The highly anticipated MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway, poised to make history, faced significant weather disruptions that ultimately led to its postponement until Sunday at 1 PM ET. Originally scheduled for Saturday evening, the unique matchup encountered persistent rain, preventing play for extended periods.
As the initial 7:15 PM ET first pitch approached, heavy rain began to fall, forcing both teams to retreat to their locker rooms and a tarp to be swiftly laid across the infield. Fans, eager to witness this historic event, waited patiently as weather radar indicated persistent precipitation over the iconic Tennessee venue.
A brief window of clearer skies emerged later in the evening, offering a glimmer of hope. Ground crews were observed diligently removing the tarp from the playing surface, suggesting that a delayed start was imminent, with a new proposed first pitch time of 9:40 PM ET broadcast to millions.
However, the clearing proved fleeting. Just as the game managed to begin, heavy rains returned, halting play again midway through the first inning. Puddles formed rapidly on the infield despite the crew’s efforts to add dirt, leading to the official decision to suspend the game and reschedule it for the following day.
This contest carries immense historical weight, marking the first Major League Baseball game ever to be played at Bristol Motor Speedway. Known predominantly as a premier NASCAR short track, home to thrilling annual events like the Food City 500 and Bass Pro Shops Night Race, Bristol’s transformation into a baseball diamond captivated sports enthusiasts worldwide.
Beyond its racing legacy, Bristol Motor Speedway has previously hosted a record-breaking college football game in 2016, drawing nearly 157,000 spectators. This precedent sparked excitement that the Speedway Classic might challenge the current MLB attendance record of 115,300, set in 2008, underscoring the magnitude of the event.
Adding to the local flavor, the game is also the inaugural MLB contest ever played in the state of Tennessee. Highlighting this regional connection, both teams planned to feature Tennessee-native starting pitchers: Chase Burns, a former Tennessee Vol from outside Nashville for the Reds, and Spencer Strider, who grew up in Knoxville, for the Braves.
The pre-game festivities were designed to be equally memorable, featuring a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Hall of Fame Brave Chipper Jones to Hall of Fame Red Johnny Bench. Both teams were set to sport unique, race-themed caps—the Braves with flames, the Reds with checkered flags—and Braves catcher Tyler Stephenson even planned to embody Ricky Bobby from “Talladega Nights,” adding a touch of humor to the monumental occasion.
