Bristol Motor Speedway

About the Venue

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Bristol Motor Speedway, originally proposed as “Piney Flats,” opened in 1961 with a seating capacity of only 18,000.

Work began on the speedway in 1960 and it took approximately one year to finish.  The goal was a smaller model of Charlotte Motor Speedway; something with a more intimate setting, thus the half-mile facility instead of the 1.5-mile track in Charlotte.

The track itself was a perfect half-mile, measuring 60 feet wide on the straightaways, 75 feet wide in the turns and the turns were banked at 22 degrees.  However, in the fall of 1969 Bristol was reshaped and re-measured. The turns were banked at 36 degrees and it became a .533-mile oval.  In August of 1992 BMS became the first speedway to host a Winston Cup event that boasted a track surface that was all concrete.

Since it’s opening, Bristol has undergone several expansion projects, and by August 1996, 15,000 seats had been added bringing the seating capacity to 86,000.  The speedway continued to grow and by April 1997 was the largest sports arena in Tennessee and one of the largest in the country, seating 118,000.

Further expansion in March of 2000 brought the seating capacity to 147,000 as the Kulwicki Terrace and Kulwicki Tower were completed.

Finally, in August 2002, work began on the last ambitious construction project.  The entire backstretch, including the Speedway’s last remaining concrete seats, was demolished. The new backstretch increases the venue’s seating capacity to more than 160,000; it includes three levels of seating and is topped with 52 luxury skybox suites.

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Posted by Pawleys on Mar 12, 2008 at 4:18 PM Overall

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Year Attended: 2007
Review Title: It's Bristol Baby

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City Guide

Bristol

As the Birthplace of Country Music, Bristol has distinguished itself as a place where traditional mountain music comes out of the hills to impact a younger generation. Bristol has a multitude of performance venues, ranging from casual grills and eateries to intimate theatres and listening rooms.

Downtown Bristol

Downtown Bristol is unique and full of character.  One unique aspect of Bristol is that the official state line of Tennessee and Virginia runs down the middle of the State Street downtown.

It is also full of unique restaurants and cafes of seafood, pastries and other eateries; shops are bountiful with authentic antiques, exquisite gems, vogue apparel and whimsical home accessories.

A variety of musical styles featuring bluegrass, country, southern rock, blues, and Americana play live at one of the several music venues in Downtown Bristol.

Getting to Bristol

Tri-Cities Regional Aiport (www.triflight.com) is primarily a regional airport servicing the Bristol area.  The Airport includes, rental car agencies, restaurant, gift shop, ATMs, and other services.  It is served by Delta Connection, Northwest Airlink, US Airways Express.

McGhee Tyson Airport (www.tys.org) If you are flying to the race, your best bet will probably be to fly into Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Aiport; renting a car and driving the 115 miles into Bristol. MTA has several major airlines serving many non-stop destinations throughout the eastern U.S. Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Comair, Continental Express, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines and Northwest Airlink, United Express, and US Airways Express. McGhee Tyson Aiport has all major car rental agencies.

Driving distances

Bristol is within driving distance of several major cities; below are just a few:

Atlanta, GA, 325 miles
Birmingham, AL, 370 miles
Charlotte, NC, 160 miles
Cincinnati, OH, 320 miles
Denver, CO, 1,445 miles
Knoxville, 115 miles
Louisville, KY, 310 miles
Nashville, 295 miles
Pittsburgh, PA, 380 miles
Raleigh, NC, 270 miles
Richmond, VA, 325 miles

What to Do

Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum (www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org)

In 1927, the first recordings of country music – the “Big Bang of Country Music – occurred in downtown Bristol.  The BCMA Museum celebrates these recordings with displays and music honoring the pioneers of traditional Appalachian music.

Today, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum houses the original relics that helped create America’s most recognizable tunes. Not to forget about the next generation of musical innovators, the museum hosts live performances every Thursday night on its one-of-a-kind “pickin’ porch.”

Birthplace of Tennessee Ernie Ford

Birthplace and home to the nationally-renown entertainer, garnished throughout with memorabilia of his career. 1222 Anderson St., Bristol, VA 37620, 615-652-1661.

Bristol Experience

For fans who’ve always wanted a behind-the-scenes look at NASCAR, Bristol Motor Speedway now offers the “Bristol Experience”, a completely interactive racing experience. The “Bristol Experience” offers interactive historical and promotional videos on BMS, drag-racing simulators, life-size replicas of racecars, authentic uniforms worn by winners at Bristol, and multiple driving simulators where fans can race against each other.

Country Music Marker/Mural

State Street tribute to the city as the U.S. Congress recognized Official Birthplace of Country Music.

Nyumba Ya Tausi Peacock Museum

Permanent exhibits of African and African American art, artifacts, black memorabilia, and slavery and family heirlooms. 412 Clinton Avenue, Bristol, VA 24201.  Open Saturdays 1-5pm and on weekdays by appointment.  Admission: Donations, 276-669-4596.

Paramount Center for the Arts (www.theparamountcenter.com)

The Paramount Theatre (located downtown, on State Street) often plays host to big-name national acts, but provides guests with a rare opportunity to hear the show up-close and personal. Theatre and arts abound in this historic landmark theater and movie palace from 1931; preserved in its original, opulent art deco style.

Steele Creek Park & Nature Center

Over 2,200 acres of natural beauty along 25 miles of hiking trails, picnicking, and golfing. Also features a half-mile scenic train ride, nature center, and lakeside pier for fishing and paddleboats.

Veterans’ Memorial at Cumberland Square Park

Cumberland St. Pays tribute to veterans of war by featuring five life-size cast-bronze statutes, brick markers, an eternal flame and water feature. Also includes a Cobra AH-1F combat helicopter on display.

Wineries

Abingdon Vineyard and Winery (www.abingdonwinery.com)

Open Tues - Sat, 10am-6pm: Sun 12-6pm.  Closed on Mondays.  20530 Alvarado Road, Abingdon, VA 24211-6337, 276-623-1255.

Countryside Vineyards and Winery (www.cvwineryandsupply.com)

Family owned and operated winery. Tours and tastings. Open Mon-Sat 10-6pm; Sun 1-6pm, Countryside is open for visitors and customers that would like to tour the winery, sampling and more. 658 Henry Harr Road (Exit 63, Interstate 81), Blountville, TN 37617, 423-323-1660.

Regional Attractions

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/ANJO)

The home of the 17th President of the United States including the preservation of two homes, tailor shop, and National Cemetery.  Open 9-5pm every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The National Cemetery will remain open on these days from 9-5pm. The National Cemetery will also remain open until 7pm. on Memorial Day.

There are no fees charged at the park. Donations are accepted.  Reservations are required for the Homestead tour only. Tours are given daily at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours are limited to 12. 121 Monument Avenue, Greeneville, TN 37743-5552,
423-639-3711.

Barter Theatre (www.bartertheatre.com)

Live professional theatre founded in 1933 by Robert Porterfield. Year-round theatre offering comedy, music, drama and family entertainment. 133 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, 276-628-3991.

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium (www.baysmountain.com)

3,000-acre nature preserve featuring 25 miles of hiking trails, animal habitats, and planetarium. The Entrance Fee is $3.00 per car. 853 Bays Mountain Park Road, Kingsport, TN 37660, 423-229-9447.

Dickson-Williams Mansion

Built between 1815-1821; served as headquarters for both Confederate and Union officers during the Civil War. $10 per person. Public Daily tours beginning at 1pm, Open Year-round. 108 North Irish Street, Greeneville, TN 37743, 423-638-4111.

Exchange Place (www.exchangeplace.info)

Step back to a pioneer farm homestead from the mid-1800’s. 4812 Orebank Road, Kingsport, TN 37664, 423-288-6071.

Jonesborough-Washington County History Museum (www.heritageall.org)

Discover the story of Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough. 117 Boone Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659, 423-753-9580. Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 9-5pm; Sat-Sun 10-5pm.  Adults: $2; Seniors: $1.50; Children: $1.

Netherland Inn (www.netherlandinn.com)

The Nation's only registered historical site which was both a stage stop and a boatyard.  Visit the world of the 18th and 19th century at this historic inn. 2140 Netherland Inn Road, Kingsport, TN 37664, 423-292-9649. Open Sat and Sun, 2-4pm - May through October. Adults: $3.50; Seniors: $2.50; Students: $1.50, Members and Children under 6 - FREE.

Rocky Mount

First Headquarters of the Southwest Territory, now a Living History Museum. Interpreters invite the visitor to become a guest of the Cobb family in 1791 and experience everyday life on America’s first frontier. A modern museum building introduces the visitor to the history of the region. 200 Hyder Hill Road, Piney Flats, TN 37686. 423-538-7396 or Toll Free 888-538-1791.

Daytrips

The mountains around Bristol provide an opportunity to step back in time with a journey through geological wonders in year-round tours conducted by trained guides at the Bristol Caverns (www.bristolcaverns.com) and Appalachian Caverns (www.appalachiancaverns.net).

Appalachian Caverns

Caverns with a variety of spectacular formations and massive columns along an elaborate lighting system and safe walkways. Guided tours every 20 minutes. 420 Cave Hill Rd, Blountville, TN 37617, 423-323-2337.

Nearby are the Cherokee and Jefferson National Forests (www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/cherokee), providing 250,000 acres of unspoiled woodlands for hiking, camping and biking, while the famed Appalachian Trail (www.appalachiantrail.org) and Virginia Creeper Trail (www.vacreepertrail.org) lies minutes east of Bristol. Additional outdoor opportunities include white water rafting on the Nolichucky River in nearby Erwin or golf at one of our six public golf courses.

Music

As the Birthplace of Country Music, Bristol has distinguished itself as a place where traditional mountain music comes out of the hills to impact a younger generation.

Bristol has a multitude of performance venues, ranging from casual grills and eateries to intimate theatres and listening rooms. The Paramount Theatre (on State Street) often plays host to big-name national acts.

More casual venues, where food and spirits often accompany the music, include the State Line Bar & Grill, Bristol Bar & Grill, Sessions 58 at the Vinyard, Chop’s at the Holiday Inn, Java J’s, Confetti’s, and Ireson’s Pub.