Major League Baseball has spent the last decade chasing spectacle. From games in cornfields to battles in military bases, MLB has leaned into spectacle, nostalgia, and bold backdrops. In 2025, the league is attempting perhaps its most daring leap yet—putting a baseball game inside the iconic half-mile bullring known as Bristol Motor Speedway. When the plan was announced in 2024, the excitement was real.

MLB executives, NASCAR leadership, and team representatives from the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds celebrated the announcement with big visions and even bigger claims. “To be able to bring the game here to Bristol and create storylines that tie into a faster-paced game, high energy, and big moments, this is the stage that we want to put that on,” said Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB vice president of global events.

Promoters brought in Chase Elliott, NASCAR’s most popular driver for seven straight years, alongside Braves legend Chipper Jones to hype the event. Elliott, a Georgia native and lifelong Braves fan, seemed thrilled about the crossover. “I just hope I can make it,” said Elliott. But now, as the event nears, Elliott’s tone has shifted—and with good reason.

Chase Elliott sounds the alarm on Bristol X MLB crossover!

At first glance, Chase Elliott was all-in for the iconic crossover. His love for the Braves runs deep. He was there for their World Series win in 2021 and even threw out the first pitch during NASCAR Night at Truist Park. Being involved in this game felt like a full-circle moment. But lately, Elliott has started to voice serious concerns about the practicality of hosting a baseball game at Bristol.

Despite his excitement, the racer is sounding the alarm, pointing to the challenges the speedway presents for baseball players. In a recent interview, he said, “You’re going to have to ask the players. I’m not one of them, but visually, I think it’s going to be tough. Chipper and I looked at it when we were doing promos a few months back. His first thought was, ‘Man, this looks really short.’”

The layout itself is a concern. The stadium is tight. The stadium seats over 125,000 fans, but its infield doesn’t suit baseball. Crews will tear down buildings used for racing logistics. They’ll also remove some pit walls and tire stations. The field dimensions already stretch the limits—330 feet down the lines, 400 to center, and barely enough space in the power alleys. What’s more, players won’t even have a traditional infield—this field will sit entirely on artificial turf laid over the infield area, close to the track but not touching it.

“It’s going to be a huge adjustment. The batter’s eye, how they see pitches, the visuals—they’re used to a certain layout. This is not it,” he added. Despite Elliott’s reservations, officials on both sides are full speed ahead. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is banking on the crossover appeal, citing “a big crowd” and “legendary setting” as major upsides. NASCAR’s Ben Kennedy called it “incredibly cool.”

Even Braves and Reds officials are leaning into the buzz. Braves CEO Derek Schiller said the team was eager to be part of something “truly unique,” while Reds President Phil Castellini called it a “groundbreaking game.” Both franchises expect their fans to show up in large numbers. Tim McGraw, whose father was a World Series-winning pitcher, will perform a concert before the game. The atmosphere will resemble more of a festival than a traditional ballgame.

For Chase Elliott, it’s a mix of pride and caution. “I’m a Braves fan like everybody else,” he said. “To have a small part in this is an honor… I just hope it’s done right.” Notably, this isn’t just a quirky marketing stunt. Bristol Motor Speedway has history. Known as “The Last Great Colosseum,” it’s hosted everything from legendary NASCAR night races to concerts, college football games, and more. But building a fully functional Major League Baseball field in 30 days? That’s the plan. Then, they’ll remove it within two weeks after the game.

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Elliott opens up about Talladega!

If Bristol brings questions about baseball in tight quarters, Talladega Superspeedway is a reminder of what true chaos looks like. At 2.66 miles, it’s NASCAR’s longest oval. It’s also its most unpredictable. Just ask Chase Elliott, a two-time Talladega winner who knows exactly what it takes to survive the sport’s most brutal venue. As the NASCAR Caravan reaches the next round of the events, Elliott speaks about Talladega.

“It’s not just horsepower,” he said. “It’s the art of drafting.” Drivers spend the race playing high-speed chess, using the air behind other cars to slingshot past rivals. But one mistake—one misjudged move—can spark a pileup that ends races instantly. In 2024, the YellaWood 500 proved that in devastating fashion. A record-setting 28-car wreck unfolded in seconds.

This wasn’t just a crash—it was an explosion of chaos, typical of what fans call “The Big One.” In 2019, a similar wreck wiped out top contenders after a single mistimed block. Elliott has mastered that chaos. He balances aggression with patience, knowing when to push and when to survive. Pit stops, fuel strategy, and split-second decisions define his approach. “It’s a battlefield,” he said. “A high-stakes game of survival.” As he prepares for another run at Talladega, Elliott knows the risks. But he also knows the rewards.