MLB Showdown at the NASCAR Raceway: Key Points for Braves vs. Reds as Attendance Record is Primed to Crumble at the Speedway
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will make history as they square off in the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. This groundbreaking event marks the first time a Major League Baseball game is held in the state and the first MLB game to take place at a NASCAR track.
A Unique Setting
The game will be played on the infield area of the Bristol Motor Speedway, with temporary seating added behind the plate and along the first and third baselines. To accommodate the baseball diamond, typical racing infrastructure such as pit walls and gas pumps will be removed. The unique setting is expected to create an electric atmosphere, blending NASCAR’s iconic venue with MLB.
Special Uniforms and Pitching Matchup
For this special event, both teams will wear distinct racing-themed uniforms designed by Nike. The Braves jerseys feature custom italicized numbers reminiscent of race car numbers, with flames on the visor of their caps. The Reds’ caps incorporate checkered flag motifs. Batting helmets are also inspired by NASCAR helmet designs with checkered flags and racing-themed numbers. These uniform items will be available for purchase and will also appear in the video game "MLB The Show 25".
The probable starters for the game are right-handed pitchers Spencer Strider for the Braves and Chase Burns for the Reds. Spencer Strider, a native of Ohio who attended high school in Knoxville, Tennessee, has a 3.71 ERA in 14 starts this year, while Chase Burns, a Gallatin, Tennessee native, has a 6.27 ERA in six starts this year, making his MLB debut.
Additional Attractions
The Speedway Classic will also feature a large baseball-themed Fan Zone over 220,000 square feet, complete with live music performances by Tim McGraw, Pitbull, and Jake Owen, interactive games, and regional food.
Record-Breaking Attendance
Over 85,000 tickets have been sold for the Speedway Classic, breaking the record for an MLB game. The game will start at 7:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FOX and streamed on Fubo.
Importance of the Game
Saturday’s Speedway Classic is not just a unique experience, but an important game for the Reds as they aim to secure a postseason berth. The Reds are currently 57-53, 3 ½ games out of a postseason spot, while the Braves are 46-62, 13 ½ games behind the third wild card spot. The over/under for the game is 9 runs at FanDuel.
In a historic first for both baseball and NASCAR, the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic promises to be an unforgettable event, combining the thrill of baseball with the excitement of NASCAR culture.
- Fans will gather in the unique setting of Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee for the historic MLB Speedway Classic on August 2, 2025, where the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will make baseball history.
- Both teams will don special racing-themed uniforms designed by Nike, featuring NASCAR-inspired elements, for this groundbreaking event.
- Right-handed pitchers Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves and Chase Burns of the Cincinnati Reds will face off in the first MLB game to take place at a NASCAR track.
- The Speedway Classic will offer additional attractions, including a large Fan Zone with live music, interactive games, and regional food, making it a comprehensive sports and entertainment experience.
- Record-breaking attendance is anticipated as over 85,000 tickets have been sold, making it the most well-attended MLB game to date.
- Saturday's Speedway Classic is not just a novelty game; it holds importance for the Cincinnati Reds as they strive to secure a postseason berth.
- As baseball and NASCAR collaborate for the first time in history, the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic is set to be an unforgettable spectacle, blending the excitement of MLB with the energetic culture of NASCAR.
