Historic MLB Game Blends Baseball and NASCAR with Star-Studded Festivities

August 2, 2025 – The MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway has shattered the MLB attendance record with over 85,000 fans, surpassing the 1954 mark of 84,587. The matchup between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, the first MLB game in Tennessee, pits local pitchers Spencer Strider (Braves) and rookie Chase Burns (Reds) on a NASCAR track turned baseball field. Hall of Famers Chipper Jones and Johnny Bench will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Strider, with a 3.71 ERA and 92 strikeouts, faces the electric Burns, boasting 14.82 strikeouts per nine innings. A pre-game concert featuring Tim McGraw and Pitbull adds to the excitement. Aired on FOX Sports at 7:15 p.m.