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MLB Speedway Classic Draws Record 91,032 Fans Despite Rain Delays and Logistical Hurdles

Review of concessions failures along with weather delays could shape MLB’s next nontraditional venue event.

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Aug 2, 2025; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; The tarp is on the field as rain delays the start of the Speedway Classic game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The event set a new regular-season attendance record when 91,032 tickets were sold at Bristol Motor Speedway, surpassing a mark that stood since 1954.
  • The Atlanta Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4–2 after play resumed on Sunday following a 2 hour, 17 minute rain delay.
  • A 400-person crew laid 17,000 tons of gravel, 340 tons of Pennsylvania clay and 124,000 ft² of turf to convert the NASCAR track into a regulation baseball field.
  • Concession stands ran out of food during Saturday’s rain delay, leading officials to allow fans to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages on Sunday.
  • Major League Baseball and Bristol Motor Speedway are reviewing operational challenges to improve future regular-season games at unconventional sites.