x
Breaking News
More () »

Transformation on track for Battle at Bristol

The transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway from the world's fastest half mile race track to the world's largest college football stadium is on track for completion for the September 10 game between Tennessee and Virginia Tech.

The transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway from the world's fastest half mile race track to the world's largest college football stadium is on track for completion for the September 10 game between Tennessee and Virginia Tech.

In just over a week, after the completion of the fall NASCAR race on Sunday, work began to build the football field in the infield of BMS for the Battle at Bristol.

Track officials provided an update on the preparations for the world's biggest college football game on Monday.

MORE: Check out our Battle at Bristol page

After a layer of gravel and sand, the final pieces of the turf were put into place Monday afternoon, along with the uprights.

Jerry Caldwell, General Manager of BMS, said the locker rooms were almost completed, most of the signage was up, and they were almost finished with putting up security perimeter fencing and tents for checkpoints. The game clock is set to be installed this week.

"This has been a tremendous effort," he said. "We're doing really well on timing."

The Colossus, the world's largest center-hung tv, is suspended over the field so that fans won't miss a moment of the game or instant replays.

Coach Butch Jones, on a recent visit to BMS with some of his assistant coaches, was very impressed with the huge version of a jumbotron,saying "Wow!" according to Caldwell. He said Jones felt it would be the new standard for college football stadiums.

Even with the giant screens, BMS officials aren't worried fans will need it to see the game.

"There's not a bad seat here," said Caldwell. "We're really just a football stadium in steroids."

"It's going to be a fantastic experience," promised Marcus Smith, President and CEO of Speeday Motorsports. "Fans will be amazed."

More than 155,000 fans are expected to watch the game. Grandstand seating is sold out, but there are a few premium tickets available. For all you need to know about the game, click here.

Before You Leave, Check This Out