Nashville Predators: Possible Bridgestone Arena Upgrade

The Nashville Predators home, Bridgestone Arena, could be in need of an upgrade.

The Nashville Predators have played in the same building in Nashville since 1998, but the name ‘Bridgestone’ is relatively new. Now in 2016, the franchise may be looking at expanding and upgrading the arena in the near future.

It was announced in mid-August that the Nashville Predators ownership has put together a plan to make Bridgestone Arena an even greater venue for both hockey and events than it already is.

We’ve recently seen two other teams get more than just an upgraded place to play. Both the Edmonton Oilers and Detroit Red Wings have either built or are building brand new arenas.

It begs the question: are enhancements to an already existing arena better than a brand new one? It’s exciting either way when it comes to new features, but an entirely new building could be rough for some patrons who have followed the team for a long time.

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News that The Predators brass plan to expand and not replace the building is good news to my ears. As nice as it may seem to get a brand new building I prefer seeing Bridgestone grow rather than leave 501 Broadway. Bridgestone is a relatively new stadium compared to most around the league. Plus being on Broadway is a highlight for fans in its self. The local bars and shops are what make Nashville so great.

Bridgestone is a relatively new stadium compared to most around the league. Plus being on Broadway is a highlight for fans in itself. The local bars, shops, and neon lights are what makes Nashville so great.

On the Nashville Predators website Brooks Bratten provides some enhancements that fans can expect to see if all goes according to plan:

"Included in those enhancements are a second sheet of ice on site, new event plazas, a hospitality tower housing a hotel, office and residential space, new team and facility offices, a conference center and hospitality and retail offerings.Inside the arena, fans could see improvements throughout the facility, including wider concourses, new seating options and increased amenities at all levels."

These improvements are huge- not only for the fan’s experience at Bridgestone, but also for all that work there. Take a look at one the quotes from Nashville Predators President and CEO Sean Henry.

"Take this incredible, economic engine that Bridgestone Arena is, and the dynamic experience that our fans have built for all of our events, especially Nashville Predators games – this is the passion and explosion of development around our building that makes 501 Broadway the very best home for the franchise, the arena and the city."

The key phrase that stands out: “All of our events”. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that Bridgestone Arena is more that just where our Nashville Predators play.

Bridgestone has held numerous events like the SEC basketball Tournament, CMA Awards, concerts of practically every artist under the sun, and even hosted the Professional Bull Riders in Nashville over the weekend. It’s clear the additions and upgrades are for all- hockey fans, music lovers, and the city of Nashville at large.

Don’t get too excited just yet though, because the changes we’re talking about won’t happen for a few years. The ownership and franchise are aware that it takes time to make big changes such as this. But when Bridgestone is upgraded we can all expect our experience there to be incredible.

Next: Nashville Predators: Mike Fisher's Last Rodeo?

We’ve seen management upgrade the roster as a Cup contending team. Now we wait for an even greater Bridgestone Arena for them to play in for The Loyal Legion.