ‘Big Show’ tour after a two-decade hiatus, titled “SportsCenter: 50 States in 50 Days.”
The Bristol leg of the nationwide tour will not only feature the baseball game but also a star-studded pregame concert with country music legend Tim McGraw and Latin superstar Pitbull. All ticket holders will have access to the concert, which is set to kick off approximately one hour before the first pitch at 7:15 p.m. ET. The entire game will be broadcast live on FOX, offering fans a unique viewing experience.
This game is part of a larger series of events showcasing local rivalries and community traditions through sports. ESPN hosts Ryan McGee and Marty Smith will provide coverage of the Bristol stop during the Weekend SportsCenter show, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere of the event.
Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, expressed enthusiasm for the matchup and its significance for the state. Emphasizing the limited number of baseball games held in unconventional venues, Caldwell notes that the installation of a baseball diamond into the infield of the speedway exemplifies the venue’s versatility and commitment to hosting diverse sporting events.
As part of the event’s preparation, the baseball diamond will have dimensions measuring 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. This unique configuration aims to create an exciting and engaging game experience for fans attending the game in this auto racing venue.
Tickets for the MLB Speedway Classic are currently available, starting at $50, with premium seating options located directly on the infield, promising an immersive experience for attendees. Additionally, portions of the pregame concert will be incorporated into FOX’s pregame coverage, providing viewers with insights and entertainment leading up to the first pitch.
The SportsCenter road tour, which last occurred in 2005, aims to emphasize how sports bring communities together and underscore the importance of regional connections. Other notable stops on the tour include marquee events such as the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York on July 4 and the ESPYs in California on July 16.
The excitement surrounding the MLB Speedway Classic is further amplified by the fact that Tim McGraw’s father, Tug McGraw, was a former Major League Baseball pitcher, adding a personal layer to the event for the artist. This historic game at Bristol Motor Speedway not only marks a memorable occasion for fans of baseball but also for the state of Tennessee as it embraces its inaugural official Major League Baseball game.
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Additional Resources
- Lewistown Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Music Row
- Google Search: ESPN SportsCenter 50 States In 50 Days
- Sports Business Journal
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Braves vs Cincinnati Reds
- Fox Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Tennessee
- MLB Press Release
- Google News: MLB Speedway Classic 2025
