Vast number of spectators gather for a baseball game at a racetrack venue
In a unique blend of two iconic American sports, the MLB Speedway Classic took place at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee, transforming the famous NASCAR racetrack into a baseball stadium. The 2025 edition of this one-of-a-kind event featured the Atlanta Braves versus the Cincinnati Reds, marking the first Major League Baseball game ever held in Tennessee.
With a paid attendance of 91,032 fans, the Speedway Classic set a new record for the highest attendance at a regular-season MLB game. The transformation of the racetrack into a baseball stadium is a massive logistical effort, requiring the laying down of 17,500 tons of gravel and 340 tons of clay to create a baseball-quality playing surface inside the speedway's infield.
The event is known for its racing-themed elements. Players wore NASCAR-inspired uniforms, and the stadium's giant scoreboard, known as "Colossus," provided spectacular views and highlights during the game. The stadium's atmosphere was further enhanced by concerts, themed contests for broadcasters, and the presence of race cars painted in MLB team colors.
The game saw memorable moments, such as Braves player Eli White becoming the first to hit two home runs at a NASCAR track and pitcher Hurston Waldrep securing his first MLB win on the famed venue. The event combined the excitement of baseball with the historic and distinctive atmosphere of Bristol Motor Speedway, offering fans a truly unique sporting spectacle.
After the game, the venue quickly reverted to its primary NASCAR function, with crews working throughout the night to dismantle the baseball setup and prepare for upcoming races. This dual-use aspect adds to the uniqueness of the MLB Speedway Classic.
The event was planned for four years and was first announced nearly a year ago as part of MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's push to bring MLB to places where baseball is not played every day. For fans in the Atlanta and Cincinnati markets, the Speedway Classic presented a crossover opportunity to be exposed to the other sport.
Bristol Motor Speedway, known as the "Last Great Colisseum" in the world of NASCAR, was expected to host a crowd larger than any previous MLB regular-season game. Pre-game activities included a concert by Jake Owen, a flyover by US Navy jets, and ceremonial first pitches by Chipper Jones and Johnny Bench.
Fans camped out at the speedway for days in anticipation of the unexpected experience of an MLB game in a racetrack infield. Merchandise supporting the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, or commemorating the event was available. More than 85,000 tickets were sold for the game, surpassing the previous paid attendance record set in 1954.
The Speedway Classic mixed the rich racing history of Bristol and Tennessee, offering fans a memorable combination of two beloved American sports. Although Tennessee does not currently have an MLB team, a group is chasing an expansion franchise for Nashville. For now, the MLB Speedway Classic stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of baseball and NASCAR, and the unique experiences they can create when brought together.
The first Major League Baseball game held in Tennessee, the MLB Speedway Classic, featured the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds in a thrilling matchup, marking a significant moment for both sports. With the transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway into a temporary baseball stadium, baseball fans had the opportunity to witness a unique blend of sports, merging the excitement of baseball with the historic atmosphere of NASCAR.
