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‘How is that possible?’ wonder baseball fans after MLB announce regular-season game to take place at speedway track
The MLB has played regular-season games at unique locations over the past eight years
MAJOR League Baseball has unveiled a special location for one of its regular season games for 2025.
The Atlanta Braves will battle the Cincinnati Reds inside Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee on August 2, 2025.
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2023 National League MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. will lead the Braves while up-and-coming star Elly De La Cruz leads the Reds.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced the news Friday morning at Bristol Motor Speedway alongside Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
“Major League Baseball is excited to deliver a special game at Bristol Motor Speedway, a unique setting that sports fans will remember forever," said Manfred.
"The Reds and the Braves form an ideal matchup because of their dynamic talent and the proximity of their markets.
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"We look forward to celebrating our game with a wide array of fans, both on and off the field throughout the weekend.
"And highlighting the rich traditions of sports, music, and community in Tennessee and across the region."
Fans are puzzled considering the racetrack does not have the same dimensions as a baseball diamond.
Multiple MLB fans rushed to social media to share their confusion.
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"Can we see the design of how this will be laid out?" questioned one fan.
"How's that possible, there's no baseball field in that stadium?" wrote a second.
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Despite the change of scenery for the game, many fans expressed excitement.
"This is going to be sick," said a fan, adding a fire emoji.
"Well this will be AWESOME!" claimed another fan.
"This is going to be fun," said a fifth fan.
A baseball diamond will be built across the track and infield of the legendary speedway, according to MLB.com.
MLB All-Star starters 2024
American League
C: Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles)
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)
2B: Marcus Semien (Texas Rangers)
3B: José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians)
SS: Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles)
OF: Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)
OF: Steven Kwan (Cleveland Guardians)
OF: Juan Soto (New York Yankees)
DH: Yordan Alvarez (Houston Astros)
National League
C: William Contreras (Milwaukee Brewers)
1B: Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)
2B: Ketel Marte (Arizona Diamondbacks)
3B: Alec Bohm (Philadelphia Phillies)
SS: Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies)
OF: Jurickson Profar (San Diego Padres)
OF: Teoscar Hernández (Los Angeles Dodgers)
OF: Christian Yelich (Milwaukee Brewers)
DH: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)
In its original racing configuration, the high-banked concrete track can hold a capacity of approximately 146,000 fans.
Jerry Caldwell, president of Bristol Motor Speedway is excited that MLB will be hosting a game at the racetrack.
"There is deep baseball history in Bristol and around this area, long acknowledged as the heart of the Appalachian League," Caldwell said.
"In addition, Bristol’s location makes it the perfect ‘meet in the middle’ destination for a showdown between these two beloved clubs.
"It’s only appropriate for the World’s Fastest Half-Mile to showcase this game where the talented athletes will be on display in a venue that’s reputation was built on speed and high performance."
It will be the first regular-season game in National League and American League history played in Tennessee.
The Reds will serve as the home team.
“The Reds are excited to be the home team for this unforgettable first at the Bristol Motor Speedway," Reds president and CEO Phil Castellini said.
"Thank you to Major League Baseball for making this groundbreaking game happen.
"We cannot wait for all of Reds Country to cheer on their Reds in this unique and historic setting.”
This isn't the first time the MLB has hosted a game in a unique location.
On June 20, 2024, the San Francisco Giants battled the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama.
Built in 1910, Rickwood Field is the United States' oldest professional baseball park.
The game honored the Negro American League's history and became a tribute to legendary Giants center fielder Willie Mays, who died two days before.
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The Cardinals ended up coming out victorious defeating the Giants 6-5.
MLB has also hosted special games at Fort Bragg in 2016, Omaha in 2019, Field of Dreams in 2021, and the annual Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.