NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Major League Baseball, known for its efforts to expand into unique and unconventional venues, is set to hold a game at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway, a famed NASCAR track. This initiative follows MLB’s previous successful ventures at the “Field of Dreams” movie site in Iowa in 2021 and 2022, along with other locations in Alabama, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Now, the league has turned its sights to Tennessee, a state with strong ties to both college baseball and racing.
Bristol Motor Speedway, with its massive seating capacity, presents a remarkable opportunity for Commissioner Rob Manfred’s strategy of bringing live baseball to areas where the sport is not typically played. The speedway’s ability to host a large crowd promises to create a buzzing atmosphere for the game scheduled for August 2, where the Cincinnati Reds will face off against the Atlanta Braves. This venue, which previously held the record for attendance at a college football game in 2016, can accommodate up to 146,000 fans for racing events.
The baseball game will take place on a specially constructed field laid over part of the infield and high-banked track of Bristol. The Atlanta Braves have shown strong enthusiasm for this event since the idea was first proposed by MLB. According to Braves’ President and CEO Derek Schiller, participating in this game is significant due to the team’s strong fan base in the region. The setting offers a unique experience that combines America’s love for baseball and motorsports.
To enhance the novelty of this event, country music star Tim McGraw is scheduled to perform a concert an hour before the first pitch. McGraw’s connection to baseball, influenced by his late father Tug McGraw—a World Series-winning pitcher for both the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies—adds a sentimental touch to the day’s festivities. Event organizers, led by Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, hint at additional announcements designed to attract fans well in advance of the game’s start.
Bristol Motor Speedway, known for its adaptability, has a rich history of hosting unique events. The most notable was the 2016 “Battle of Bristol,” which set attendance records with 156,990 spectators. The venue is no stranger to transforming its half-mile concrete oval into a space for varied events. Preparations for the upcoming MLB Speedway Classic started long before, allowing for some breathing room before the night NASCAR Cup Series race planned for mid-September.
As the date nears, excitement builds among both the MLB and NASCAR communities. The planners are optimistic about the event’s potential success, leveraging Bristol’s historical capability of drawing massive crowds and creating unforgettable sporting experiences. With about 100 days to go, anticipation is growing, and organizers are working diligently to ensure a memorable showcase of America’s favorite pastime in an unparalleled setting.