In a spectacular fusion of speed and sports, the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds are set to meet in a regular-season game on August 2, 2025, at the renowned Bristol Motor Speedway. The event, dubbed the MLB Speedway Classic, is expected to draw more than 100,000 spectators to the famed track, which previously welcomed a massive crowd for a college football game between Tennessee and Virginia Tech in 2016.
Scheduled to air on FOX at 7 p.m. ET in prime time, the Saturday night event marks an exciting adventure for Major League Baseball. “We are thrilled to host a game at such a unique venue as Bristol Motor Speedway, creating a memorable experience for sports fans,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. He noted the ideal matchup between the Reds and Braves, thanks to their vibrant rosters and regional fan bases.
This game not only promises a weekend full of sports celebrations, but it also aims to set a new attendance record for an MLB game. The current record is 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 hosting NASCAR races on its steeply banked 0.83-mile (1.33-kilometer) track, in August 2025, it will be the speed of baseballs, not race cars, that will captivate spectators.
This event will conclude a three-game series hosted by the Reds, with the final game potentially moved to Sunday, May 3, in the event of inclement weather. This game will also be notable as the first MLB game hosted in Tennessee, adding the state to a growing list of MLB venues.
Located just 15 minutes from the historic Main Street that divides Tennessee and Virginia, Bristol will offer a festive atmosphere with live country music, celebrating the area’s rich cultural heritage.
As the game approaches, MLB will partner with architecture firm Populous and landscape firm BrightView to transform the track into a ballpark. Changes will include adapting the facility to accommodate baseball-specific dimensions and seating arrangements.
Jerry Caldwell, general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, said he was excited to host the game, noting Bristol’s deep connection to baseball and its strategic location for fans of both teams.
Ticket details will be available later in the year, with priority given to season ticket holders for the Braves, Reds and Bristol Motor Speedway in September, followed by a general sale in December.
