Major League Baseball is once again stepping out of the diamond and into uncharted and untraditional territory. On August 2, the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will face off in one of the sport’s most unconventional venues yet: Bristol Motor Speedway, the legendary half-mile NASCAR track in Tennessee.
It’s the latest move in Commissioner Rob Manfred’s ambitious initiative to take America’s pastime to places where professional baseball isn’t typically played live. From the scenic cornfields of Iowa’s Field of Dreams to temporary stadiums in Pennsylvania and Alabama, the league has been making bold efforts to broaden its reach — and Bristol promises to be the biggest stage yet.
“Big crowd, big crowd,” said Manfred, speaking at the CAA World Congress of Sports this week. “We think that it’s an opportunity to have a really large audience for a major league game, and we think the setting in a really legendary speedway is going to be awesome for a baseball game.”
An Iconic Venue with Massive Capacity
Bristol Motor Speedway is no stranger to record-setting events. In 2016, the track famously hosted the “Battle at Bristol” college football showdown between the Tennessee Volunteers and Virginia Tech, drawing an eye-popping 156,990 fans — the largest crowd in college football history.
With a racing capacity of 146,000, expectations are high that the MLB Speedway Classic could draw one of the largest crowds ever for a professional baseball game. The field will be constructed atop the speedway’s infield and part of the high-banked concrete track — a massive logistical feat, but one organizers say they’re ready for.
“It’s becoming very real,” said Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “We’re approaching 100 days out from the game, and we’re thrilled with the progress.”
Braves Bring Their Fans and a Country Music Star
The Atlanta Braves, who boast a deep and loyal fan base across the southeastern U.S., were quick to sign on when approached by MLB.
“We know that there’s a uniqueness to it that is unmatched,” said Derek Schiller, president and CEO of the Braves. “Playing a baseball game at a motor speedway… was really important also because this is part of where our fan base comes from.”
To heighten the spectacle, country music superstar Tim McGraw will perform a concert one hour before first pitch. McGraw, the son of MLB great Tug McGraw, has strong baseball ties and once played the sport on a college scholarship before turning to music.
Caldwell hinted that more fan-focused events are planned around the game, teasing future announcements aimed at making the day unforgettable from the moment gates open.
Tennessee: A Natural Choice for Baseball’s Next Big Show
Tennessee was a logical pick for this groundbreaking matchup. The state is home to defending college baseball national champions, the Tennessee Volunteers, and Vanderbilt University, which has claimed two national titles in recent years.
With its blend of southern hospitality, rich baseball tradition, and NASCAR energy, Bristol may prove to be the perfect intersection of sport, spectacle, and storytelling.
As the countdown begins, one thing is certain this summer’s MLB Speedway Classic is shifting baseball into high gear.
