The roar of engines gives way to the crack of the bat as Bristol Motor Speedway transforms into a major league ballpark. The MLB Speedway Classic, featuring the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, marks a historic moment for baseball and the iconic racetrack. This ambitious project, years in the making, showcases the innovative spirit of sports and entertainment. From initial concept to reality, the transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway into a baseball haven is a testament to vision and meticulous planning.
This article explores the journey of how the MLB Speedway Classic came to life, detailing the challenges, partnerships, and incredible efforts required to turn a racetrack into a fully functional baseball field. Discover the key players involved, the construction feats achieved, and the unique fan experience awaiting attendees at this record-setting event. Join us as we delve into the story of how Bristol Motor Speedway became a ballpark.
The Genesis of an Idea
The concept of hosting a Major League Baseball game at Bristol Motor Speedway began with Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB’s senior vice president of global events. His initial visit in 2022 sparked the vision of playing baseball within the iconic racetrack. Captivated by the vastness and grandeur of the facility, Yolkut saw the potential for a truly unique baseball experience. Walking through the behemoth interior, he felt validated, believing a baseball game at Bristol was a must.
Yolkut immediately contacted his superiors to share the promising news. Despite the scale of the undertaking, he expressed confidence in the project’s feasibility, stating, “I will send the notes but this place looks viable. It is going to take a couple years but I think we can get this done.” This initial enthusiasm laid the foundation for the multi-year endeavor to bring the MLB Speedway Classic to life.
MLB and Bristol Motor Speedway: A Winning Partnership
Bristol Motor Speedway, known for its motorsports heritage, also embraces innovative ideas. Jerry Caldwell, president of Bristol Motor Speedway, recognized the significance of the baseball game concept early on. The idea of a baseball game was floated, presenting a new challenge and opportunity for the venue.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s push for games in unique settings drove the project forward. Following a visit to Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, MLB representatives visited Bristol Motor Speedway. Both venues, though vastly different, showed immense potential. Rickwood Field offered historical significance, while Bristol provided the scale and infrastructure for an unprecedented MLB event.
The partnership between MLB and Bristol Motor Speedway proved crucial. Caldwell noted, “That was not one that was on my bingo card at the time that we were looking at that closely.” However, the collaboration quickly transformed the initial “what if?” into a concrete “how?”
Overcoming Construction Challenges
Transforming Bristol Motor Speedway into a baseball field presented numerous challenges. Steve Swift, senior vice president of operations and development at Speedway Motorsports, played a pivotal role in addressing these issues. His focus was on making the seemingly impossible, possible. “Getting those wheels turning is part of the fun. We enjoy the challenge,” Swift said.
One of the primary concerns was the positioning of the field. It needed to align correctly with the sun and account for Colossus, the 700-ton centerhung videoboard. Ensuring a great fan experience was paramount, leading to the decision to position the field in Turn 1 and Turn 2. Murray Cook, president of BrightView Sports’ Turf Division, explained, “We were able to configure the field to where the entire colossus will be in the field of play but in foul territory so the field itself will be not obstructed.”
Demolition and Transformation
The transformation required significant demolition and reconstruction. Half of the Goodyear Building was removed to accommodate the outfield. Sections of the pit wall on the backstretch were cut out to make room for left field. Sunoco gas tanks, no longer in use, were also removed.
All baseball elements will be removed before the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on September 13. The pit walls will be rebuilt, ensuring safety for the NASCAR race. Caldwell expressed confidence in Swift’s abilities, stating, “I have got great comfort whenever he says we can do it, I know we can execute.”
Building a Major League Field
Murray Cook, a seasoned field consultant, spearheaded the construction of the baseball diamond. With experience building fields worldwide, Cook brought expertise and efficiency to the project. “We have created quite the ballpark in a box concept where we can grab things from it from paddings to clays to soils to all the components to make the field MLB-ready,” Cook said.
The process began with leveling the sloped surface using 17,500 tons of gravel. The infield, mounds, and bullpens required 340 tons of clay from DuraEdge Clay, the same clay used in 25 MLB ballparks. The turf surface, AstroTurf’s Diamond Series, covers 124,000 square feet. Approximately 215 lighting fixtures from Musco Lighting were installed on the roof.
The field dimensions are 400 feet to center field, 375 feet to the gaps, and 330 feet down the lines. MLB used fencing from UK-based CLD Systems, also used in London games. Stands were constructed along the first and third-base lines. The Braves have a clubhouse behind the right-center field fence, while the Reds have one behind the third-base dugout. These spaces include locker rooms, weight rooms, and batting cages.
More Than Just a Game
The MLB Speedway Classic evolved into a comprehensive entertainment experience. The game was announced in August 2024, more than two years after the initial visit. The Braves and Reds were chosen for their regional appeal and exciting players like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Elly De La Cruz.
Pregame concerts feature country legend Tim McGraw and hip-hop artist Pitbull. MLB planned a fan zone outside the facility with more concerts, local food trucks, a Ferris wheel, and the World Series trophy. MLB Network and ESPN’s “SportsCenter” will also be on-site. Annemarie Roe, president of BaAM Productions, noted, “I think that for those of us work in the major events business, that is what gets us up in the morning — the chance to be part of all of these.”
A Vision Realized
From Jeremiah Yolkut’s initial visit to the final preparations, the MLB Speedway Classic represents a remarkable achievement. The transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway into a baseball field showcases the power of vision, partnership, and meticulous execution. This record-setting game promises to deliver unforgettable moments for fans and participants alike.
As Yolkut reflected, “To see the joy and memories made, there will be people that talk about being at Bristol Motor Speedway for that record-setting game and that spectacle and all the things they got through the day.” The MLB Speedway Classic is more than just a game; it’s a testament to what can be accomplished with ambition and dedication.
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