Cincinnati Reds Experience Bristol Motor Speedway

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — As the Cincinnati Reds arrived on Saturday, manager Terry Francona was struck by the impressive sight of Bristol Motor Speedway towering over the mountains.

The speedway is massive, capable of accommodating not just one but two baseball fields. However, Francona’s focus is on the single field set up for the MLB Speedway Classic taking place against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night in the infield of this iconic venue, known as “The Last Great Colosseum.”

Francona appreciates the effort that went into this event. “When you get outside of the field, it’s actually pretty cool,” he remarked. “The way the stands kind of all face in, the ones they’re using, it looks pretty cool.”

The MLB Speedway Classic was revealed nearly a year prior, aligning with Commissioner Rob Manfred’s initiative to engage baseball fans in areas where the sport isn’t regularly featured. Previous games were held at a movie site in Iowa in both 2021 and 2022.

Now, it’s Tennessee’s turn, a state known for its NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS teams but lacking an MLB franchise, despite efforts for a Nashville expansion. This game celebrates Bristol’s rich racing heritage as it hosts two NASCAR races annually.

Before the event started, fans enjoyed activities like a 110-foot Ferris wheel. The fan zone also featured race cars in MLB colors, food trucks, live music, pitching tunnels, batting cages, photo opportunities with the Commissioner’s Trophy, and even Clydesdales.

On game day, the diamond is set within the half-mile oval of Bristol Motor Speedway. “Honestly, I can’t believe they did all this for one game,” said Braves first baseman Matt Olson about his first visit. “To get everything ready for the proper viewing is pretty incredible.” Both teams are vying for a historic game, marking the first Major League Baseball game in Tennessee.