Nashville Predators: Top 5 Things We Miss The Most About Live Games

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If everything works out and the NHL’s Return To Play plan comes to fruition, we will be watching playoff hockey very soon. While this is exciting news, there is also the realization that there will be no Nashville Predators games to attend in person for quite a while.

I was talking with a friend the other day who doesn’t follow hockey. Whenever I talk with people, I always try to inject some Nashville Predators hockey into their lives.

I was telling him about the plan that is in place for the NHL playoffs and the different phases that the plan entails. We also started chatting about Nashville and what a great city it is.

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Then my non-hockey friend said, “let me know the next time you go to a game; I would love to go.” I immediately got excited and started planning the trip in my head.

Then it hit me. It will probably be a very long time before fans are allowed to attend games.

With the late playoff start, the 2020/2021 season will likely not start until at least next January. Also, when it does start, there is no guarantee that fans will be in attendance.

After thinking about it for a bit, I started to reflect on all of the fun things that make up a trip to Nashville to see the Predators.

While this is not an exhaustive list of all of the cool things about a Predators game, here are five things that I miss most about attending a Predators game at Bridgestone Arena.

Bridgestone Arena

Not only is Bridgestone Arena a beautiful building, but it is also set dead-smack in the middle of one of the coolest cities in the nation. Everything fun to do in Nashville is within walking distance to Bridgestone.

There is lot’s to see and do in the area around Bridgestone. The Country Music Hall Of Fame is close by, as are about a million restaurants. You can even take a stroll on Broadway and experience the sights and sounds that make Nashville famous.

There is nothing like the atmosphere outside Bridgestone before the game. Predators’ jerseys from various seasons are everywhere, and everyone is excited to get in and watch the game.

If you are lucky, like I was at the Predators/Rangers game in November of this season, you may get to meet and take a photo with Pete Weber and Terry Crisp.

Nashville Predators (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Inside Bridgestone

Once you get inside Bridgestone Arena, there are lots of things to do. The first thing people usually do is go to the Predators’ Team Store. The Team Store has everything that any Predators fan could ever need or want.

There are also lots of excellent places to eat. The concessions stands have top-notch food. There are also sit down places to eat as well.

You can catch the pre-game TV crew out in the hallways. If you time it right, you can stand behind them while they are on air and find yourself on a live broadcast.

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is also located in Bridgestone. It is always cool to stroll through the Hall of Fame and see the exhibits.

Once Bridgestone opens back up, you will also be able to view the pair of live catfish that reside in the arena.

Game Time Atmosphere

If you have never been to a Predators game, I suggest you add it to your bucket list. I didn’t know what to expect the first time I went. Now the crowd at Bridgestone is the measuring stick to which all other hockey arenas should be measured.

The atmosphere is incredible. You feel like you are hanging out with 17,000 of your closest friends.

I attended the Predators/Golden Knights game in November. I was seated next to a Scottish gentleman who kept yelling “Go Preds” and “Come On Jarny” in his delightful accent. We began high-fiving after every Predator’s goal.

There is also one section of the arena that is just a bit special. I’m talking about Cell Block 303. Section 303 is the loudest section of the stadium and the one that originated some of the famous chants that take place at Bridgestone.

The chants that take place in the arena during games are one of the things that tie all of the fans together. There is nothing like yelling “YOU SUCK” and “IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT” at the opposing goalie when the Predators score.

There is a real family feeling at Bridgestone. I have only been in one other arena for a hockey game. It made me appreciate the vibe of Bridgestone Arena.

Fresh Ice

I’ll never forget when I walked into Bridgestone for the first time and saw the rink.

I arrived extra early because I had never been to a hockey game before. I wanted to get some pictures before the arena was full.

The ice was nice and shiny. I looked up into the rafters and saw the American and Canadian flags, the NHL team banners, and the large Predators head that is lowered into the arena. The players skate through it when they first take the ice.

I had no idea what I was about to witness, but from that point on, I knew that I would be a lifelong fan.

The Team

The best part of attending a live game is the team playing the beautiful game. Hockey is fast-paced and exciting to watch on the television, even more so live.

The Predators have had a very tumultuous season. Lot’s of things have happened this year that could turn the average fan away.

If the average fan could just attend a game and see this team perform and feel the camaraderie, they would not be an “average” fan any longer.

The Predators feed off of their fanbase. Have there been times when they’ve struggled? Absolutely they have struggled. Have there been times when they have been brilliant? Absolutely yes.

Being at a live game is like nothing else. You really get caught up in the moment and feel like you are part of the team.

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We are looking forward to watching the Predators make a run in the upcoming playoffs. Fans are also looking forward to the day when they can attend live games.

I can’t imagine how loud it is going to be in Bridgestone Arena once fans can attend again. The first home game back in Bridgestone will be something special. Hopefully, that will be sooner rather than later.

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