Over the past month, BrightView, alongside partners BaAM and Populous, has successfully turned the famed Bristol, Tenn., speedway’s asphalt track and infield pit lane to AstroTurf and infield dirt. The result is a regulation-sized field for the MLB Speedway Classic on Aug. 2 between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. The game is the first Major League game to be held in Tennessee.
“Converting a high-banked oval racetrack into a world-class baseball field isn’t something you do every day,” said Murray Cook, president of BrightView Sports Turf. “But it’s exactly the kind of challenge we love. This project pushed us to get a little creative while maintaining Bristol Motor Speedway’s iconic charm. The result is going to be nothing short of spectacular.”
To accommodate the dimensions and safety requirements of a professional baseball field, numerous modifications had to be made. Crews temporarily removed pit walls, select signage and lights, the Sunoco fuel tanks and even half of the Goodyear building.
BrightView also provided quality control oversite for additional field elements, including fencing, padding, foul poles, netting and wall protection, all designed and installed to MLB specifications.
“I’m incredibly proud of our Sports Turf team who brought this vision to life,” said Dale Asplund, BrightView’s president and CEO. “Projects like this prove that BrightView is so much more than beautiful landscapes — we’re problem solvers, innovators and trusted collaborators on some of the most complex and creative builds, including sports. Congratulations to everyone involved in turning Bristol Motor Speedway into a world-class ballpark.”
Fast facts about the MLB Field at Bristol
- Removed pit walls, some signs and lights, Sunoco fuel pumps and half the Goodyear building.
- 17,500 tons of gravel to level surface.
- 340 tons of clay was used.
- 124,000 square feet of AstroTurf was installed.
- Field dimensions are 400 feet to center, 330 feet down baselines and 375 feet right field alley and 385 feet to left field alley.
- 4,000 linear feet of drainage pipe, 60-foot foul poles, 275 new light fixtures and 40-by-80 batter’s eye.
The MLB Speedway Classic game joins a long list of celebrated games that BrightView and MLB have collaborated on throughout the world, including the MLB at Rickwood Field and MLB at Field of Dreams and MLB Seoul Series, London Series, Fort Bragg Game, Japan Opening Series, Sydney Opening Series and Puerto Rico Series.
