Professional sports organizations, such as Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Hockey League (NHL), along with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), are potential targets for the Bristol Speedway to host events.
Bristol Motor Speedway Transforms into a Baseball Stadium for the Speedway Classic
This weekend, the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will take to the field not on a traditional baseball diamond, but at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway. The NASCAR track, known for its high-speed races, has been transformed into a baseball venue for the Speedway Classic, set to take place on Saturday evening.
Bristol Motor Speedway president Jerry Caldwell believes that this event showcases the venue's adaptability, with a baseball field installed on the racetrack's infield. The steep, coliseum-like grandstands provide excellent fan sightlines, offering an unparalleled experience for spectators.
Fox VP, field operations and engineering, Brad Cheney, aims to match the venue's characteristics as much as possible in the broadcast. To achieve this, the network will use helicopter, drone shots, remote-controlled car, and checkerboard motifs to emphasize the theme of speed. The broadcast will also highlight the unique characteristics of the venue, making it clear to viewers "within a heartbeat."
The Speedway has hoisted a center-hung video screen known as "Colossus" for the upcoming baseball game. In addition, MLB has planned a sprawling fan zone and a pregame concert featuring Tim McGraw and Pitbull for the event, thanks to the extra space provided by Bristol Motor Speedway.
The unique venue could potentially host events like WrestleMania or the biggest UFC fight in the world, according to Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith. More than 85,000 tickets have been sold for the game, which could break the MLB's regular season single-game attendance record.
Sports executives from the NHL will be present at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend, exploring the venue for potential hockey events. This marks a significant step in Bristol Motor Speedway's journey towards becoming a multi-sport destination.
The solution to transforming the racetrack into a baseball field involved hanging the "Colossus" 155 feet up, just outside the third base foul line, and using 18,000 tons of gravel and 340 tons of clay to level the surface and sculpt the infield, mounds, and bullpens.
The Speedway Classic coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET Saturday on Fox. With the success of this event, it seems that Bristol Motor Speedway is poised to become a hub for various sports, offering fans a unique and unforgettable experience.
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People from various sports industries are expressing interest in Bristol Motor Speedway, as it transforms from a NASCAR track into a baseball venue. For instance, sports executives from the NHL will be present this weekend, exploring the venue for potential hockey events. The unique venue may also host events like WWE's WrestleMania or the biggest UFC fight in the world, according to Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith. Moreover, sports-betting enthusiasts might find the Speedway Classic appealing, as the game could break the MLB's regular season single-game attendance record, with more than 85,000 tickets sold.
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