The Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves are going to play a regular season game at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee next year for the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic.
“Major League Baseball is excited to deliver a special game at Bristol Motor Speedway, a unique setting that sports fans will remember forever,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“The Reds and the Braves form an ideal matchup because of their dynamic talent and the proximity of their markets. We look forward to celebrating our game with a wide array of fans, both on and off the field throughout the weekend, and highlighting the rich traditions of sports, music and community in Tennessee and across the region.”
Bill Lee, governor of Tennessee, added: “Tennessee has a remarkable history of hosting sporting events on the national stage, and we’re honored to host the first Major League Baseball game of its kind in state history. Baseball is a great American brand that belongs in Tennessee, and we look forward to welcoming Reds and Braves fans to Bristol while ensuring continued economic growth and prosperity across the Volunteer State.”
The 2025 MLB Speedway Classic adds to a long list of special events that have made for groundbreaking MLB games at non-traditional domestic locations, including the 2016 MLB at Fort Bragg game; annual Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania since 2017; MLB in Omaha at the NCAA’s Men’s College World Series in 2019; MLB at Field of Dreams in 2021 and 2022; and MLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues in June of this year.
Commonly known as “The Last Great Colosseum,” Bristol Motor Speedway has a long history as a major sports and entertainment destination. Its stadium-like structure serves as a versatile multi-use venue that has hosted major auto races, concerts by musicians, football games and many other events.
Darrell Waltrip has the most NASCAR Cup Series victories at Bristol Motor Speedway with 12, followed by Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, Cale Yarborough and Kyle Busch at nine each. Dale Earnhardt Jr. famously coined the catchphrase, “It’s Bristol, Baby!” after his sweep of Cup and Xfinity victories at the 2004 Night Race.
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Mookie Betts is among current MLB players who are Tennessee natives. The list also includes Evan Carter of the Texas Rangers, Sonny Gray of the St. Louis Cardinals, Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants, and Oakland Athletics’ Brent Rooker.
More history between MLB and the state of Tennessee is through the annual Winter Meetings, which have been held in Nashville eight times (1983, 1989, 1998, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2023).
2025 MLB Speedway Classic details
The historic matchup is going to represent the first American League or National League game ever played in Tennessee, which is becoming the fifth different state across the country since 2016 to host an MLB game that will be a first-time contest.
Date
The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are playing the MLB Speedway Classic game on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. The Reds are the designated home team.
There is the possibility of the special game being played Sunday, Aug. 3, in the event of rain at Bristol Motor Speedway. That date currently is being held as an off day for both teams.
Tickets
MLB Speedway Classic tickets will be sold through an exclusive pre-sale followed by a general public on-sale.
Reds and Braves season ticket holders will have early access in September, and the general public sale is expected to begin in early December 2024.
Fans can visit mlb.com/speedwayclassic for more updates, including ticket information. Those interested in VIP packages can place their deposit to be first in line to purchase ticket, hotel and hospitality packages.
TV info
Fox Sports is going provide exclusive national coverage of the MLB Speedway Classic 2025. Joe Davis and John Smoltz are expected to be on the call in the Fox booth.
Bristol Motor Speedway baseball layout
A baseball diamond ready for a Major League game will be built across the famed Bristol track at one of the largest standalone sporting venues in the nation.
MLB also is partnering with with BaAM Productions, BrightView and Populous to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience to sports fans that attend the MLB Speedway Classic, which will include various attractions and live music in the “birthplace of country music.”
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