Winter Classic rumblings explains sports, entertainment execs asking for Bristol Motor Speedway as showcase

No doubt the NHL Winter Classic in Miami just days ago generated interest in the event and where it would be played in 2027.

A viral and unconfirmed report of Bristol Motor Speedway hosting the classic that spread online is inaccurate, according to track president Jerry Caldwell, but Speedway Motorsports Vice President of Operations and Development Steve Swift told us last year that shows Bristol’s reputation of producing and hosting big events and trying new ideas usually has promoters and sports leagues coming to them to ask about using BMS.

“It just shows our company is really strong on putting together great events and doing things for the fans,” Swift said in an interview with Bristol Broadcasting during a Speedway Classic press conference.

“I think when you do that, it opens up for those others (sports) groups that want to want to be there. Nationally, there is a plethora of a groups that are searching out and calling them, asking them to come to their (stadium). But I think we are blessed in that we can show we can do a lot of those things, and we get the phone calls (wanting to use Bristol).”

(IMAGE: Scenes from prep work starting at Bristol Motor Speedway for August’s MLB Speedway Classic. Their work and innovation with special events has left Bristol officials fielding phone calls about using BMS and not having to actively market the Coliseum. J. Olsen – Bristol Broadcasting Co NEWS)