Preparation continues in the transformation of Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway to a college football stadium in this Aug. 29 photo. This Saturday night’s “Battle at Bristol” between Tennessee and Virginia Tech could smash the NCAA single-game attendance record.
In this photo taken Monday, Aug. 29, 2016, workers install the second goal post as the transformation of Bristol Motor Speedway from a NASCAR track to a football stadium continues in Bristol, Tenn. The track is being prepared for the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol on Sept. 10 when Tennessee and Virginia Tech will play before an anticipated crowd in excess of 150,000, the largest ever to witness an NCAA college football game. (David Crigger/The Bristol Herald-Courier via AP)KNOXVILLE – Nearly three years after the game was announced, it’s finally here.
For the past two weeks, construction crews and turf specialists have been transforming Bristol Motor Speedway from a NASCAR track to the college football stadium set to host Tennessee and Virginia Tech in the long-anticipated “Battle at Bristol” on Saturday night.
As the visuals go from printed pictures to real life, the former pipe dream turning into reality has dawned on Jerry Caldwell, the track’s general manager.
“It’s a bit surreal,” Caldwell said before the Volunteers beat Appalachian State in overtime last Thursday night. “It’s been a lot of fun to take people in who have not seen. The common word they’re using is ‘breathtaking,’ to walk in and see this place completely converted. It feels like a football stadium.”
The scene may be surreal, but after Tennessee and Virginia Tech struggled to season-opening victories, will the game be able to match the spectacle?