MLB Speedway
2025 MLB Speedway Classic
When Baseball Took Over Bristol Motor Speedway
On August 2nd, history was made at the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic, where Bristol Motor Speedway — the “Last Great Colosseum” of NASCAR — was transformed into a baseball diamond to welcome the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnatie Reds.
It marked the first ever MLB game played in Tennessee.
With 91,032 tickets purchased and millions watching on national broadcast, the vent proved that baseball can break boundaries, both in scale and imagination.
After a pregame rain delay, which lasted 2 hours and 17 minutes, the Braves and Reds managed just four outs before another round of bad weather halted play. The game was suspended with the Reds leading 1-0 and resumed the following day at 1:00 p.m. (ET). The Braves powered their 4-2 win with a standout performance by Eli White, who hit two home runs and drove in all four of Atlanta’s runs.
AstroTurf, the pioneer of synthetic turf systems, was at the center of Bristol Motor Speedway’s transformation. Our expertise and precision engineering allowed one of the world’s most iconic racing venues to seamlessly become a Major League Baseball stage.
The Challenge
Turning a Speedway into a Ballpark
Scale
Bristol Motor Speedway is a 0.5-mile oval track with a seating capacity of 150,000, dwarfing the dimensions of any MLB stadium.
Timeline
Demolition began in June, with crews removing pit walls, signage and lights to clear room for the ballpark. Construction phase began a few weeks later, when granite and fill were bought in to faltten the foundation for the field,. Layer by layer, a sub-base was constructed, complete with drainage infrastructure. The installation of AstroTurf Diamond Series synthetic turf system had a quick turnaroud for only 10 days.
Performance
MLB required a playing surface that met strict standards for speed, ball bounce, and player safety, identical to a permanent field.
All Weather
When heavy rain stalled the start of the game, AstroTurf’s surface proved it’s strength. Thanks to its advanced drainage design, the field shed water quickly and efficiently, despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions.
AstroTurf’s Solution
AstroTurf’s team of engineers and installers partnered with MLB and Bristol Motor Speedway to design and deliver a temporary yet professional ballfield.
Time-laspe video of installation.
- Installed AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 turf system, designed specifically for baseball’s unique needs and true ball bounce.
- Installation volume: 87,000 sq. ft. of outfield, 6,544 sq. ft. of the infield, and an additional 22,628 sq. ft. for the warning track.
- The AstroTurf team worked with speed and precision to dismantle the field in a tight 5 day window, allowing MLB to keep on schedule.
Aaron Klotz
National Baseball Director
Breaks down the technology, engineering & science behind Bristol’s one-of-a-kind MLB field.
Impact
Attendance
A record-breaking crowd of 91,032 fans filled the stands which was the largest ever for an MLB regular season game, surpassing the previous mark set in 1954 by nearly 7,000.
Reach
With 2.4 million viewers tuning in, the broadcast showcased the event’s global appeal.
Innovation in Sport:
Demonstrated that baseball can adapt to unconventional venues without compromising quality or safety.
AstroTurf’s Leadership
Reinforced AstroTurf’s reputation as the trusted partner for game-changing sports projects.
PRECISION ENGINEERING
AT FULL THROTTLE
AstroTurf’s Joey Alexander tells us how
Trusted & Chosen
By Major League Baseball
It’s Not The First Time
2016 AstroTurf transformed Bristol for a historic college football event.
More Videos
Behind the scenes with the crew
From racetrack to baseball field. Watch the transformation.
From Battle of Bristol to the Speedway Classic
Adam Rust, VP of Events & Operations, talks about the transformation
Behind The Scenes
Interview with Shane Harkey, Senior Project Manager.
Building Bristol Speedway Classic Field
Interview with Murray Cook, of President BrightView Sports.
Find Out More About AstroTurf’s Baseball Systems
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Whether you’re planning your very first synthetic turf installation, looking to replace an aging field, or simply seeking maintenance guidance our team of turf specialists can help. We have decades of industry experience in baseball, enabling us to deliver solutions tailored to your unique needs and budget.
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