For the first occasion, a competitive match showcasing teams from the American League or National League will be staged in Tennessee. The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are set to proceed with the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic on Sunday afternoon, resuming after a rain-induced suspension on Saturday night. This contest will take place at Bristol Motor Speedway, a prominent NASCAR venue.
“I anticipate it being rather excellent. Having grown up viewing NASCAR races, the prospect of playing in the midst of it is notably exceptional,” Braves pitcher Grant Holmes commented to MLB.com. “… A considerable number of individuals will be present. The atmosphere will be energetic. NASCAR enthusiasts are known for their spirited enthusiasm.”
The initial pitch faced a delay of two hours and seventeen minutes due to rain on Saturday. The rainfall rapidly returned as the game commenced, leading MLB to halt the proceedings with one out in the initial frame. When play resumes on Sunday, the Reds will maintain a 1-0 advantage with runners occupying first and second base (GameTracker).
The Speedway Classic is being hosted within the confines of Bristol Motor Speedway. Several alterations were necessary to accommodate a baseball field. Sections of the pit walls, fuel dispensers, and even portions of a structure underwent removal. The subsequent information details how to observe the continuation of Sunday’s delayed game:
2025 MLB Speedway Classic
Date: Sunday, August 3 | Time: 1 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Bristol Motor Speedway (Bristol, Tennessee)
Live stream: Fubo (Initiate viewing, receive $20 off!) | TV channel: FOX
Teams: Atlanta Braves against Cincinnati Reds
Odds: Braves (-172), Reds (+142), Over/Under 9 at FanDuel
The Sunday game is slated as the culmination of a three-game series between the Braves and Reds. The initial pair of games transpired on Thursday and Friday at Great American Ball Park, situated in Cincinnati. The Reds are designated as the home team for the Speedway Classic. Below is the essential information pertaining to Saturday’s momentous game in Tennessee.
The field of play
The baseball diamond is situated on the Bristol Motor Speedway’s infield, positioned between Turns 3 and 4 of the racetrack. The field’s measurements exhibit near-symmetrical characteristics. The distance to both the right and left field lines is 330 feet, while the center field distance extends to 400 feet. The left-center field gap is marginally deeper at 384 feet compared to the right-center field distance of 375 feet. The bullpens are nestled within the outfield corners.
The playing surface is composed of Diamond Series AstroTurf, mirroring the surface utilized at Rogers Centre, home to the Toronto Blue Jays. Post-game, the playing surface will be gifted to East Tennessee State University, located in close proximity in Johnson City, Tennessee.
An attendance record will be broken
Bristol Motor Speedway has a seating capacity of 146,000 for NASCAR events. For the Speedway Classic, approximately two-thirds of the venue’s seating will be available, complemented by temporary seating additions behind home plate and along the first and third baselines. Exceeding 85,000 tickets have been purchased, establishing a new attendance benchmark for an MLB game. The prior record stood at 84,587 tickets, achieved during a contest between Cleveland and the New York Yankees at Cleveland Stadium on Sept. 14, 1954.
In contrast to the intimate ambiance of the Field of Dreams Game in Iowa or the recent Rickwood Field game in Birmingham, Alabama, Saturday’s Speedway Classic will present a grand spectacle. The baseball field is encircled by the racetrack, and the facility’s sheer scale will cultivate an unprecedented atmosphere for an MLB game.
The teams will wear special uniforms
In acknowledgment of motorsports, the Braves and Reds will don distinctive caps and uniforms adorned with race car-inspired numbering on Saturday, among other design elements. Discover more details here:
The Braves, currently facing challenges with a record of 46-63, trail the third wild card spot by 14 ½ games. The Reds possess a 58-53 record, positioning them 3 ½ games away from a postseason entry. Sunday promises a singular experience, while also representing a pivotal game for the Reds.
