Bridgestone Arena

Smashville is the passionate nickname for Nashville's hockey culture and the Predators fanbase. Bridgestone Arena was ranked the loudest arena in professional sports in 2017 — a product of the arena's design, low ceilings, and the extraordinary enthusiasm of Nashville fans. Crowd participation is central to the Smashville experience, with fans singing along to goal celebrations and creating a wall of sound that visiting teams find intimidating.

The best options are WeGo buses (multiple routes, $2 per ride), the free Nissan Stadium Lot R shuttle (operates 2 hours before and after every Predators home game), or rideshare (Lyft is the official partner). Nashville lacks a light rail network, so buses and rideshare are the primary public transit options. From downtown hotels, walking along Broadway is often the best option — the arena is in the heart of the entertainment district.

Nashville Predators offer complimentary parking at Nissan Stadium Lot R (across the Cumberland River), with a free shuttle to Bridgestone Arena running every 15–20 minutes from 2 hours before puck drop until 2 hours after the final buzzer. Fans can also park at Lot R and walk via the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge (10–12 minutes). This is the best free parking option for Predators games.

Predators fans throw catfish onto the ice to celebrate key moments — most famously during playoff runs. The tradition is a Tennessee twist on the Detroit Red Wings' octopus-throwing custom, reflecting Nashville's connection to Tennessee's rivers and fishing culture. The catfish throws have become one of the most distinctive fan traditions in the NHL.

In April 2025, the Nashville Predators announced a $650 million renovation of Bridgestone Arena to be completed by 2030 — part of approximately $1 billion in total investment over 15 years. The project adds 170,000 sq ft, 600–700 new seats, wider concourses, new club spaces, upgraded premium areas, new million-dollar locker rooms, a reimagined outdoor plaza connecting to Broadway with a large LED canopy, and a relocated main entrance on Rep. John Lewis Way. Enabling work begins 2026, with major construction during summers of 2027, 2028, and 2029.

Bridgestone Arena uses a clear bag policy. Small clear bags and small clutch purses are permitted. Walk-through security screening is in place at all entry gates. Specific size requirements can vary by event type — always check bridgestonearena.com before your visit. Security lines can be long at major events — arrive early.

Bridgestone Arena is renowned for its in-venue dining: Pete & Terry's Tavern (official pre-game restaurant), BetMGM Sports Lounge, Barrel House (Tennessee whiskey bar), and concessions featuring Nashville hot chicken, Southern BBQ, Tennessee beef hotdogs, and local craft beers. The arena reflects Nashville's exceptional food and drink culture. Pre-game, Broadway honky-tonks and Hattie B's hot chicken are essential Nashville experiences steps away.

Yes. Bridgestone Arena is fully ADA accessible with wheelchair and companion seating throughout, elevators on all levels, accessible restrooms on every concourse, and designated accessible parking near the arena. The free Nissan Stadium shuttle provides accessible transport, and zTrip taxis offer accessible rides. Contact guest services at 615-770-2000 for specific accessibility arrangements.

Bridgestone Arena is one of the busiest arenas in North America — a two-time Pollstar Arena of the Year. It hosts the CMA Awards (annually since 2006), CMT Music Awards (multiple years), SEC basketball tournaments, the Music City Rodeo (annually from 2025), major concert tours, UFC events, and wrestling. The 2016 NHL All-Star Game and 2017 Stanley Cup Finals (Games 3, 4, and 6) were held here. It hosted the NHL Entry Draft in 2003 and 2023.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (official marketplace) and the Nashville Predators official site at nhl.com/predators. The Box Office is at 501 Broadway. Mobile tickets required for entry. Gates open 75 minutes before puck drop.