Chipper Jones and Chase Elliott envision baseball at Bristol as a thrilling intersection of two beloved sports. The excitement was palpable when Elliott, a devoted Atlanta Braves supporter, offered Jones, a celebrated figure in Braves history, a unique ride around the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway.
Although the car was equipped with a rev limiter, restricting Elliott’s speed on the 0.533-mile high-banked track, the experience remained exhilarating for Jones, who cherished every moment.
These two stars share a connection through their passion for sports; Jones recalls attending his first NASCAR race as a child in July 1984 at Daytona. Elliott, with his roots in Georgia, has cheered for the Braves for as long as he can remember, making their bond even more significant.
On Friday, the two icons gathered for an exciting announcement: Major League Baseball revealed that the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will face off in a regular-season game on August 2, 2025, on a specially constructed field within the Bristol track’s infield. This historic event will be broadcast live on FOX during prime time.
“Growing up just 20 miles from Daytona and attending races like the Daytona 500 and Firecracker 400, I always imagined a game like this would take place at Talladega or Daytona, which have spacious infields,” Jones remarked, seated alongside Elliott.
“Seeing it packed in here is hard to fathom, but next year will look completely different.”
Elliott is optimistic about the event, suggesting that attendance might surpass the MLB record of 115,300. While Bristol officials have not disclosed specific capacity numbers, the venue is expected to accommodate at least 125,000 fans.
“I’m just like any other Braves fan,” Elliott stated. “Being part of this and helping to promote it is an incredible honor for me, given my upbringing around the team. I assure everyone attending will have a fantastic experience.”
“This venue ranks among the best we visit annually, and I believe everyone in the industry would agree. It will meet the needs of MLB, the Braves, and the Reds exceptionally well, ensuring a successful event.”
The baseball field will measure 330 feet along the foul lines, with 375 and 384 feet to the power alleys, and 400 feet to center field. Construction is set to commence on July 1, aiming for completion within 30 days, followed by an estimated 15 days for field removal after the game. Adjustments will include grading the current infield, removing some pit walls, and taking down part of a tire storage building.
Markings have already been placed on the track’s infield, indicating where the baseball field will be situated, along with the foul lines. Notably, the baseball surface will not be positioned directly on the racetrack.
“It looks relatively short — I’m curious about the location of the posts and whether that will change,” Elliott noted, contemplating the transformation from asphalt to turf. “It will certainly appear different, and I doubt the initial measurements are entirely accurate.”
Jones expressed curiosity about how the temporary field will perform.
“Watching this transformation will be genuinely exciting,” Jones said. “I wondered how the field would play before learning it would be all turf with clay around the bases.”
“Initially, I thought they would bring in grass, and constructing a baseball field in such a short time seemed impossible. Hearing it will be turf was a relief, as it tends to be hotter than natural grass.”
While Jones acknowledged the heat, he also saw it as a refreshing change from the usual baseball routine.
“The daily grind of a major league baseball player can become monotonous,” Jones explained. “You’re in it every day with very few days off. This event is a great way to break that routine, and it’s a perfect example of how to do it.”
“The heat can be intense. Players often hit a wall around late July or early August, feeling fatigued for about a week or so. This special event provides a much-needed break from that everyday grind, and I can assure you every player will want to be a part of it.”
Many fans would likely jump at the chance to take a ride with Elliott on the track. The vehicle he drove was not a NASCAR Cup Series car; it was a ride-along car designed for driving experiences. It also featured a rev limiter and tires not utilized in NASCAR races, adhering to the league’s strict testing regulations.
“My pucker factor was a solid 9.5, and it was just the two of us out there,” Jones recalled after his ride. “Can you imagine being on the track with 38-39 other cars so close together? That’s why professional athletes from different sports admire each other’s skills. I’m continually amazed by what these drivers accomplish.”
“This was my third or fourth time on track in a car, and it’s always an exhilarating experience.”
