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In a spectacular fusion of speed and sport, the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are slated to clash in a regular-season game on August 2, 2025, at the renowned Bristol Motor Speedway. This event, dubbed the MLB Speedway Classic, aims to attract over 100,000 spectators to the famed racetrack, which previously welcomed a massive crowd for a college football game between Tennessee and Virginia Tech in 2016.
Scheduled for a prime-time broadcast by FOX at 7 p.m. ET, this Saturday night event marks a thrilling venture for Major League Baseball. “We’re excited to host a game at such a unique venue as Bristol Motor Speedway, creating a memorable experience for sports fans,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred commented. He noted the ideal pairing of the Reds and Braves, thanks to their vibrant rosters and regional fan bases.
This game not only promises a weekend packed with sports celebration but also aims to set a new attendance record for an MLB game. The current record stands at 115,300 from a 2008 exhibition game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum between the Dodgers and the Red Sox.
While Bristol Motor Speedway, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, is traditionally known for its NASCAR races on its 0.833-mile track with steep banking, in August 2025, it will be the speed of baseballs, not race cars, captivating the audience.
This event will conclude a three-game series hosted by the Reds, with the final game potentially moving to Sunday, May 3, in case of inclement weather. This game will also be notable as the first MLB game hosted in Tennessee, introducing the state into a growing list of MLB venues.
Located just 15 minutes from the historic Main Street that divides Tennessee and Virginia, Bristol is expected to offer a festive atmosphere with live country music, celebrating the area’s rich cultural heritage.
As the game approaches, MLB will collaborate with architectural firm Populous and landscape firm BrightView to transform the race track into a baseball field. Changes will include adjusting the facility to accommodate baseball-specific dimensions and seating arrangements.
Jerry Caldwell, general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the game, citing Bristol’s deep connection to baseball and its strategic location for fans of both teams.
Ticket details will be available later this year, with priority given to season ticket holders of the Braves, Reds, and Bristol Motor Speedway in September, followed by a public sale in December.
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