Preparing for the MLB Speedway Classic Broadcast on Fox Sports
The Bristol Motor Speedway is set to host the MLB Speedway Classic on August 2, marking the third time Fox Sports has covered a Major League Baseball (MLB) game at the iconic NASCAR venue. This year's event promises to be a memorable one, with the potential to become the most well-attended regular season contest in MLB history, as over 85,000 tickets have been sold.
The transformation of the speedway into a world-class baseball field has been a collaborative effort involving MLB, NASCAR, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and specialist partners such as BrightView, BaAM Production, and Populous. The infield was leveled with 18,000 tons of gravel, and 124,000 square feet of synthetic AstroTurf was installed to create a full-scale baseball diamond.
The event will offer more than just baseball, with concerts, carnival rides, fan zones, food trucks, and race cars painted with MLB team colours adding to the sports and entertainment festival atmosphere.
Fox Sports has been meticulously planning its coverage of the game since the spring of 2023, relying on computer models of the speedway-ballpark design created by MLB and BaAM Productions to determine camera positions, walkways, and production logistics. A total of 40 cameras will be deployed for the event, including Ump Cam at home plate, drone cameras, a helicopter-mounted camera, and specialized cameras such as a remote-control car camera and cameras on golf carts.
One of the unique features of the game will be the audio production, with Fox Sports chief baseball audio engineer Joe Carpenter and his team working to determine the best way to handle the crowd noise. The game will be produced in 1080p HD HDR with a 5.1 surround mix, and a 4K up-res will be available.
Fox Sports Vice President of Field Operations and Engineering Brad Cheney noted that covering an MLB game at the speedway required a fresh perspective and a lot of imagination. He mentioned the use of in-car cameras on golf carts, which adds a "little bit of fun" to the transport, given the speedway's racing background. Cheney also highlighted the camera looking down the third-base line, which is well up into the grandstand and provides a unique shot angle that will help capture the spectacle of the game at the speedway.
Cheney has thought about the unique experience of being on the field during the game and imagines conveying that experience to viewers at home. The team will use 20 field mics and 14 microphones on players and coaches to capture the unique experience of players hearing the roar of 85,000 fans for the first time.
This promises to be a historic event, combining the excitement of NASCAR with the tradition of Major League Baseball in a unique and immersive manner. The MLB Speedway Classic at the Bristol Motor Speedway is not just a game; it's an experience that fans won't want to miss.
- The 4K up-res of the MLB Speedway Classic at the Bristol Motor Speedway will provide viewers with an immersive experience, capturing the excitement of both NASCAR and Major League Baseball.
- Fox Sports has deployed 40 cameras for the coverage of the game, including specialized cameras like a remote-control car camera, cameras on golf carts, and Ump Cam at home plate.
- The audio production for the MLB Speedway Classic will be handled by Fox Sports, with the help of chief baseball audio engineer Joe Carpenter, who is working to determine the best way to handle the crowd noise, which, with over 85,000 attendees, could potentially make this the most well-attended regular season contest in MLB history.
- The transformation of the Bristol Motor Speedway into a world-class baseball field has been a collaborative effort, involving partners such as BrightView, BaAM Production, Populous, MLB, and NASCAR, as well as the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
- In addition to the baseball game, the event will offer a variety of entertainment options, including concerts, carnival rides, fan zones, food trucks, and race cars painted with MLB team colors, creating a sports and entertainment festival atmosphere.
- Fox Sports Vice President of Field Operations and Engineering Brad Cheney believes that covering an MLB game at the speedway requires a fresh perspective and a lot of imagination, noting the use of in-car cameras on golf carts and a camera looking down the third-base line, which is well up into the grandstand and provides a unique shot angle.
