The countdown to the Speedway Classic is on.
Less than a month remains before the Braves and Reds meet on Aug. 2 at a transformed Bristol Motor Speedway to play the first regular-season AL/NL game in Tennessee.
But the history-making day will feature much more than a game. The Speedway area will be transformed into an epic baseball-themed festival to enhance the party vibes and help celebrate the unique partnership between NASCAR and MLB.
Here are a few things to know, with 30 days to go before first pitch:
The Fan Zone will wow you
While the Braves-Reds game is the main event, it's also just part of the attraction. Hours before the first pitch, ticketed fans can enjoy the Speedway Classic Fan Zone, a 220,000-square-foot area outside the speedway that will open at noon on gameday and feature live music, interactive games, a 110-foot Ferris Wheel, batting cages, pitching tunnels, regional food, exhibits and more.
MLB Network will broadcast from the Fan Zone, and a live ESPN "50 States in 50 Days" segment will be produced there, too. Other highlights will include a beer garden, the Budweiser Clydesdales and MLB-branded race cars. You can even have your picture taken with a World Series trophy.
Game aside, the Fan Zone will be "an event unto itself," even a "wow"-type of experience, BMS president Jerry Caldwell said recently. A fitting spectacle for a venue known as The Last Great Colosseum.
Get tickets -- with no fees!
Want to watch this historic game in person? Ticket prices now start at $35, the lowest price to date. In addition, there is now a "no fees" offer in place through Sunday, July 6, which will bring that starting price down to $30. The offer will be applied automatically to all tickets purchased through Ticketmaster, meaning no additional code is required. A crowd of more than 50,000 is expected.
VIP ticket packages are also available.
Big names and live music all day
Tennessee is a state known for its music, so it's only fitting that the day will feature live performances from some of the biggest names in the business. Country star Tim McGraw (son of two-time World Series champ Tug McGraw) will headline a pregame concert that will also feature Grammy-winning megastar Pitbull and country artist Jake Owen. Performances by country artists Timothy Wayne, Reyna Roberts and Adam Doleac are also planned throughout the day.
BMS has gotten a MAJOR facelift for the game
Though the track is obviously still there, so much work went into converting the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway into a baseball stadium that it might be hard for even die-hard race fans to recognize the venue on this day. The conversion required demolition work, the removal of various obstacles and the installation of a new surface, along with the construction of grandstands and other amenities to accommodate the game. Here are two figures to highlight the significance of the transformation: 17,500 tons of gravel were needed, along with 340 tons of clay. Not pounds -- tons.
In person or at home, you won't want to miss it
If you're there in person and enjoying all the Fan Zone activities, keep in mind that first pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET, so make your plans accordingly. For those at home, the game will be broadcast nationally on FOX.
For more information on the Speedway Classic, check out our FAQ.