MLB strikes gold with Bristol Motor Speedway

How big will the game be? It has the potential to be huge. 

When Tennessee and Virginia Tech played a college football game at Bristol in 2016, 156,990 fans attended as part of the largest crowd to ever attend a college football game. The largest crowd ever for an MLB game was 115,300 at an exhibition game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 29, 2008 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. There's a chance that record falls.

MLB, often criticized for its lack of forward thinking and stuck-in-the-past ways, has shown a renewed effort to grow the game over the past few years. Special games in unique locations have helped, as have rule changes that create more action. It's all led to increased attendance. 

The game at Bristol is a smart move on MLB's part for a couple of reasons. First, its a unique venue that hasn't been explored before by the game of baseball. Second, its set in August when the sports calendar is dead and baseball is the biggest draw for fans. Millions will tune in with no competition from football or basketball. 

Lastly, the game will allow Tennessee to showcase its baseball fandom as Nashville continues to vie for an expansion franchise.

Rob Manfred and Co. have struck gold with this newest idea. An official announcement is expected from MLB and Bristol Motor Speedway Friday.