News Summary
The Atlanta Braves will debut NASCAR-themed jerseys at the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic in Tennessee, featuring racing-style numbers. The game, against the Cincinnati Reds, will be the first regular-season MLB match in Tennessee, showcasing a blend of baseball and motorsports. Cincinnati catcher Tyler Stephenson will wear Ricky Bobby-themed gear, and country stars Tim McGraw and Pitbull will perform prior to the game. The event aims to set a new MLB attendance record at Bristol Motor Speedway and offers fans various activities and unique photo opportunities.
Bristol, TN – The Atlanta Braves are set to unveil NASCAR-inspired jerseys during the upcoming 2025 MLB Speedway Classic, scheduled for August 2, 2025, at the historic Bristol Motor Speedway. This unique event will mark the first regular-season MLB game ever played in the state of Tennessee, as the Braves take on the Cincinnati Reds.
The jerseys donning NASCAR-style numbers reflect the event’s racing theme, creating a crossover opportunity between baseball and motorsports that has captured fan interest. A notable Braves fan shared a photo of a specific jersey featuring star player Ronald Acuña Jr. on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This image was subsequently reposted by Jomboy Media, amplifying its visibility among baseball and NASCAR enthusiasts alike.
As part of the event, Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson will sport Ricky Bobby-themed catcher’s gear, drawing inspiration from the popular film Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The Reds currently sit fourth in the NL Central division with a record of 46-44, while Stephenson himself has played in 49 games this season, with a batting average of .233, contributing six home runs and 25 RBIs.
Significantly, this game will constitute a Reds home game despite taking place at a racetrack, uniquely positioning the event within the realms of both baseball and motorsports. The Speedway Classic represents not only a first for MLB but also an innovative approach to fan engagement, combining a traditional sporting event with concert performances.
Concertgoers can anticipate a performance by renowned country music star Tim McGraw and popular artist Pitbull, both slated to perform prior to the game. Tickets purchased for the game will include access to the concert, which is set to occur inside the racetrack venue approximately one hour before the first pitch at 7:15 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live on FOX, with streaming options available on FOXSports.com and the FOX sports app.
The Bristol Motor Speedway, with a maximum capacity nearing 150,000, has the potential to set a new attendance record for an MLB event. In preparation for the game, a baseball field is being constructed in the infield of the racetrack using 340 tons of clay and will feature a synthetic turf surface similar to that found at the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Outfield dimensions are set to measure 400 feet to center field, 375 feet to the gaps, and 330 feet down the lines.
To accommodate the players, new facilities, including clubhouses equipped with showers and weight rooms, are being built on-site at the racetrack. Additionally, the fan zone at the event will boast a variety of engaging activities, including performances by Adam Doleac, Jake Owen, Reyna Roberts, and Timothy Wayne. Families can enjoy a 110-foot Ferris wheel, beer gardens, food trucks, pitching tunnels, and batting cages during their visit.
Fans will also have the opportunity for unique photo ops with the Commissioner’s Trophy, MLB stock cars, and the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, adding to the event’s immersive experience. This groundbreaking game promises to blend the excitement of baseball with the thrill of NASCAR, setting a precedent for future events.
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Additional Resources
- MLB News
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Search: MLB Speedway Classic 2025
- Knox News
- Google Scholar: MLB and NASCAR Crossover Events
- Whiskey Riff
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tim McGraw music career
- Bleacher Report
- Google News: Tyler Stephenson MLB News
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.
