MLB Speedway Classic Rescheduled to Sunday Noon After Saturday Rainout; Sets Attendance Record
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Bristol, TN – August 3, 2025 – the highly anticipated MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds was postponed saturday night due to inclement weather, but not before shattering the record for the largest attendance at a Major League Baseball game. Over 85,000 fans packed Bristol Motor Speedway, a venue typically hosting NASCAR events, before the game was halted after one inning with the Reds leading 1-0.The continuation of the game is now scheduled for Sunday at 12:05 PM Eastern Time.
This marks the first MLB game played at Bristol Motor speedway,a unique initiative spearheaded by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to expand the league’s reach beyond traditional baseball markets.The event echoes previous prosperous ventures, including games held at the “Field of Dreams” movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, in 2021 and 2022.
A Historic Crowd & Unexpected Pitching Change
The record-breaking crowd surpasses the previous attendance high of 74,747 set during a Dodgers-Pirates game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on June 30, 2004. While the rescheduling may impact the final attendance figure, the initial turnout demonstrates important fan interest in this novel baseball experience.
Saturday’s rain delay also forced a late pitching change for the Braves. Originally slated to start, Spencer Strider, a Knoxville native (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Bristol), was replaced. The Braves have yet to announce who will resume pitching duties when the game restarts. Reds manager David Bell will also confirm his pitching plans shortly before first pitch.
Braves vs. Reds: Season Recap & Context
The Speedway Classic represents a mid-season matchup between two National League contenders. Heading into the continuation of this game,the season series between the Braves and Reds stands at:
May 6: Reds 1-2 Braves
May 7: Reds 4-3 Braves
May 8: Reds 4-5 Braves
July 31: Braves 12-11 reds
August 1: braves 2-3 Reds
The braves currently hold a narrow lead in the National League East,while the Reds are battling for a Wild Card spot. Both teams boast potent offenses; the Braves led the NL in home runs as of August 2nd, while the Reds feature a dynamic young core including Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain.
How to Watch the MLB Speedway Classic
Fans can catch the continuation of the Braves-Reds game exclusively on Fox in the United States. Viewers in Mexico can tune into Fox Sports Premium México,and the game is also scheduled to be broadcast on One Baseball Network. Streaming options are available via MLB.TV, requiring a subscription.
Game Details:
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025
Time: 1:05 PM Eastern Time (10:05 AM Pacific, 11:05 AM central Mexico)
Location: Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, Tennessee.