Bridgestone Arena - Nashville Predators

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203

Nashville Predators website

Bridgestone Arena website

Year Opened: 1996

Capacity: 17,159

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Only in Smashville

The NHL found what was, at the time, an unlikely home in Nashville when the Predators began play in 1998, but the city’s hockey roots stretch back to the 1960s. The Nashville Dixie Flyers competed in the Eastern Hockey League for nine seasons before the league folded in the early 1970s. Professional hockey returned in short bursts during the 1980s, first with the Nashville South Stars of the Central Hockey League, followed by the Nashville Knights of the ECHL.

A second version of the Central Hockey League arrived in the 1990s when the Nighthawks took the ice in 1996; that team was soon rebranded as the Nashville Ice Flyers, whose run ended when the Predators began play in 1998.

While Nashville’s hockey history may be relatively brief compared to some league stalwarts, the Predators have firmly established themselves as one of the NHL’s top draws, thanks to both on-ice success and the electric atmosphere that has grown around the team. More popularly known as Music City, Nashville, but specifically the area surrounding Bridgestone Arena at the corner of Broadway and Rep. John Lewis Way, has taken on another identity: Smashville.

Food & Beverage   5

Bridgestone Arena delivers one of the more complete food lineups in the NHL, blending Nashville staples with standard arena options. The basics are all covered including hot dogs, nachos, pizza, pretzels, and Dippin’ Dots, but the menu stretches well beyond that, even including self-spinning cotton candy machines scattered around the concourse. Southern-inspired options also play a major role, with mac and cheese, barbecue served several different ways, and, of course, Nashville hot chicken (available in both sandwiches and as tenders throughout the building).

Local flavors are also a large part of Bridgestone Arena’s lineup, led by Rotier’s and Banjo’s Pickin’ Chicken. Rotier’s, a Nashville institution dating back to 1945, lives on inside the arena with its classic burgers and milkshakes, preserving a piece of the city’s food history even without the original restaurant’s atmosphere. Puckett’s brings barbecue options like the Piggy Mac and Cheese, while the Grilled Cheese stand leans into heavier comfort food, with oversized hoagie-style melts such as the Fuggetaboutit. In addition, Christie Cookie Co. serves as the go-to stop for dessert, whether it’s a warm cookie or an ice cream sandwich.

If trying to grab something quickly between periods, there are plenty of convenient options. Fan Favs and Hunt Brothers handle quick-hit staples, with items like walking tacos and Hunk A Pizza that are easy to grab without missing much action, while Burger-Burger, as the name suggests, focuses on burgers but also offers hot dogs. Or you can hit up Top Dog, which elevates the traditional frank with creative builds like the Epic Fury, topped with elote and lime crema.

Bottomless soda is widely available and typically offers the best value, while those wanting more of a sit-down experience can head to Pete & Terry’s Tavern on the arena’s southern side.

The alcohol selection is just as extensive; beyond the typical domestics roughly two dozen craft-style brews are available, including offerings from Jackalope Brewing, Wiseacre Brewing, and Bearded Iris, along with a Predators-branded Homestyle IPA. Bridgestone Arena also offers its own Arena Lager from R.S. Lipman Brewing Co., giving the building a house option alongside the local craft lineup.

Seltzers include High Noon, Happy Dad, Ranch Water, Truly, and Nütrl, while canned spirits range from Clubtails and Cutwater to Surfside and various Jack Daniel’s offerings. Single-serve wines from Vino Copa and Cavit are also available, along with Diskin Cider. Hand-mixed drinks are offered throughout the building, and even Jevo gelatin shots make an appearance, rounding out one of the deeper drink selections you’ll find in an NHL arena.

Atmosphere   4

For a facility now in its third decade of use, Bridgestone Arena still feels remarkably modern. The main entrance features a large, rounded, overhanging roof with enormous glass panels, which allow fans to look out onto Broadway and the Nashville skyline. The most noticeable drawback is that the ice is not visible from most concourse areas.

The Predators have also created a party plaza just outside the main entrance, where fans gather before heading inside. With vendors, games, and music playing, this area effectively brings the excitement of Broadway right to the arena’s front door. In addition, in the coming seasons this location is scheduled for substantial renovations, which should further enhance the fan experience.

Immediately upon entering the venue, fans are met with plenty of options — grab a beer from one of the many bars, scan the wide range of concessions, visit the team store, or simply explore the facility. Several areas throughout the concourse are designed for photos or interactive activities, particularly for younger fans.

Bridgestone Arena also offers several different game-viewing experiences, from traditional seating to multiple clubs and suites. The rink-level Lexus Lounge provides access to a large bar backed by a wall of televisions, several buffets, and even a self-serve candy shop. The lounge also provides a unique opportunity for fans to interact with Predators players as they exit the locker room and head onto the ice.

Back inside the bowl, ribbon boards between seating levels rotate statistical information throughout the game, while boards on opposing ends of the rink provide closed captioning for game information and public address announcements. You can also catch the action on FangVision, the massive four-sided scoreboard with fang-like corner screens – screens on the underside of FangVision even help fans at ice level avoid straining their necks. The ice itself doubles as a projection surface for pregame introductions and intermission graphics, including shot location visuals, and adding to the atmosphere, Predators’ organist, “Krazy” Kyle Hankins brings the tradition of the arena organ into the game.

Public address announcer Paul McCann plays a major role in shaping the atmosphere as well; following his announcements, the crowd responds in unison with a loud, “Thanks, Paul!”, a small tradition that captures the interactive nature of a Predators game.

Neighborhood   5

There are not many arenas that can match what surrounds Bridgestone Arena. Located in one of the country’s top entertainment districts, the venue sits at the head of the Honky Tonk Highway and serves as a gateway to Nashville’s bar and music scene. In addition, it is not just the Nashville nightlife that is a draw, but historic Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are both just steps away from the venue. This same area also has a large concentration of high-end hotels for those coming from out of town.

If looking to pair a Predators game with other sports, options are plentiful. Just across the Cumberland River sits Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, while the hockey season overlaps with Nashville SC at Geodis Park and the Nashville Sounds at First Horizon Park. Nashville is also home to four Division I universities, making college football, basketball, and baseball additional possibilities, depending on the time of year.

Fans   4

Predators fans have built a reputation for turning Bridgestone Arena into one of the loudest barns in hockey, and it does not take long to understand why. During the 2017 Western Conference Final, sound levels inside the arena climbed to just shy of 130 decibels, comparable to a jet engine, and that same energy still carries through the facility today.

Even in seasons where on-ice results have dipped, the seats here remain filled. Bridgestone Arena routinely operates above its listed capacity, averaging over 100 percent full on a nightly basis. The crowd does not just show up; they stay engaged from puck drop to the final horn, creating playoff-like atmospheres for big late-season games.

Much of that energy is driven by the devoted supporters in Section 303, known as Cell Block 303. This group sets the tone with organized chants, coordinated cheers, and relentless heckling, particularly aimed at the visiting goaltender. Their signature taunts often crescendo with the familiar “YOU SUCK!” that echoes throughout the arena. For newcomers, this group even maintains a guide outlining chants and when to expect them. Despite the intensity, however, the crowd knows when to dial it back, with former Predators typically welcomed warmly when they return.

All told, Nashville’s fans bring constant noise, personality, and participation, playing a major role in shaping one of the NHL’s most entertaining game-night environments.

Access   4

Downtown arenas come with plenty of perks, but traffic and congestion are always part of the equation, and Bridgestone Arena is no exception. The venue sits near the junction of three major interstates feeding into downtown Nashville; the challenge is navigating the roads, traffic, and ongoing construction.

Parking in the area is plentiful, with lots and garages located just steps from the arena. There are three primary entry points into Bridgestone Arena – the main Party Plaza on Broadway serves two of these entrances, and offers separate lines for those with and without bags, helping expedite entry. The third entry point is located on Demonbreun Street on the back side of the building.

Once inside, wide concourses make getting around relatively easy. Concession stands are also plentiful, which helps limit wait times and keeps lines from interrupting the flow of fans. One area that can back up during intermissions is the restrooms, however, so planning visits during play can help you avoid longer waits.

Return on Investment   4

The cost of attending professional sports can add up quickly, and NHL games are no exception. The key is finding promotions and workarounds to make the experience more affordable.

At Bridgestone Arena, 100 tickets are released at 10 am (CT) on each game day for just $17, though fans must use the Predators’ app to access them. The team also offers discounts for first responders, military members, and other public servants through GovX.

Parking rates vary depending on proximity to the vanue, but one of the better options is Music City Center directly across the street from the back of Bridgestone Arena, where game-day parking is typically around $20.

While main level seating can be expensive, there are certainly affordable ways to get inside, to experience what Smashville has to offer.

Extras   5

The main level concourse was designed as an ode to the city’s country music history – the floor resembles a guitar, complete with strings and fret markers, while the façade of the second level is patterned after piano keys.

The fan information area displays the skull and bones of a saber-toothed tiger discovered just blocks from the arena, which helped inspire the Predators name.

Another option inside the venue is Gnashville, a children’s play area packed with activities for younger fans and those young at heart. The Predators’ youngest supporters will find craft stations, video games, and games set up on a miniature rink.

Adding to the local ties is a display recognizing the growing high school hockey programs throughout Tennessee, while Predators' mascot Gnash is also regularly available for photos, making rounds throughout the pregame festivities in the fan plaza, as well as during the game inside the arena.

Final Thoughts

When Nashville was awarded an NHL franchise in 1997, it seemed an unlikely place for hockey to thrive. Nothing could be further from the truth — not only has hockey worked in Nashville, it has flourished.

Following this season, Bridgestone Arena is scheduled to begin a five-year, nearly $1 billion renovation designed to further connect the venue with Broadway. Plans include a tower hotel and a covered fan plaza at the corner of Broadway and 6th Avenue, among other upgrades aimed at enhancing the game-day experience.

Hockey in Nashville is an outstanding experience, from the in-game entertainment to the energy on the ice. What truly sets Bridgestone Arena apart, however, is the vibe of Broadway just steps from the front doors – the country music, party atmosphere that seamlessly carries inside and helps make Smashville one of the NHL’s most unique, fan-friendly destination.