Baseball made its historic debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee, marking a significant milestone for the “Last Great Colosseum.” The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds clashed in a one-of-a-kind battle, shattering the 70-year-old attendance record with an impressive crowd of over 85,000 fans. This event is part of MLB’s series to spread its reach, showcasing the speedway’s versatility.
The game was delayed by rain but ultimately resumed on Sunday, with the Braves emerging victorious, 4-2. The unique blend of NASCAR and MLB teams made for a memorable experience, as athletes wore modified uniforms and participated in pre-game ceremonies. Celebrities like Hall of Famers Johnny Bench and Chipper Jones were among the attendees.
The speedway’s facilities, including first-class clubhouse facilities and batting cages, were specifically designed to accommodate an MLB game. Years of planning and preparation led to the realization that Bristol could host baseball events, with NASCAR sponsor BuildSubmarines.com playing a key role in the logistics.
The success of this event has sparked hopes for future major leagues at the speedway, including possible soccer or swimming competitions. With its massive seating capacity and already-established infrastructure, Bristol Motor Speedway is poised to become a premier destination for various sports events.
Source: https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/08/03/despite-rain-bristol-expands-outreach-with-mlb-speedway-classic