BrightView Converts Bristol Motor Speedway into MLB Field for Speedway Classic Game

BrightView, the Official Field Consultant of Major League Baseball, has transformed Bristol Motor Speedway into an MLB-regulation baseball field for the Speedway Classic game on August 2. The project involved installing 124,000 sq ft of AstroTurf and 17,500 tons of gravel, and removing various structures to accommodate the field's dimensions and safety requirements. BrightView has solidified its role as a leader in specialty business services within the sports industry.

BrightView, the Official Field Consultant of Major League Baseball (MLB), has successfully transformed Bristol Motor Speedway into an MLB-regulation baseball field for the 2025 Speedway Classic game on August 2. The project involved installing 124,000 square feet of AstroTurf and 17,500 tons of gravel, and removing various structures to accommodate the field's dimensions and safety requirements [1].

The transformation required significant logistical efforts, including the installation of 17,500 tons of gravel to level the uneven infield of the racetrack. The gravel was trucked in to create a level surface for the artificial turf, which is the same material used at Rogers Centre in Toronto during the Blue Jays' renovations two years ago [1]. Murray Cook, a longtime MLB ballpark consultant from BrightView, likened the project to preparing the Olympic Stadium in London for MLB's games in 2019, 2023, and 2024, noting that this project was even larger in scale [1].

The project was a complex endeavor, with the artificial turf being rolled over the gravel to create a playable surface. The temporary nature of the event, coupled with the gravel underneath, necessitated the use of AstroTurf instead of a natural grass surface [1]. The installation of the field was completed in between scheduled events at the venue, with the heat and long days in Bristol posing additional challenges for the Brightview crew [1].

The decision to host the game at Bristol Motor Speedway was driven by MLB's desire to diversify its offerings and bring attention to baseball outside of the 81 home games played by its clubs. The facility checked several boxes for MLB, including playing games in states that don't typically host them and having a fan base interested in such an event [1]. The game will feature the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves, with the teams facing off in Cincinnati on July 31 and August 1 before traveling to Bristol for the night game on August 2 [1].

The event will also include a variety of entertainment options, with the Appalachian League conducting its championship game the day before the MLB game. The day of the game will feature fan activations, sponsor tents, and a performance by country legend Tim McGraw and hip-hop star Pitbull. The game itself will be a spectacle, with the player introductions handled with a true NASCAR feel as the Braves and Reds are raced around the track [1].

The transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway into an MLB-regulation baseball field is a testament to BrightView's expertise in specialty business services within the sports industry. The company's ability to navigate complex logistical challenges and create a unique event experience demonstrates its leadership in the field.

References:
[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2025/08/01/mlb-speedway-classic-baseball-bristol-motor-reds-vs-braves/85471488007/