The border rivals preparing for the 2016 Battle at Bristol football game will meet for a special event Sunday, May 17 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Speedway Children's Charities will host the inaugural Battle at Bristol Dinner and Round Table in the facility's infield - the same area that will eventually be transformed into a classic gridiron for college football's biggest ever game. Proceeds from evening's event will benefit Speedway Children's Charities.

Activities with special guests from the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with Track Laps, followed by dinner, a round table discussion and entertainment. ESPN commentator Shannon Spake will be the event's Master of Ceremonies.

Nashville Singer/Songwriter's Brett James and Rivers Rutherford will treat attendees to a live performance. James has written songs for artists Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood, and is responsible for seven No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

"It's such an honor to have the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech come together in support of local children in need," said Claudia Byrd, executive director of the Bristol Chapter of Speedway's Children Charities. "We are excited to have Shannon, Brett, Rivers and the coaches join with us in making this inaugural event supporting the Battle at Bristol a success."

The evening will include a round table discussion with Virginia Tech Assistant Coaches Shane Beamer, Bryan Stinespring and Athletic Director Whit Babcock, University of Tennessee Athletic Director Dave Hart and others representing the two institutions.  

Tickets to attend the May 17 Battle at Bristol Dinner and Round Table can be purchased by calling the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children's Charities at (423) 989-6975. Tables for group seating are also available.