In a historic moment for Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are set to play the first regular-season game in the state of Tennessee. This occasion is marked by a unique transformation of the Bristol Motor Speedway, which has been creatively adapted to accommodate a baseball field. MLB recently released a timelapse video showcasing the intricate process of converting the renowned racetrack into a venue suitable for baseball.

Hikari Shumsky, MLB’s senior coordinator for global event operations, provided insights into the complexities involved in this conversion. In an interview, Shumsky emphasized that the modifications were extensive, stating, "Bristol Motor Speedway is a professional NASCAR facility. Anything in the baseball configuration there doesn’t exist unless we build it." This includes essential components such as dugouts, bullpens, and clubhouses, all of which were constructed specifically for this event.

To ensure the field was ready for play, MLB utilized several tons of gravel to create a level playing surface and also demolished a building that previously occupied the outfield area. Beyond just the playing field, MLB has developed a fan zone featuring a ferris wheel and concert stage, enhancing the overall game-day experience with pregame activities for fans. With more than 85,000 tickets sold by Monday, the game is anticipated to set a new regular-season attendance record. The Speedway Classic, featuring the Braves and Reds, is scheduled to commence at 7:15 p.m. ET and will be aired on Fox.