In a significant moment for Major League Baseball (MLB), the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are set to play the first regular-season game in the state of Tennessee. To mark this occasion, the league has released a timelapse video showcasing the extensive transformation of the Bristol Motor Speedway into a baseball field, highlighting the meticulous efforts involved in converting a premier NASCAR facility into a suitable venue for America's pastime.

Hikari Shumsky, MLB’s senior coordinator for global event operations, elaborated on the complexities involved in the conversion process. In an interview with Manny Randhawa from MLB.com, Shumsky stated that the entire infrastructure necessary for baseball—including dugouts, bullpens, and clubhouses—had to be constructed from the ground up. 'Bristol Motor Speedway is a professional NASCAR facility,' Shumsky remarked, emphasizing the extensive preparations needed to adapt the space for baseball.

The transformation included the use of several tons of gravel to ensure a level playing field, along with the removal of a building previously situated in the outfield area. Additionally, MLB created a fan zone that features a ferris wheel and a concert stage, providing entertainment options for fans before the game. This monumental effort has already borne fruit, as the league anticipates the game will set a new attendance record for a regular-season match, with over 85,000 tickets sold as of Monday. The highly anticipated first pitch for the Speedway Classic, featuring the Braves and Reds, is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Fox.