From Racetrack to Ballpark: BrightView Builds MLB Field at Bristol

BLUE BELL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Major League Baseball has made a name for itself creating unforgettable venues for its most iconic games—from a cornfield in Iowa to the historic Rickwood Field and the heart of London. Now, MLB is adding another first to its list: a full-scale baseball diamond inside the iconic NASCAR short track at Bristol Motor Speedway. And once again, BrightView (NYSE: BV), the Official Field Consultant of Major League Baseball, is at the center of the transformation.

“Converting a high-banked oval racetrack into a world-class baseball field isn’t something you do every day, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge we love." - Murray Cook, BrightView Landscapes

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Over the past month, BrightView, alongside partners BaAM and Populous, has successfully turned the famed Bristol, Tenn., speedway’s asphalt track and infield pit road to AstroTurf and infield dirt. The result is a regulation-sized field for the MLB Speedway Classic presented by BuildSubmarines.com on Aug. 2 between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. The game is the first American or National League game to be held in Tennessee.

“Converting a high-banked oval racetrack into a world-class baseball field isn’t something you do every day,” said Murray Cook, President of BrightView Sports Turf. “But it’s exactly the kind of challenge we love. This project pushed us to get a little creative, while maintaining Bristol Motor Speedway’s iconic charm. The result is going to be nothing short of spectacular.”

To accommodate the dimensions and safety requirements of a professional baseball field, numerous modifications had to be made. Crews temporarily removed pit walls, select signage and lights, the Sunoco fuel tanks, and even half of the Goodyear building.

The installation shares similarities with the London Series field BrightView built at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a project completed in just 18 days. However, the Bristol transformation, being a larger scale build, took 30 days to complete the changeover.

“In London, we used about 4,000 tons of gravel to level the field, but here in Bristol, we brought in nearly 18,000 tons,” said Cook. “The banking of the racetrack’s infield area created some engineering hurdles, but our team was able to precisely grade and level the space to meet MLB standards.”

Like London, the Bristol field features a synthetic turf, but this time it is AstroTurf’s Diamond Series—currently used only at the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. In total, 124,000 square feet of turf was installed.

BrightView also provided quality control oversite for additional field elements, including fencing, padding, foul poles, netting, and wall protection, all designed and installed to MLB specifications.

“I’m incredibly proud of our Sports Turf team who brought this vision to life,” said Dale Asplund, BrightView’s President and CEO. “Projects like this prove that BrightView is so much more than beautiful landscapes—we’re problem solvers, innovators, and trusted collaborators on some of the most complex and creative builds, including sports. Congratulations to everyone involved in turning Bristol Motor Speedway into a world-class ballpark.”

MLB Speedway Classic Facts

• Removed pit walls, some signs and lights, Sunoco fuel pumps, and half the Goodyear building
• 17,500 tons of gravel to level surface
• 340 tons of clay was used
• 124,000 square feet of AstroTurf was installed
• Field dimensions are 400 feet to center, 330 feet down baselines, and 375 feet to right field alley and 385 feet to left field alley
• 4,000 linear feet of drainage pipe, 60-foot foul poles, 275 new light fixtures, and 40-by-80 batter’s eye

The MLB Speedway Classic game joins a long list of celebrated games that BrightView and MLB have collaborated on throughout the world, including the MLB at Rickwood Field and MLB at Field of Dreams, and MLB Seoul Series, London Series, Fort Bragg Game, Japan Opening Series, Sydney Opening Series, and Puerto Rico Series.

About BrightView

BrightView (NYSE: BV), the nation’s largest commercial landscaper, proudly designs, creates, and maintains the best landscapes on Earth and provides the most efficient and comprehensive snow and ice removal services. With a dependable service commitment, BrightView brings brilliant landscapes to life at premier properties across the United States, including business parks and corporate offices, homeowners' associations, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, retail centers, resorts and theme parks, municipalities, golf courses, and sports venues. BrightView also serves as the Official Field Consultant to Major League Baseball. Through industry-leading best practices and sustainable solutions, BrightView is invested in taking care of our team members, engaging our clients, inspiring our communities, and preserving our planet. Visit www.brightview.com and connect with us on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.