The Rest of College Football

[Tony G]

In 1961, the track hosted a National Football League preseason game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.

[Tony G]

The forgotten game–Bristol Motor Speedway

March 12, 2013 ? No Comments
It’s a game that is rarely talked about, but it did happen. The year was 1961 and the game was between the Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles. It took place in the infield of Bristol Motor Speedway. The game celebrated its 5oth anniversary two years ago we were lucky enough to catch up and talk with the starting tailback for the Eagles, at the the time, Billy Ray Barnes. Barnes says he doesn’t remember much.
“That damn game was 52 years ago and I’m glad I don’t remember much. When we showed up at Bristol the field was the worst field I had ever seen. We played a game one time at the Fairgrounds in Ohio and it was just a tick better than the field at Bristol.”
When we were talking to BRB during our interview we got the idea that the times were a lot different back then. “We just went and played where we were told. We were getting 50 bucks a game and thought we were rich. When they told us we were playing at Bristol Motor Speedway, well, we just went and played.” Even though the game was just an NFL exhibition it still drew plenty of fans. “The crowd was good, but it felt like a practice. The stands were so far away from the field it was hard to get into it. We couldn’t even hear the fans cheering until we were leaving the game.”
We wanted to dig a little deeper into some of the more interesting things about the game. Check out our Q and A with Mr. Barnes and be ready to laugh. Enjoy.
Pittalks: What were some of the funny things about playing there?
BRB: It’s probably no secret, but back when I played some of the players would have a cigarette during halftime. At Bristol there was only one bathroom at the north end of the field. Both teams were sharing the same bathroom. At halftime we all met up there and had a few cigarettes and then went on and finished the game.
Pittalks: Who won the game?
BRB: Hell, I don’t remember. I’m pretty sure we won though. I do remember this for sure; I got tackled one time and landed so hard in a puddle I didn’t know if I was going to get up before I drowned. There were puddles everywhere on that field.
Pittalks: Where did you guys get dressed and ready before the game?
BRB: We stayed at some small place in town and we dressed there. We showed up ready to play. One of the things that really surprised me when we got there was how steep the track was. You guys call that what?
Pittalks: It’s banking Billy.
BRB: Yeah, the damn banking was so steep I almost lost it getting down to the field.
Pittalks: Have you been back since the football game?
BRB: Hell no, I’m not much of a race fan. I really like watching them go around the track at 200mph, but I don’t go to races. Those drivers got some balls to do that. I respect that.
Pittalks: What do you think about crew guys?
BRB: I know a lot of athletes are getting into racing. You got to be big, strong, and quick to do what they do. It’s fun to watch the drivers when it gets towards the last few laps and those guys get after it.
Pittalks: If you were going to be on a pit crew and do one of those positions now, which one do you think you would be best at?
BRB: My answer is simple, none. You’re crazy if you think I’m getting in front of those cars. That’s crazy.
Pittalks: Did you even get to take a lap around the track before or after the game?
BRB: No, we wanted out of there as soon as the game was over. That was the worst field most of us had ever played on and we just wanted to get home.
Pittalks: Well, Mr. Barnes I would like to thank you for taking the time to sit down and chat with us. I really appreciate it and maybe we can get you out to the track one day. Are we missing anything else you wanted to add?
BRB: Yeh, did you see that contract that Calvin Johnson just signed. I got a $124 dollar raise this year for every year I played and that guy just signed a $132 million, 10 year contract. How about a little something for the old guys that helped start the game? I’m sure some of the old racers think the same thing.
Pittalks: I’m sure they do. Well good luck with everything you got going on and thanks for taking time to talk with us.

[lineygoblue]

They'll have to make the tickets real cheap if they want to sell it out.

[Optimus Prime]

They'll have to make the tickets real cheap if they want to sell it out.

'Shine n' Dine for $29.99! 2 tickets, 2 corn dogs and 2 liters of WhiteLightning!

Pig Skin Rind Classic

[Tony G]

Not for that one. Both schools are fairly close (within two hours or so)

[lineygoblue]

Neyland Stadium in Knoxville holds about 109K.

Lane Stadium holds about 67K.

So both schools would pretty much need their home crowds to combine and show up in full, to fill the seats.

They might do it, but it seems to me like the fans are going to be a long way from the action.

[Rob F]

If the 4-team playoff were in place for this year right now it would probably be 1. Oregon vs. 4 OSU and 2 Alabama vs. 3 Clemson.

Good matchups but OSU would be in way way over their head.

You mean they got a chance?

[WM Wolverine]

I think enough people will want to be part of the 'largest football crowd' that it'll sell very well, location is good for both programs.

[lineygoblue]

The only record they will set is the individual game attendance record. All other records will still belong mostly to Michigan and the Big Ten.

[Hannibal]

This will be an interesting experiment to see how far you can go with this stuff. 160,000 for a game where every single seat in the house will suck? That makes for a very interesting experiment.

[iam416]

It's worked for ice hockey. Plucking a rink down in the middle of football field seems to create gads of bad seats. But folks like the outdoor novelty and the attendance aspect.

[hack]

That too is location dependent I would guess. Ann Arbor is 5 hours by car from Canada's most densely populated area.

[Tony G]

Indy 500 on top

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sporting_venues_with_a_highest_attendance_of_100,000_or_more

[Optimus Prime]

Still against it, only God knows what they will have as a 1/2-time show?

8 dead , 80 injured at Monster Truck whatever in Mexico.
[youtube]Gol7VmqR5ao[/youtube]

[Optimus Prime]

Here's the dirt version.