Governor Lee announces Tennessee to make history as Bristol Motor Speedway hosts first MLB regular-season game between Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves in August 2025

Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, Gov. Lee announced that the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves will face off in a regular-season game at the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

This event will be the first American or National League game ever played in Tennessee.

The MLB Speedway Classic is the second event to receive funding from the Special Event Fund, established in 2022.

Governor Lee and the General Assembly created the $25 million fund to attract and retain high-profile events that boost economic impact, create jobs, and highlight Tennessee to a global audience.

The fund is a competitive, incentive-based grant program requiring eligible events to generate a direct economic impact of more than $10 million and a net economic benefit of at least $1 million in state tax revenue.