Major League Baseball is preparing for a historic moment this weekend as it stages its first-ever game at a NASCAR track. The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will face off at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee on Saturday as part of the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic.
The event marks the first time a professional baseball game has been played at a professional race track, blending two of America’s most popular sports. MLB officials said the crossover presents a unique opportunity to grow the game and engage with younger, more diverse audiences. NASCAR-themed elements will be integrated throughout the day to highlight the connection.
More than 85,000 tickets have already been sold, with attendance expected to surpass 90,000. That would break MLB’s all-time regular season single-game attendance record, which has stood since 1954, when 84,587 fans watched a Cleveland Indians game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.
Organizers said the Speedway Classic has been years in the making. Planning began in 2021, and MLB has since worked with architects, turf specialists, broadcasters, and concessions partners to bring the vision to life. Title sponsor BuildSubmarines.com and other partners have also signed on to support the event. To accommodate the field, one building on the speedway grounds had to be demolished.
Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB’s senior vice president of global events, explained that the Speedway Classic embodies the league’s push toward innovation. “This represents an opportunity to create a natural tie-in with another sport focused on speed, boldness, and energy,” he said. “It’s about having as many fans as possible and showcasing the game in an unforgettable way.”
Beyond the game itself, the event will include a full fan experience featuring a festival-style fan zone and live performances from country music star Tim McGraw, pop-rap artist Pitbull, and singer-songwriter Jake Owen. Aerial footage will provide fans watching at home with dramatic visuals of the baseball field set against the backdrop of one of NASCAR’s most iconic venues.
MLB has already seen success with its Field of Dreams games in Iowa, which captured national attention with their nostalgic and cinematic setting. The Speedway Classic aims to build on that momentum while reaching a different audience by tapping into NASCAR’s passionate fan base.
“This is going to be pretty special,” Yolkut said. “From home runs landing on a NASCAR track to the sheer energy in the stands, it’s an experience unlike any other in baseball.”
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