The 2025 MLB Speedway Classic promised more than history. It was supposed to be a one-of-a-kind spectacle, having Major League Baseball played inside not just a NASCAR facility, but the famed Bristol Motor Speedway. It was a perfect PR event for Fox to show off their big-name broadcasters and for Major League Baseball to prove its innovative spirit. But given all the high anticipation leading up to it, it couldn’t live up to the hype.

As unbelievable as it’s going to sound, more than 85,000 attendees were left drenched in rain and starving for food. The Atlanta Braves were set to play against the Cincinnati Reds against the stunning backdrop of a motorsports venue reimagined for MLB. The attendees were treated to performances from Tim McGraw, pop star Pitbull, and artist Jake Owen ahead of the first pitch. Everyone, including the skippers—Brian Snitker and Terry Francona—couldn’t stop raving about the energy of the venue. But Mother Nature had her plans for the MLB Speedway Classic.

A massive rain delay meant everyone was left standing in the downpour for hours. To make matters worse, the event seemed to have been planned for a much smaller number of people, leaving fans with an incredibly limited number of food and drink options. It seemed all flash and no substance.

The game was broadcast on FOX, but as the rain persisted, the network filled the extensive dead air with unscripted, impromptu material. The prolonged stoppage was a disaster for the event’s organizers and fans alike, many of whom were forced to leave the stadium due to the delay, which ultimately resulted in the game being suspended for the day.

The fans ran out of patience with poor service. The planning of the event was probably not scrutinized enough. Concession lines were ridiculously long, and the Bristol Motor Speedway seemed to face a shortage of food as well. To make it all even worse, there were hardly any ponchos, and the attendees had no one to help with directions, as the venue was seemingly understaffed.

It was surprising because the usual races that are held at Bristol Motor Speedway rarely face any logistical issues.

MLB Speedway Classic could have been planned way better

Considering all the advanced weather tracking tools at their disposal, it would be fair to say that the 2025 Speedway Classic could be executed better. Spencer Strider, the Braves’ scheduled starter and a Tennessee native, had already gone through his full pre-game warmup routine before the rain started and the first pitch was delayed for over two hours. The Braves’ management eventually had to make the difficult decision to pull him from the game.

Cincinnati’s Chase Burns’ outing was uncertain as well, until he finally took the mound. Manager Terry Francona had hinted at injury concerns before the first pitch. But eventually, Burns made his way to the mound and played the first inning until the game was suspended.

The MLB Speedway Classic had been hyped for more than a year. Commissioner Rob Manfred had played a big role in bringing baseball to an unconventional venue. 85,000 tickets were sold, and the attendance was supposed to break the previous record of 84,587 set in 1954, when Cleveland Stadium hosted the New York Yankees.

Given the hype, nobody expected Saturday night to be all about the mess of puddles, delays, and food shortages. But sadly, that’s how it turned out to be.

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