UPDATE: The highly anticipated MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds has been suspended due to rain, leaving fans in shock at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night. This historic matchup, marking the first regular-season MLB game in Tennessee, was halted in the first inning, with plans to resume on Sunday at 1 PM ET.
A record-breaking crowd gathered for this unique event, which has drawn over 85,000 ticket sales, surpassing the previous attendance record set in 1954. Fans were treated to a festive atmosphere featuring live music, food trucks, and even a Ferris wheel, but the excitement turned to disappointment as rain delayed the game shortly after the ceremonial first pitch.
Just moments after the pitch from Hall of Famers Johnny Bench and Chipper Jones, along with NASCAR stars Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott, rain began to fall heavily. The first rain delay of 2 hours, 17 minutes led to the game being postponed, with the Reds holding a slim 1-0 lead thanks to an RBI single from Austin Hays.
MLB’s senior vice president of on-field operations, Michael Hill, addressed the situation, stating,
“We’re going to suspend tonight’s game. … We are optimistic for a better weather forecast for tomorrow.”
The rain posed challenges on the field, with players struggling to maintain grip, as evidenced by a bat slipping from TJ Friedl’s hands during the game. Despite these hurdles, the atmosphere remained electric, with fans enjoying various activities, including a performance by Tim McGraw and Pitbull.
Originally announced nearly a year ago as part of Rob Manfred‘s initiative to bring MLB to new locations, the Speedway Classic aligns with previous successful events held in unique venues. The excitement surrounding the event was palpable, and many fans expressed disbelief at the scale of the setup, with Braves first baseman Matt Olson noting,
“Honestly, my first thought I can’t believe they did all this for one game.”
As fans exited the speedway amid the rain, the anticipation for Sunday’s resumption grows. With Spencer Strider—a local favorite—expected to take the mound, the Braves aim to turn the tide in this unique baseball experience set against the backdrop of NASCAR.
Stay tuned for updates as the MLB Speedway Classic resumes, promising more thrilling moments in this historic setting.
