Inside AstroTurf’s Transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway for the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic
BRISTOL, Tennessee | AstroTurf.com | July 28th, 2025 — When Major League Baseball announced the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, all eyes turned to an unlikely venue: Bristol Motor Speedway. Known for roaring engines, 28-degree banked turns, and a seating capacity of more than 150,000, the NASCAR racetrack isn’t exactly synonymous with baseball. But thanks to AstroTurf’s technical and installation teams, the impossible is becoming reality.
In just 10 days, Bristol’s oval raceway is being transformed into a baseball diamond. The logistics are monumental. Over 15 tractor trailers of materials are staged into a stadium designed for cars, not cargo. “We’re coming down a nearly 30% 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. Over 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.
At the heart of the conversion is the AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 turf system. The field includes over 87,000 square feet of AstroTurf green outfield, 6,544 square feet for the infield, and an additional 22,628 square feet for the brown warning track.
The turf’s RootZone technology adds a textured layer of crimped fibers that reduces rubber splash, improves shock absorption, and limits infill movement. Paired with a 52-ounce face weight, the system ensures a dense, durable surface perfect for an MLB showdown, inning after inning.
“We had to meet the highest standards MLB expects for athletes,” Alexander noted. “That meant combining performance and protection, all on a fast timeline in unusual conditions.”
Beneath the turf, AstroTurf has integrated Brock shock pads as a lightweight layer engineered specifically for use under synthetic fields. These pads offer a unique balance of firmness for speed and cushioning for impact safety, providing a more natural feel for athletes. Installed across the entire field, they enhance athlete safety while maintaining consistent playability.
10 Days. Zero Margin for Error.
What makes this installation truly unique is its timing. “MLB gave us a 10-day window. That’s it,” Alexander emphasized. “We have a motivated crew, and every team member from logistics to install has had to bring their absolute best.”
And despite the complexity of building a ballpark inside a racetrack, the team has stayed on track — literally and figuratively — thanks to meticulous planning and a deep bench of experience.https://youtu.be/Cb45tVE8qdY?si=txXYkoULnDsICtz2
Once the final pitch is thrown, the field will be carefully dismantled. However, its story won’t end there. In line with AstroTurf’s commitment to sustainability and community impact, the turf, pads, and infill are all destined for second lives.
Meanwhile, the AstroTurf team will act once again, just hours after the final out the dismantling of the field will begin. From installation to restoration, it’s a full-circle showcase of speed and precision.
For Joey Alexander and the crew, this is more than just another install. “It’s the first time in history that MLB will be played at a NASCAR venue,” he said. “To be part of a team that brought that vision to life – that’s something we’ll never forget.”
With innovation above the surface and science beneath it, AstroTurf is trusted and chosen by Major League Baseball and proudly named the Official Synthetic Turf Partner of the MLB Speedway Classic.
For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.
About AstroTurf® Corporation
AstroTurf® Corporation is the original inventor and innovator of synthetic sports surfacing, leading the industry for 60 years. Known for pioneering surfacing solutions, AstroTurf® Corporation delivers cutting-edge products focused on performance, safety, and sustainability.
The company’s portfolio includes AstroTurf® fields, the trusted name in synthetic turf; Rekortan® tracks, the benchmark for elite running surfaces; Laykold® courts, the premier choice for tennis and multi-sport court play; and SYNLawn®, the industry leader in residential and commercial landscaping solutions. These products are the original brands in their respective categories and set the standard for quality and innovation in sports and recreational surfacing.
AstroTurf® is dedicated to creating world-class sports and recreational environments that inspire athletes and elevate communities. For more information, visit astroturf.com.
About Sport Group
Sport Group is a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of artificial surfaces serving the global sports flooring, leisure and landscaping and industrial markets to over 70 countries globally. Headquartered in Burgheim, Germany, the company’s brand portfolio includes AstroTurf® (the iconic brand that invented the industry), Polytan®, SYNLawn®, LigaTurf®, Poligras®, Rekortan®, and Laykold®.
Sport Group is an industry leader in green technologies, pioneering sustainable products and services such as the world’s first carbon neutral soccer turf, the world’s first carbon zero field hockey turf and development of the industry’s first, and only, turf recycling facility capable of recycling EPDM rubber.
The company has approximately 2,400 employees and operates nine vertically integrated manufacturing facilities and 31 distribution centers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. For additional information about Sport Group, please visit sportgroup-holding.com.
