"I never thought that I would see a baseball field on the infield of a NASCAR track" - Legend Chipper Jones excited for MLB Speedway Classic '25
Chipper Jones joined NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick as the MLB announced next year's Speedway Classic. It will be an August 2 game between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds at the historic Bristol Motor Speedway.
This is yet another unique venue where Major League Baseball will be played. Earlier this year, fans were treated to a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants at Rickwood Field in honor of the Negro Leagues.
The game at Bristol Motor Speedway will be one fans will not want to miss. It will be an interesting transition from a NASCAR track to a baseball field, and Jones is still trying to wrap his head around it.
"You know, I never thought I would see a baseball field on the infield of a NASCAR track, especially this one. Knowing all these haulers are packed in here like sardines, but it's really exciting to look at the foul lines and what not," - said Jones.
Jones would have never thought that the MLB would be playing a game inside a NASCAR track, but here we are. It will be interesting to see it from the fans' point of view when the transition is all said and done.
"The part that I'm most excited about is I've seen what they've done for a football game here and to see Bristol Motor Speedway full, and I think for a baseball game will be great" - said Kevin Harvick.
Kevin Harvick has seen this track at capacity and believes it is a great venue for a baseball game. It has a seating capacity of 146,000, giving ample space for fans to come and watch.
Taking a closer look at the MLB Speedway Classic '25
The August 2 matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves will count as a home game for Cincinnati. FOX Sports will provide the national coverage and fans can expect ticket pre-sales in September.
The field will be built on the infield and span across the track. Outfield dimensions include 330 feet to both poles, 375 to the right, 384 to the left, and 400 to the center field. Fans could be in store for some offensive fireworks here.
Outside of the game, there will be loads of entertainment options. With the game being played in Tennessee, MLB vice president Jeremiah Yolkut stated that music would also be a big part of the event.