Bristol Motor Speedway, a legendary racetrack in Bristol, Tennessee, is known for its steep banks and short track. This historic venue provides an intense, action-packed experience for NASCAR fans, thanks to its half-mile track that guarantees close racing. The tradition-rich Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race will visit BMS in a little more than a month, April 11-13, and will offer a tripleheader weekend of action with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series WEATHER GUARD Truck Race on Friday night, the NASCAR Xfinity Series SciAps 300 on Saturday afternoon and the Food City 500 on Sunday afternoon.

If you have never been to the unique .533-mile high-banked half-mile oval that’s been christened “The Holy Grail of Short Tracks,” below are some essential tips for first-time attendees.

  1. Tickets and Seating
  • Plan Ahead: Purchase tickets in advance. Don’t wait until you walk up to the stadium ticket booth for the first time. Go online at least a month out from the event and do your research. You will thank yourself later.

  • Seating Options: Consider your preferences and budget when choosing seats. Options include grandstand seats with panoramic views or infield seats closer to the action.

  • Budget: Ticket prices vary based on location. One of the best things about Bristol Motor Speedway is its tall stadium structure and variety of seats that fully circle the track lends itself to great spectator views throughout. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house.
  1. Arrival and Parking
  • Arrive Early: Avoid traffic and find convenient parking by arriving early. Gates usually open hours before the race.

  • Parking: Choose from on-site parking or off-site lots with shuttle service. Review parking maps and instructions beforehand.

  • Tailgating: There are plenty of areas around the property to hold your very own tailgate party. In one of BMS’s five campgrounds, or at your parking space. There is also an official Tailgate Zone sponsored by Swaggerty’s Sausage, where you can join like minded fans and have your very own pre-race party.

  • Camping: If you want to stay at the track during the race weekend, check in with track staff, there are five campgrounds owned by BMS around the track property. Each one offers a short walk to the racing action.
  1. What to Pack
  • Essentials: Bring ear protection (earplugs or noise-canceling headphones), a seat cushion, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes, your favorite pair of sunglasses and a hat. There’s also a list of items that are not allowed, and you can view them here.

  • Food and Drinks: While the speedway offers a wide variety of foods at more than 50 concessions locations throughout the stadium concourses, you are allowed to bring a small cooler with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.

  • Cameras and Binoculars: Capture the action and get an even closer look with a camera and binoculars.

Once you are at the stadium, you are ready to explore a bit before you head to your grandstand seats to watch the race. There are many ways to enhance your NASCAR experience. At Bristol Motor Speedway the Food City Fan Zone Stage provides tons of entertainment, including the popular Trackside Live show on Sunday with hosts Kenny Wallace, John Roberts and Jose Castillo. Below are several more options to consider to create wow moments and lasting memories. 

  1. Fan Zones
  • Fan Activities: Enjoy interactive exhibits, driver appearances, and merchandise stalls which often have driver autograph sessions available.

  • Souvenirs: Buy souvenirs like t-shirts, hats, and die-cast cars to remember your visit.

  • It’s Bristol Baby: Take a moment to visit the large It’s Bristol Baby! Monument that is erected at BMS Entrance 1 around the Fan Zone. Dale Earnhardt Jr. coined that phrase in Victory Lane after winning the 2004 Cup and Xfinity races in the same weekend. You will want to take plenty of selfies next to the custom tribute sign and add them to your social media channels.
  1. Understanding the Race
  • Race Format: Go online to NASCAR.com or BristolMotorSpeedway.com and search terms to learn about the race format, stages, and pit stop strategies.

  • Driver Information: If you don’t already have a driver that’s your go-to-guy, spend some time looking through the BMS Playbill souvenir program and research the drivers and teams to choose a favorite.

  • Bristol Traditions: Race winners at Bristol receive the coveted BMS Gladiator Sword and nearly five-foot tall race trophy. These are presented after the race in the unique roof-top victory lane on top of the infield care center. Bristol’s famous driver intros, set to each driver’s favorite music, also is one of the most anticipated events.

  • Popular drivers: Chase Elliott has won the NASCAR Most Popular Driver award for seven consecutive years and has a huge fan-following at Bristol Motor Speedway. Other drivers at Bristol who seem to receive the most cheers during driver introductions are Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, Chase Briscoe and William Byron just to name a few.

Bristol Motor Speedway: Facts and Stats

  • Fast Track: With BMS’s 24-28 degrees of progressive banking, NASCAR stock cars can reach speeds of up to 130 mph on the straightaways. Ryan Blaney holds the track record for the Cup Series’ fastest lap Bristol at 132 mph in his Team Penske Ford.

  • Historic Venue: Opened in 1961, the Bristol Motor Speedway has hosted many memorable NASCAR races. NASCAR legends like Darrell Waltrip, a 12-time BMS winner, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Cale Yarborough, Rusty Wallace and Kyle Busch are among the all-time winners at Bristol.

  • Colossus TV: The largest-center hung jumbo television, which dangles right in the middle of Bristol Motor Speedway, provides you with replays and an up-close look at the action. 

Plan Your NASCAR Adventure right away!

A NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway is an unforgettable experience. Plan ahead, pack accordingly, and explore the fan zones for a memorable visit. Get ready for heart-pounding action and lasting memories at one of NASCAR's most iconic tracks!

To purchase tickets for the upcoming Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, please visit http://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com. You can also call the BMS ticket sales center at 866-415-4158. Finally, Bristol race weekend tickets are available for purchase at your neighborhood Food City store.