Bridgestone Arena

Overview

Bridgestone Arena is a 20,000-seat multi-purpose venue in downtown Nashville, home of the NHL's Nashville Predators and host to major concerts, award shows, and sporting events. Opening in 1996, it anchors the western end of Broadway and is consistently ranked among the top arenas in North America.

Highlights

• Predators hockey: Game nights transform the surrounding streets into a yellow-clad street party with live music on the plaza.
• Major events: Hosts the CMA Awards, SEC Basketball Tournament, and concerts from Taylor Swift to Beyoncé.
• Catfish tradition: Fans famously throw catfish on the ice during Predators playoff games.

History

Built as the Nashville Arena, it opened in December 1996 and was renamed Gaylord Entertainment Center in 1999. Bridgestone took naming rights in 2010. A $35 million renovation in 2016 modernized the concourses and added a massive exterior video screen.

Visitor Tips

• Events: Check the calendar—there's almost always something happening.
• Parking: Use rideshare or park in the public lots along Korean Veterans Boulevard.
• Duration: 2.5–3 hours for a game or concert.