Players were just about ready to take the field at the MLB Speedway Classic on Saturday, Aug. 2, but then the rain came in.
The MLB Speedway Classic between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves, set to be the most-attended MLB game ever, was delayed for over two hours due to rain near Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. First pitch was finally scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET.
The game did begin, but it was not long before the contest was in a rain delay again that ultimately led to play being suspended.
Play will resume at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 3.
More than 85,000 tickets were purchased for the much-anticipated game, which was originally slated to have Tennessee natives Chase Burns and Spencer Strider on the mound for the Reds and Braves, respectively.
Here’s what to know about the weather delay and suspension:
Braves-Reds weather updates: Play suspended at MLB Speedway Classic
The MLB Speedway Classic was set to start at 7:15 p.m. ET, but the tarp was unraveled at 7:19 p.m. and remained there until around 8:50 p.m.
First pitch was eventually scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET, over two hours after it was initially scheduled. Spencer Strider was no longer the starter for the Braves. Austin Cox ended up taking the ball first.
But the Braves and Reds did not get far into the contest before the skies opened up and the game was delayed again.
The game was halted in the bottom of the first inning, the ‘home’ team Reds up 1-0 and with just one out recorded. Field conditions deteriorated rapidly during the inning.
Play was eventually suspended for the night around 10:30 p.m. ET.
When does MLB Speedway Classic resume?
The game will resume at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 3. It will once again be broadcast on FOX.
Both teams had built-in off days to allow for the potential weather contingency.
