According to the MLB, the Speedway Classic has been postponed to Sunday at 1 p.m.
The MLB has announced that the start time has been moved to 9:40 p.m., weather permitting.
As of 8:50 p.m., the tarp is off the field.
According to the MLB, Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider will not pitch in the Speedway Classic.
Speedway Classic Storm Team 11 weather update:
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Bristol’s historic night of baseball under the lights of Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) is just days away, and whether you’ve been coming to the speedway for years or this is your first time, there are some things you need to know before you go.
Some of the policies will differ from a normal race weekend. Coolers, which are usually allowed at BMS, are prohibited at the Speedway Classic, according to Vice President of Marketing Drew Bedard.
“I know a few people might be upset, but that will be back for the races,” Bedard said. “Think of us as a Major League Baseball park for Saturday night, and that’s very standard for Major League Baseball parks.”
Bedard said the bag policy will be the same, but it will need to be clear and cannot be larger than 12 inches by 12 inches. The fan zone will open at noon to kick off the festivities, but you will need your ticket to get in, regardless of your age.
“That’s a really, really important one,” Bedard said.” So we want to remind everybody of that. Just have your tickets ready, download your tickets before you get on the property.”
Bristol, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce President Beth Rhinehart said there will be plenty to do before and after the game, even if you’re not attending.
“We want people who come here to have the weekend of their dreams,” Rhinehart said. “So we want them to come and see Bristol if you’ve never been here before, and enjoy the great hospitality that we’re known for here. We are really exceptional at welcoming folks and offering things to people that maybe they didn’t expect to find when they came here. So, just enjoy the beauty of the region and what all we have to offer.”
Bedard told News Channel 11 that the speedway is honored to host the first MLB game in Tennessee.
“There’s so many people from and we’ve got all 50 states,” Bedard said. “We’ve got nine foreign countries coming this weekend. We just hope that everyone has a blast and sees this as a celebration of not only baseball, but for this region and Tennessee. It’s just fantastic. I mean, again, I think people will be wowed when they walk into the stadium and see the baseball fields for the first time.”
Parking lots will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, and Bedard said the hope is that everyone will be in their seats when the Tim McGraw and Pitbull concert starts at 6 p.m.
