In a historic moment for Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are set to compete in the first regular-season game in the state of Tennessee. Ahead of this significant matchup, MLB released a compelling timelapse video showcasing the transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway into a baseball field, specifically designed for the contest on Saturday night.

The conversion process of the NASCAR facility into a proper MLB venue was notably intricate. Hikari Shumsky, MLB’s senior coordinator for global event operations, explained the challenges involved, stating that everything had to be constructed from the ground up. 'Bristol Motor Speedway is a professional NASCAR facility,' Shumsky remarked. 'Anything in the baseball configuration there doesn’t exist unless we build it.' This comprehensive modification included the construction of essential components such as dugouts, bullpens, and clubhouses, which had to be newly built to accommodate the game.

To create a suitable playing surface, MLB utilized several tons of gravel to ensure a level field, even going so far as to dismantle a building situated where the outfield now resides. Beyond the field itself, MLB also developed a fan zone featuring a Ferris wheel and concert stage, designed to enhance the pregame experience for fans attending this monumental event. The efforts invested in this single game are expected to yield rewards, as the league has already announced that it will set a new regular-season attendance record, with over 85,000 tickets sold as of Monday. The first pitch for what is being called the Speedway Classic will take place at 7:15 p.m. ET, broadcasted on Fox.