Why baseball’s biggest game in 70 years is happening at a racetrack

Major League Baseball is implementing creative strategies to attract new fans. This weekend, MLB will host its first-ever game in Tennessee, dubbed the MLB Speedway Classic, at the Bristol Motor Speedway. This event has already set an attendance record with over 85,000 tickets sold. The game will feature the Atlanta Braves against the Cincinnati Reds and includes entertainment from musicians and Hall of Fame first pitches. This initiative follows previous efforts like the East-West Classic celebrating Black baseball history and games in Tokyo that broke viewership records in Japan. Baseball's popularity has declined compared to the NFL, with younger audiences seeking alternative entertainment. To address this, MLB is experimenting with various approaches, including playing games at unconventional venues like NASCAR tracks. The league is also testing technological innovations like robot umpires and rule changes to enhance the fan experience. Recent rule adjustments, such as a pitch timer and larger bases, have successfully sped up games, with the average duration decreasing significantly. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasizes the need to engage the next generation to ensure the sport's future growth.