Mark your calendars for August 2, 2025, as Tennessee gears up to host its first-ever Major League Baseball (MLB) game at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway. The Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves will face off in a historic showdown for the MLB Speedway Classic, with the action broadcast nationally on FOX at 7:00 p.m. ET.

The 2025 MLB Speedway Classic promises to be more than just a game; it’s set to make history. While baseball purists are excited about the first-ever American or National League matchup played in Tennessee, those in the Brazos Valley recognize the local connection to the event made by one of the community’s innovative leaders. Presented by BlueForge Alliance, this historic event draws a connection from critical, mission-driven work to an experience like never before.

At the core of this partnership is BlueForge Alliance, a nonprofit organization headquartered in the heart of Lake Walk. Known primarily for its pivotal work in bolstering the U.S. submarine industrial base, BlueForge Alliance has quietly transformed the industry since its inception. Through its flagship initiative, BuildSubmarines.com, BlueForge has mobilized a national workforce and facilitated technological advancements for the US Navy and its partners. This historic event brings to light the importance of BlueForge Alliance’s work and the opportunities highlighted within BuildSubmarines.com’s mission.

Bristol Motor Speedway’s sprawling infield will be transformed into a regulation baseball diamond, making this a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Plus, the Speedway Classic is more than just baseball. MLB is partnering with BaAM Productions, BrightView, and Populous to create a fan experience like no other, featuring live music and attractions that capture the essence of Tennessee—home of the Appalachian League and the birthplace of country music.

This game marks another milestone in MLB’s ongoing efforts to bring America’s favorite sport to unique and unexpected locations. Since 2016, MLB has hosted games in Fort Bragg, North Carolina; the Field of Dreams in Iowa; and Rickwood Field in Alabama, each offering fans unforgettable experiences. This time, Tennessee takes center stage.

“This is a special opportunity to bring Major League Baseball to a venue as iconic as Bristol Motor Speedway,” said MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. “With the Reds and Braves—two dynamic teams with deeply rooted fanbases—it’s the perfect setting to showcase the game in a way that fans will never forget.”

Governor Bill Lee echoed the excitement, highlighting Tennessee’s rich history of hosting major sporting events: “Tennessee has long been a destination for national sports, and we’re honored to be part of this historic MLB moment.”

Pre-sales for the Speedway Classic begin this September, offering early access to Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves season ticket holders and Bristol Motor Speedway’s racing ticketholders. Public ticket sales are set to open in December.

Bristol Motor Speedway President Jerry Caldwell is ready to welcome fans to what he calls “The Last Great Colosseum.” Caldwell expressed his excitement for this momentous event stating, “This game at Bristol is the culmination of years of planning, and it’s a perfect ‘meet in the middle’ location for Reds and Braves fans alike. We’re making history at a venue that’s been synonymous with speed and excitement.”

Bristol’s storied history as a multi-use venue will come full circle, with the Speedway now adding Major League Baseball to a lineup that already includes NASCAR, college football, and legendary concerts. Its stadium-like structure, nestled in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, has become an icon of American sports culture.

Beyond the game itself, Bristol is steeped in baseball history, playing host to the Appalachian League since 1911. The League, now an elite summer collegiate baseball league in partnership with MLB and USA Baseball, has produced generations of baseball talent, and Bristol’s own State Liners team is a key part of that legacy.

This event underscores the state’s rich baseball tradition, from its Minor League teams—the Nashville Sounds, Memphis Redbirds, Chattanooga Lookouts, and Tennessee Smokies—to its history in the Negro Leagues. Legendary players like Hall of Famer Turkey Stearnes and Willie Mays trace their roots to Tennessee, making this MLB debut even more significant.

Today, Tennessee continues to produce baseball talent at an impressive rate and critical organizations including BlueForge Alliance are helping make historic events like this possible. Whether you’re a Reds fan, a Braves fan, or just a baseball lover, the MLB Speedway Classic promises to be an unforgettable experience. From the action on the field to the atmosphere in the stands, this will be more than just a game—it’s an event that will forever be etched in the annals of baseball history. 

Visit mlb.com/speedwayclassic for updates and ticket information. Be a part of this historic moment and see baseball debuted at one of America’s most famous speedways.

Source: MLB Press Release

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About BlueForge Alliance

BlueForge Alliance (BFA) is the national nonprofit, neutral integrator whose mission is to reinvigorate the U.S. defense industrial base necessary to produce next-generation capabilities in partnership with the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense. BFA is a critical partner in the U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base’s mission to ensure industry has the capability, capacity, and resilience to build and maintain America’s next generation of undersea platforms. The organization’s team of experts in a variety of disciplines focus on addressing critical workforce, technology, and supplier development needs. BFA is headquartered in Bryan/College Station, Texas. For more information, visit www.BlueForgeAlliance.us.