MLB has found a new way to step outside the chalk lines of tradition. And that too, beyond the existing notion of specialty games. Well, specialty games have become the league’s calling card for innovation, transforming ballparks into experiences that connect the sport with new geographies, histories, and cultures. We’ve seen the game land on military grounds at Fort Bragg, bring Hollywood nostalgia to life at the Field of Dreams, honor history at Rickwood Field, and celebrate youth with the Little League Classic.
Now, MLB is revving into uncharted territory. This Saturday, America’s pastime will collide with America’s speedway as a NASCAR racetrack transforms into a full-fledged major-league ballpark. Welcome to the Bristol Speedway Classic, a spectacle where the crack of the bat meets the roar of the track, and baseball takes its boldest lap yet. Just when we thought that MLB had had enough of promoting their specialty games, this comes as a gut punch!
What is the Speedway Classic? Know the reason behind the event name
Well, baseball is about to trade its dirt tracks for a race track, literally. The Reds and Braves are gearing up for a one-of-a-kind matchup at Bristol Motor Speedway, and MLB is calling it the Speedway Classic ’25. A nod to the speedway’s legendary racing roots and a celebration of this history-making baseball event. Moreover, calling it a classic captures just how historic it is. Tennessee’s first-ever MLB game and a chance to set a new single-game attendance record!
Image credit: Earl Neikirk/Bristol Motor Speedway via AP
The journey for the Speedway Classic started on August 6, 2024, when reports hinted at the Braves and Reds taking their rivalry to Bristol. Afterwards, MLB made it official that this wild crossover between baseball and NASCAR is really happening. And where to play in the speedway? A temporary diamond will sit right across the speedway’s track and infield, mostly between Turns 3 and 4. The diamond will reportedly have enough dimensions perfect for launching homers with a backdrop like no other (330 feet down the lines, 375 to the right field, 384 to the left field, and 400 to the center field).
When and where is the event? Know the date, schedule, tickets, and more
On August 2, 2025, the Braves and Reds will square off in a one-of-a-kind regular-season matchup in Bristol, Tennessee. And fans can catch all the action starting at 6 p.m. ET on FOX, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Speedway Classic isn’t just about the game; it’s a full-on sports and entertainment spectacle. The festivities are gonna kick off on July 31, when the BMS campgrounds open at noon, and the fun continues with three special events on August 1. Then on game day, August 2, the Interactive Fan Zone opens at noon, featuring live performances from Adam Doleac, Jake Owen, Tim McGraw, and Pitbull before the teams take the field.
Tickets start at $50 plus taxes and fees, with premium seating available for those looking to upgrade the experience. And the crowd is expected to be massive, too. With more than 85,000 tickets already sold, the Speedway Classic may just set a new MLB single-game attendance record, breaking the long-standing mark of 84,587, set during a 1954 doubleheader between the Guardians (then Indians) and Yankees.
Which two teams are playing in the Speedway analysis?
When it was initially planned to bring America’s pastime to the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway, they knew this game had to be a showcase of history, geography, and fan passion. And that’s where the Braves and Reds come in.
Well, the choice started with location. Bristol Motor Speedway sits in northeastern Tennessee, practically on the state line with Virginia and just a few hours’ drive from several major MLB fan bases. Thus, the Braves, known as the team of the South, were a natural pick. On the other hand, the Reds’ fan base extends deep into Kentucky and southern Ohio, areas not far from Bristol.
Hence, this makes the Reds the perfect northern rival to meet the Braves in the middle, creating a border-state showdown that taps into both fan bases without feeling like a home game. Moreover, the Reds, as baseball’s first professional franchise, bring a touch of tradition and nostalgia. Speedway Classic, as we say!
Top players to watch out for: Matt Olson, Elly De La Cruz
Headlining the showcase are dynamic stars like Michael Harris II and Elly De La Cruz, whose blazing speed on the basepaths could rival the cars that usually streak past the grandstands. Power will also be on full display with Matt Olson set to launch home runs into a backdrop unlike any other in baseball. With the three sluggers hitting .231, .282, and .261, buckle up for some fireworks in the middle!
Pitching won’t be left out of the spotlight, either. Spencer Strider, being the fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach 200 strikeouts in a single season, would be expected to throw a few fireballs! And then, Chase Burns is expected to take the mound, challenging hitters in a venue where precision and adrenaline collide. However, amid all these hits, Ronald Acuna Jr stands as a crucial miss from the Speedway Classic.
The Braves got a scare on Tuesday when Ronald Acuna Jr had to leave the game against the Royals with some tightness in his right Achilles. And currently, the team has placed him on the 10-day injured list for a grade 1 strain in his right calf. It’s a tough break for fans, too; missing out on seeing the slugger who’s been tearing it up with a .309 batting average is a huge loss.
Nevertheless, buckle up to witness the racing instinct on a baseball diamond. Unlike anything that ever happened in MLB.
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