The inaugural MLB Speedway Classic roared to life in Tennessee with a spectacle unlike any regular-season game. Well, this wasn’t just baseball, but it is an ongoing festival. Yes, from electrifying live performances by Pitbull and other artists to players making a dramatic entrance via the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway, the event promised fans an experience they’d never seen before. Designed as a grand celebration of the sport, the night blended the thrill of baseball with the energy of a showpiece event.
However, amid the fireworks and fanfare, not everyone seems on board. A section of the audience felt Major League Baseball might have gone a step too far, with the flashy motorcade and over-the-top presentation drawing mixed reactions. So, what began as a bold attempt to redefine the game-day experience risked leaving some purists questioning if the spectacle overshadowed the sport itself. So, what’s the issue here? The pre-game events or the grandeur of the game?
“The Braves and Reds take a lap around Bristol Motor Speedway before the Speedway Classic!” FOX Sports shared this caption with a small clip showing a motorcade rounding the speedway with the players, like Elly De La Cruz, on it, waving at the fans.
The @Braves and @Reds take a lap around Bristol Motor Speedway before the Speedway Classic! pic.twitter.com/eoPZSVwdcl
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 2, 2025
Well, if you find it reminiscent, you surely are not the only one. For once, you will find it similar to some country heads leading a national parade. But no, we are in the middle of a regular game between the Braves and Reds. And that is something that might have rubbed the fans the wrong way. Surely for MLB, overdoing the things!
And guess what — the parade just had a safety car leading it! Yes, just like how NASCAR starts a race. The only difference is that it is now leading the bunch of MLB players around the speedway. Again, it might look good, but overdone for a few fans.
For those unaware, the Speedway Classic is a first-of-its-kind event in MLB, teaming up with a NASCAR track for a truly unique experience. Naturally, there will be a few firsts that might feel odd to baseball purists. But at the end of the day, the entertainment factor is what draws in the audience, and many of these new elements will probably get smoother as future Speedway Classics roll out.
And right now, it feels like another chapter in the ongoing tug-of-war between traditional baseball fans and the new generation that craves more spectacle around the game. And let’s not forget, this is the first time Tennessee gets to host a live MLB game, which makes the star-studded showcase even more special for local fans.
Fans are calling out a few odds in the Speedway Classic
Pre-game gimmicks and antics are entertaining, but overdoing it? Nope, a few fans are not agreeing!
This whole pre-game shtick is awful. pic.twitter.com/fyxKIICeRP
— Tony Wuench (@twuench) August 2, 2025
Is the pre-game event even needed for the fans to enjoy a good, thrilling MLB game? Or is it just because of the Speedway Classic happening for the first time? “This whole pre-game shtick is awful.” One fan seems to be all against it. Well, from a traditional baseball standpoint, the game itself is the centerpiece, and anything that distracts from first pitch to final out can feel like a gimmick. Moreover, purists argue that too many pre-game spectacles risk turning MLB into more of a show than a sport. However, a festival-like atmosphere brings in casual fans and can turn a single game into a full-day experience, especially for cities that don’t get MLB action often.
Check out this space for more diverse comments shared by the fans…..
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