Major League Baseball history was made at Bristol Motor Speedway this past weekend as the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds broke the all-time regular-season attendance record for the first-ever “MLB Speedway Classic.” An official crowd of 91,032 fans packed into the iconic Tennessee racetrack to witness the historic event.
While the game was initially suspended in the bottom of the first inning on Saturday due to heavy rain, fans returned on Sunday to see the Braves triumph over the Reds 4-2. The record-breaking attendance surpasses the previous mark of 84,587, which was set in 1954 when the New York Yankees played the Cleveland Indians at Cleveland Stadium.
The unique event, which saw the racetrack’s infield transformed into a baseball diamond, marked the first regular-season MLB game to ever be played in the state of Tennessee. The atmosphere was electric, with a festive air that included concerts and other entertainment alongside the baseball action.
Braves outfielder Eli White was the hero of the day, hitting a pair of home runs, including a three-run shot that bounced off the track’s safer barrier. Pitcher Hurston Waldrep, who was a call-up for the game, earned his first MLB win with a strong relief performance.
Despite the rain delay, the historic game was a success, showcasing Major League Baseball’s commitment to bringing the sport to new and exciting venues. The “Speedway Classic” was a moment that brought together the worlds of baseball and motorsports, creating a memorable experience for a record-setting crowd.
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