By Dan Hock

Ceremonial First Pitch to be Thrown by Braves Hall of Famer Chipper Jones to Reds Hall of Famer Johnny Bench; U.S. Navy MU1 Kathryn Dobyns to Sing the U.S. National Anthem
July 28th, 2025
Saturday’s MLB Speedway Classic presented by BuildSubmarines.com will break the all-time regular season single-game attendance record, Major League Baseball announced today. With more than 85,000 tickets sold to date, the first American or National League game ever played in Tennessee – which will feature the Cincinnati Reds taking on the Atlanta Braves – will eclipse the previous paid attendance record of 84,587 set on September 12, 1954, when Cleveland Stadium hosted the New York Yankees. Fans have purchased tickets from all 50 United States, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and nine countries on four continents.

CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH: Before the Speedway Classic, the ceremonial first pitch will feature two Hall of Famers who spent the entirety of their careers representing the competing Clubs. Hall of Famer of the Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones will throw the ceremonial first pitch to Hall of Famer of the Cincinnati Reds Johnny Bench.

PREGAME PAGEANTRY: As part of the U.S. Navy’s upcoming 250th birthday in October, the U.S. Navy will be featured throughout pregame ceremonies.
- National Anthem: U.S. Navy MU1 Kathryn Dobyns
- Color Guard: U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard from Washington, DC
- Flyover: Four U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets from VFA-103 of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach
MLB HONORS NASCAR: The integration of NASCAR traditions and crossover elements will be featured throughout the game to further connect baseball to the venue and the most recognizable aspects of the sport. MLB will honor NASCAR with multiple activations, including a pregame player parade, taking inspiration from NASCAR-style driver introductions, racing-themed between-inning activations featuring fans of all ages and an on-field, NASCAR “Victory Lane” celebration for the winning team with a custom Speedway Classic trophy presentation.
COURTESY MLB COMMUNICATIONS