Bristol Motor Speedway, often referred to as “The Last Great Colosseum,” has been a staple of the NASCAR calendar since its founding in 1961. Over the decades, the short track has undergone numerous upgrades to enhance the fan experience. Among its standout modern features is an impressive addition introduced in recent years: a massive LED screen dubbed the “Colossus.”
The Joe Gibbs Racing team highlighted this cutting-edge screen, which rivals those found in major sports arenas like NBA courts and NFL fields. Known as the largest outdoor, permanent, center-hung digital display, Colossus is suspended above the racetrack using durable cables anchored to steel towers placed outside the track to ensure unobstructed views for fans.
What makes Colossus truly remarkable is its scale and technology. Constructed with 54 million LED lights and weighing an astounding 700 tons, it features four screens measuring 68 feet wide by 30 feet tall. These screens are mounted on a halo ring and provide crisp, clear views to spectators. The project was announced in 2015, and by 2016, the awe-inspiring structure was fully operational.
Traditionally, NASCAR tracks rely on infield towers to broadcast races to fans. However, Bristol Motor Speedway broke away from this norm while preparing to host the largest attended college football game in U.S. history, the “Battle at Bristol,” between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech. To accommodate the football field, the infield tower was removed permanently, and the innovative Colossus was developed in its place. This ambitious undertaking, executed by Raker Rhodes Engineering, ensured the venue could seamlessly host football games and NASCAR events alike.
Engineers designed Colossus to withstand extreme weather conditions by using galvanized steel, which is highly durable and low-maintenance. Despite an accelerated timeline and challenges posed by material complexities, the project was completed on schedule, cementing Colossus as a technological marvel.
Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, described it best: “Combine all the energy and excitement of Bristol with the ultimate home theater system, and you’ve got Colossus.”
