The Major League Baseball (MLB) Speedway Classic was held August 2-3 between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. Although the game was delayed from Saturday into Sunday due to rain, it showcased its unique setting and an amazing feat of field engineering and construction.
The NASCAR racetrack, with a seating capacity of more than 150,000, had its asphalt track and infield pit lane converted to
AstroTurf and infield dirt. BrightView, alongside partners BaAM and Populous, successfully installed the regulation-sized field for the first MLB game to be held in Tennessee.
According to AstroTurf, more than 15 tractor trailers of materials were staged into the stadium.
“We’re coming down a nearly 30 percent incline with heavy equipment,” said Joey Alexander, general manager of AstroTurf’s Southeast Region. “Tight quarters. Limited access. It’s one of the most complex installs we’ve ever tackled.”
The process began on June 23, immediately after NASCAR events wrapped up. More than 15,000 tons of granite and fill were brought in to flatten the field for the foundation. Layer by layer, a sub-base was constructed from scratch, complete with drainage infrastructure.
“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.”
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.
The field was constructed of AstroTurf’s Diamond Series — which is the same type of surface used at the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. In total, 124,000 square feet of turf was installed. According to AstroTurf, The turf’s RootZone technology adds a textured layer of crimped fibers that reduces rubber splash, improves shock absorption, and limits infill movement. Beneath the turf, AstroTurf integrated Brock shock pads as a lightweight layer engineered specifically for use under synthetic fields.
BrightView provided quality control oversight 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.”
MLB Speedway Classic Facts
- 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: 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
— Content provided by BrightView and AstroTurf