Nashville Predators Hockey: The Complete Fan and Visitor Guide
- Chase Gillmore
- Apr 23
- 18 min read
Nashville Predators hockey refers to the NHL franchise based in Nashville, Tennessee, competing in the Central Division of the Western Conference. The Predators have played home games at Bridgestone Arena since the 1998-99 inaugural season, when they became one of four expansion teams granted a franchise by the NHL in 1997. In 2026, the Preds remain one of the most passionate fan bases in professional hockey, drawing visitors from Atlanta, Chicago, and beyond who want to experience a live game in one of North America's most entertaining sports cities.
TL;DR
The Nashville Predators are an NHL team founded in 1997, playing at Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville since the 1998-99 season.
The franchise reached its only Stanley Cup Final in 2017, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games; the team won back-to-back Central Division titles in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Roman Josi is the current captain; Barry Trotz is the current General Manager; head coach is Andrew Brunette as of 2026.
Bridgestone Arena sits in the heart of downtown Nashville, steps from Lower Broadway, making it one of the most walkable arenas in the NHL for pre-game dining and nightlife.
The best home base for visiting fans is a private vacation rental within 10 minutes of the arena, such as The Herman Haven (1.5 miles from Bridgestone Arena) or Underwood Manor (about 9 minutes from the arena).
Davidson County generated a record $11.2 billion in visitor spending in 2026, according to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, reflecting the city's standing as a top-tier sports and entertainment destination.
Table of Contents
What Is the History of the Nashville Predators?
The Nashville Predators are a professional NHL expansion franchise, founded in 1997 when the league granted Craig Leipold and a local ownership group the right to bring professional hockey to Tennessee. The franchise officially began play in the 1998-99 season, making Nashville one of four new NHL cities added during the late 1990s expansion wave alongside Atlanta, Columbus, and Minnesota. Nashville paid 31.5% of the $80 million expansion franchise fee to join the league.
The franchise name came from a fan vote, with candidates including Ice Tigers, Fury, Attack, and Predators. Leipold submitted "Predators" personally, and the name won. The choice carries genuine local significance: a partial Smilodon fatalis skeleton (a saber-toothed cat) was discovered beneath downtown Nashville in 1971 during construction of what is now the UBS Tower. That fossil gives the saber-toothed cat logo a direct connection to the city's actual geology.
David Poile was named the franchise's first general manager on July 9, 1997, and Barry Trotz was named the first head coach in August of that year. The Predators played their first game on October 10, 1998, a 1-0 home loss to the Florida Panthers. Three days later, they recorded their first win, a 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. The team met the NHL's pre-play requirement by selling 12,000 season tickets before March 31, 1998, which cleared the way for the inaugural season to proceed.
During the 2005-06 season, Nashville became only the fourth NHL franchise to start a season 8-0, finishing with 106 points. The franchise was later sold to a local ownership group for $193 million. Bill Haslam is the current owner as of 2026. For a deeper read on the early expansion era, the New York Times covered Nashville's franchise award in 1997 with detailed context on why the city was selected.
What Makes Bridgestone Arena Unique?
Bridgestone Arena is the home of Nashville Predators hockey and one of the most strategically located sports venues in the NHL. The arena sits at 501 Broadway in downtown Nashville, placing it within a two-block walk of Lower Broadway's honky-tonk district. That proximity makes pre-game and post-game plans simple in a way that most NHL cities cannot match: you can watch live country music for free, eat at a dozen restaurants within walking distance, and be in your seat in under five minutes.
The arena opened in 1996, originally as the Nashville Arena, before Bridgestone Tires acquired naming rights in 2010. Capacity for hockey games is approximately 17,500. The building regularly ranks among the top venues in North America for concert revenue and event volume, hosting everything from the NHL All-Star Weekend to major national touring acts.
For visiting fans, the arena's downtown location removes the suburban commute problem that plagues many NHL venues. Ride-share drop-off zones on Fifth and Sixth Avenues are well-marked and efficient. Street parking is available throughout the SoBro and Gulch neighborhoods, typically at a premium on game nights. The arena connects directly to the broader Lower Broadway entertainment corridor, so arriving 90 minutes early to explore is a genuine option rather than a logistical stretch.
The Predators' media partners are FanDuel Sports Network South for television and The Game (102.5 FM) for radio, covering every home and away game. If you want to follow the team before your visit, the official Nashville Predators website carries current schedules, ticket availability, and roster updates.
Who Are the Key Players and Leaders on the Predators Roster?
Roman Josi is the Nashville Predators' current captain and one of the most decorated defensemen in franchise history. Josi was drafted 38th overall at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, with the team trading two picks to secure him in the second round. That gamble paid off in ways the organization could not have fully anticipated: Josi has become the face of the franchise and one of the elite offensive defensemen in the modern NHL.
On the management side, Barry Trotz assumed the role of General Manager after David Poile's long tenure. Trotz has deep ties to the organization, having served as the franchise's first head coach from 1997 through 2014. The current head coach is Andrew Brunette. The combination gives the front office a mix of historical institutional knowledge and modern roster-building thinking.
The Predators' team colors are Predators gold, navy blue, and white. The team's branding has remained largely consistent since the franchise's founding, with the saber-toothed cat logo anchoring the visual identity throughout multiple jersey iterations. For a detailed look at how the uniform and logo have evolved, the official Predators logo and jersey history page documents each change chronologically.
Minor league affiliates are the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL and the Atlanta Gladiators in the ECHL. Players working their way up to the NHL roster come through this pipeline, so Milwaukee Admirals games are worth following if you want an early look at Nashville's next generation of talent.
What Are the Predators' Biggest Playoff Moments?
The Nashville Predators' biggest moment in franchise history is the 2017 Stanley Cup Final run. Nashville advanced to the Final for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, and Anaheim Ducks before falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. The Guardian's coverage at the time captured the cultural significance: the run demonstrated that NHL expansion into non-traditional markets could build genuine hockey culture.
The following season, Nashville won its first Presidents' Trophy in 2017-18 as the NHL's best regular-season team, then claimed the Central Division title again in 2018-19, making back-to-back division championships. Those two seasons represent the franchise's competitive peak in terms of regular-season dominance.
The Predators qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time during the 2003-04 season, finishing eighth in the Western Conference. That first playoff appearance validated the franchise's long-term viability in a market that skeptics had questioned for years. By the 2026 season, Nashville's hockey culture is firmly established, with the city regularly appearing on lists of the best sports atmospheres in the NHL.
For group travelers planning a trip around playoff hockey, be aware that hotel rates and vacation rental prices in Nashville typically spike 30-50% during playoff runs, so booking early is essential. The Nashville trip planning resources at Underwood Manor's blog cover seasonality in detail.
How Do You Get to Bridgestone Arena from Nashville Airport?
Getting from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Bridgestone Arena is straightforward. The arena is approximately 10 miles from BNA, and the drive typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, with game-night congestion adding 10-15 minutes during the evening rush. BNA served a record 25.7 million passengers in 2026, according to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, which reflects the scale of infrastructure improvements and the volume of travelers now using the airport.
Ride-share is the most practical option for most visiting fans. An Uber or Lyft from BNA to downtown Nashville runs approximately $25-45 depending on time of day and surge pricing. Game nights see moderate surge pricing on Broadway-adjacent drop-offs; budget $35-55 for the same trip if the puck drops at 7pm.
The WeGo Public Transit system operates bus routes connecting the airport to downtown, but travel times of 45-60 minutes make it impractical for most game-day travelers. Rental cars are available at BNA, though downtown Nashville parking on game nights runs $15-30 at surface lots and $25-40 in garages near the arena. If you're staying downtown or within the SoBro corridor, a rental car is more of a liability than a convenience.
Visitors staying at properties like Luxe SoBro, which sits 0.6 miles from Bridgestone Arena, can walk to the arena entirely and skip the transportation math altogether. For groups staying slightly farther out, a single Uber to the arena and back typically runs $8-15 each way from most Nashville neighborhoods within 5 miles of downtown.
Where Should Fans Eat and Drink Before a Predators Game?
Pre-game dining for Nashville Predators hockey fans benefits enormously from Bridgestone Arena's location. Lower Broadway, specifically the two-block stretch between 1st and 4th Avenues, gives visiting fans a concentration of bars and restaurants within a 10-minute walk of the arena that no suburban NHL venue can replicate. The key is knowing where to go versus where to avoid when you're on a game-night schedule.
For a quick, high-quality meal before puck drop, the SoBro and Gulch neighborhoods offer better value than Broadway proper. On Broadway, you're paying for the live music and the foot traffic; the food quality rarely justifies the premium. Head one block off Broadway toward Demonbreun or the Gulch for restaurant options with shorter waits and better cooking.
Robert's Western World on Broadway is the pre-game bar worth your time. It's a narrow room with mismatched stools, a stage against the back wall, and the best honky-tonk atmosphere on the strip with no cover charge, ever. The fried bologna sandwiches are genuinely good and run under $10. Arrive by 5pm if the game starts at 7pm, because it fills up fast.
For sit-down dining, Eater Nashville consistently covers the best current options in the SoBro and Gulch districts, which are the two neighborhoods with the most game-night foot traffic and kitchen quality. The Gulch sits about 1.5 miles from Bridgestone Arena, close enough for a pre-game dinner with an Uber back to the arena. Budget $25-45 per person for a proper dinner in the Gulch before a game.
One practical tip most game guides skip: the Broadway bars get dramatically more crowded in the 90-minute window before puck drop. If your group wants to experience honky-tonk row and then catch the game, aim to finish your bar time by 6:15pm for a 7pm start. Navigating the crowd from Tootsie's Orchid Lounge to the arena takes 10-15 minutes on a packed game night, not the three-minute walk it would be on a Tuesday afternoon. For broader Nashville dining inspiration, this guide to Nashville brunch spots covers the neighborhoods around the arena in detail.
What Should First-Time Visitors Expect Inside Bridgestone Arena?
Inside Bridgestone Arena, first-time Nashville Predators hockey visitors will find one of the loudest buildings in the NHL, a reputation the fan base has earned and defended since the 2017 playoff run. The lower bowl sections (100-level) provide the closest views and the most intense atmosphere; center-ice sections between 109 and 118 on the lower level offer the best sight lines for watching the full ice surface. Upper level sections (200-level, center ice) give a top-down view of plays developing, which many experienced hockey fans prefer for reading the game.
The arena's food and beverage program covers the basics: Nashville hot chicken sandwiches appear at multiple concession stands and are worth the $14-17 price point. The arena's craft beer selection has improved significantly, with Tennessee-brewed options available at dedicated beer stands on both levels. Lines at main concession stands peak during the first and second intermissions; arrive early or walk to a less-trafficked stand on the opposite side of the concourse to cut your wait from 10 minutes to two.
Merchandise is available at the team store near the main entrance and at smaller kiosks throughout the arena. If purchasing a jersey, the main team store typically has the fullest size selection. Prices for authentic jerseys run $175-250; replica jerseys run $75-130 depending on the style. Check the official Predators site for current game schedules and ticket availability before your trip.
Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before puck drop. Security lines move steadily, but the arena fills quickly for marquee matchups against the Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, or St. Louis Blues. Parking around the arena fills by 90 minutes before game time on a sellout night. The Fifth Avenue South and Sixth Avenue South entrances handle most foot traffic from the Broadway corridor; the Broadway-facing main entrance is the most congested point of entry on game nights.
Where to Stay Near Bridgestone Arena for a Predators Game
Where to stay near Bridgestone Arena for a Nashville Predators hockey game is the most consistently under-served question in the fan travel category. Most coverage focuses on team history and game-day tips, leaving visitors to figure out the lodging decision on their own. The short answer: downtown Nashville condos and SoBro vacation rentals place you within walking distance of the arena, while properties 5-10 minutes out offer private amenities that downtown hotels cannot match at comparable group price points.
Here is how the options break down by property and proximity:
The Herman Haven: Best for Groups Who Want to Walk to the Game
The Herman Haven is the strongest accommodation choice for Predators game travelers who want minimal friction on game night. This 3-bedroom, 10-guest boho-chic vacation rental sits 1.5 miles from Bridgestone Arena and 1.6 miles from Broadway, close enough that a 6-minute rideshare gets your group to the arena without the planning overhead of a longer commute.
Every bedroom at The Herman Haven has its own private en-suite bathroom, a feature that genuinely matters when a group of 8-10 adults is trying to get ready for a 7pm puck drop simultaneously. The private backyard includes a 7-person hot tub and fire pit, giving your group a legitimate place to debrief after the game without paying bar prices. The property is also pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it one of the more flexible options in the portfolio for mixed groups. Check availability at The Herman Haven if you're planning a game-weekend trip.
Luxe SoBro: Best for Couples or Small Groups Who Want to Walk Everywhere
Luxe SoBro is the walkability champion. This 1-bedroom, 4-guest luxury condo sits 0.6 miles from Bridgestone Arena and 0.3 miles from Broadway, placing it within a genuine 10-12 minute walk of both. The private balcony overlooks a saltwater resort-style pool, and complimentary coffee and snacks are included. For a couple or a pair of friends making a game weekend of it, this is the most convenient base possible. Covered garage parking is available, which matters on game nights when street parking evaporates.
Luxe Cowgirl: Best for Groups Who Want Downtown Access and Resort Amenities
For groups of up to 8 who want to walk to the honky-tonks and the arena, Luxe Cowgirl delivers. This western-inspired 2-bedroom condo sits 3 blocks from Broadway and 0.8 miles from Bridgestone Arena, with access to a resort-style pool, sky lounge, and fitness center. The 2-king-bed configuration and glam area make it particularly well-suited for bachelorette groups who are combining a Predators game with the broader Nashville experience. A designated parking spot is available, which removes one of the bigger game-night headaches entirely.
Underwood Manor: Best for Groups Who Want Private Amenities Over Walking Distance
Underwood Manor is the right choice if your group of up to 10 wants a full luxury home experience that functions as a private party headquarters before and after the game. The property is approximately 9 minutes from Bridgestone Arena by rideshare and 5 minutes from downtown Nashville, close enough for an easy Uber each way but far enough to have a private fenced backyard, a 7-person hot tub with jets and LED lighting, and a moody speakeasy game room with an 8-foot slate pool table and custom whiskey barrel bar.
The practical game-night logistics: budget $10-15 each way by rideshare to the arena. That $20-30 round-trip per car is a reasonable trade for having a Saatva king suite, Purple mattress queen bedrooms, and a SoloStove Bonfire fire pit waiting when you get back. Multiple guests have specifically mentioned the hot tub as the post-game recovery spot of choice. As one guest noted: "5 mins or less to downtown in a peaceful neighborhood with an outstanding back yard." (Geralyn)
For bachelorette groups combining a Predators game with a Nashville girls' weekend, the Insta-worthy photo spots inside Underwood Manor (including the "Blame It on My Roots" neon sign and the wings wall mural) make the property a genuine destination beyond just a place to sleep. The host sends local guides before arrival, including recommendations for nearby dining and nightlife. View availability and amenities at Underwood Manor for your game-week dates.
Ultimate Bach Pad: Best for Large Groups of 12-24
For groups that outgrow a single property, the Ultimate Bach Pad offers two side-by-side luxury duplex homes sleeping up to 24 guests across 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Two hot tubs, 3 game rooms, 2 rooftop decks with skyline views, and a glam room make this the most comprehensive group experience in the portfolio. The property is 8-10 minutes from Broadway, keeping it within a practical rideshare range for game nights while providing a home base large enough for a combined bachelor and bachelorette party.
Fern Unit A and Fern Unit B: Best for Bachelorette Groups of 12
Sister properties Fern Unit A and Fern Unit B are each professionally redesigned 4-bedroom homes sleeping 12 guests, available independently or combined for groups of 24. Fern Unit A features a rooftop deck with a Nashvegas mural and a game room with arcade games, foosball, and ping pong. Fern Unit B adds a dedicated bachelorette glam station with 4 lit vanity mirrors. Both sit 3.6 miles from Bridgestone Arena, a 10-minute rideshare from the arena. Each has a 7-person hot tub and rooftop deck with skyline views.
Property | Guests | Distance to Arena | Standout Feature |
The Herman Haven | Up to 10 | 1.5 mi (~6 min) | Private en-suite per bedroom, walkable |
Luxe SoBro | Up to 4 | 0.6 mi (walk) | Walkable to arena, balcony pool views |
Luxe Cowgirl | Up to 8 | 0.8 mi (walk) | 3 blocks from Broadway, resort pool |
Underwood Manor | Up to 10 | ~2.5 mi (~9 min) | Speakeasy game room, 7-person hot tub |
Ultimate Bach Pad | Up to 24 | ~2.8 mi (~12 min) | 2 hot tubs, 3 game rooms, sleeps 24 |
Fern Unit A | Up to 12 | 3.6 mi (~10 min) | Rooftop deck, game room, hot tub |
Fern Unit B | Up to 12 | 1.7 mi (~6 min) | Glam station, hot tub, skyline views |
One important note on pricing: Nashville short-term rental average daily rates run approximately $360 per night according to AirDNA market data, but group properties split across 8-10 guests often come in below a downtown hotel room block on a per-person basis. Booking directly through the properties listed above avoids the platform service fees that typically add 10-15% to your total cost on third-party sites. For a broader look at Nashville rental options, the Where to Stay Nashville guide covers neighborhoods and property types in more detail.
What Else Can Hockey Fans Do in Nashville Beyond Game Night?
Nashville Predators hockey trips are worth extending beyond a single game because the city has legitimate daytime attractions that most sports travel guides underplay. The Country Music Hall of Fame, 2.3 miles from The Herman Haven, is one of the best music museums in North America, with a permanent collection covering country's origins through the present day. Plan 2-3 hours; the exhibits are detailed enough to hold your attention well past a casual browse.
The Ryman Auditorium, 1.8 miles from The Herman Haven and about 8 minutes from Underwood Manor, is worth a self-guided daytime tour even if you are not attending a show. The original pew seating and stained-glass windows give the building a chapel-like quality that makes it genuinely worth visiting as a venue rather than just a backdrop. If a show falls on your game trip dates, check the schedule: the acoustic experience at the Ryman is unlike anything else in Nashville.
The Gulch sits 1.2 miles from The Herman Haven and about 10 minutes from Underwood Manor. It's a walkable neighborhood of converted warehouse buildings with restaurants, coffee shops, and a notable mural scene. It's less chaotic than Broadway on a game night and works well for a late lunch or early dinner before heading to the arena.
For visitors who want the full Nashville experience alongside their Predators game, this guide to Nashville's best live music venues covers the specific bars and stages worth your time beyond the obvious Broadway stops. And for families combining a hockey game with broader Nashville activities, 30 family activities in Nashville provides a practical breakdown of what works for different age groups.
Davidson County welcomed 16.9 million daily and overnight visitors in 2026, according to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, making it the top visitor spending county in Tennessee by a significant margin. The tourism infrastructure that supports those numbers means Nashville handles large sports crowds well, with ample restaurant capacity, reliable ride-share availability, and a nightlife corridor designed for high-volume foot traffic.
One thing most hockey travel guides miss: Nashville's Visit Music City website keeps an updated calendar of events running concurrent with the Predators season. Major events like CMA Fest in June or New Year's Eve on Broadway can overlap with late-season or playoff games, driving accommodation prices significantly higher. If your travel dates are flexible, early February through early March typically offers the best combination of Predators home games and manageable accommodation pricing. For timing guidance, this month-by-month Nashville travel guide breaks down exactly when crowds peak and when they ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Underwood Manor from Bridgestone Arena?
Underwood Manor is approximately 2.5 miles from Bridgestone Arena, a 9-minute rideshare ride each way. Budget $10-15 per Uber or Lyft trip to and from the arena on game nights. The property sits 5 minutes from downtown Nashville, making it a practical home base for hockey fans who want private group amenities rather than walking-distance proximity.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Nashville for a Predators game?
The SoBro neighborhood offers the best walking-distance access to Bridgestone Arena, with properties like Luxe SoBro and Luxe Cowgirl placing guests within 0.6-0.8 miles of the arena. Groups who prioritize private amenities over walkability do better in the Gulch-adjacent area near The Herman Haven (1.5 miles from the arena) or in the West Nashville area near Underwood Manor (9 minutes by rideshare).
Does Underwood Manor have a hot tub and game room?
Yes. Underwood Manor features a 7-person premium hot tub with jets and LED lighting in a private fenced backyard, plus a moody speakeasy game room with an 8-foot slate pool table, dartboard, 55-inch Smart TV, and a custom whiskey barrel bar. The game room is one of the most distinctive amenities in any Nashville group rental and regularly becomes the post-game gathering spot for visiting fan groups.
When did the Nashville Predators play their first game?
The Nashville Predators played their first game on October 10, 1998, losing 1-0 at home to the Florida Panthers. Their first win came three days later on October 13, 1998, a 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. The franchise was granted its expansion license in 1997, with play beginning in the 1998-99 NHL season.
Who founded the Nashville Predators and where does the name come from?
Craig Leipold and a local ownership group founded the Nashville Predators in 1997. The team name came from a fan vote; Leipold personally submitted "Predators" as a candidate. The name references a partial Smilodon fatalis (saber-toothed cat) skeleton discovered beneath downtown Nashville in 1971 during construction of what is now the UBS Tower, giving the logo a direct connection to the city's actual history.
What Nashville attractions are close to Bridgestone Arena?
Bridgestone Arena sits in the heart of downtown Nashville, within walking distance of Lower Broadway's honky-tonks, the Ryman Auditorium (roughly 0.4 miles), the Country Music Hall of Fame (about 0.5 miles), and the Gulch neighborhood (about 0.6 miles). The arena's downtown location makes it one of the most walkable sports venues in the NHL for pre-game and post-game exploration.
How can I save on accommodation for a Nashville Predators game trip?
Booking vacation rentals directly rather than through third-party platforms like Airbnb or VRBO saves groups approximately 10-15% in service fees. Properties like Underwood Manor and The Herman Haven offer direct booking at their own websites. For groups of 6-10, splitting a private rental typically costs less per person than booking a comparable number of downtown hotel rooms, while also providing private amenities like hot tubs and game rooms.
Conclusion: Planning Your Nashville Predators Hockey Trip
Nashville Predators hockey is one of the most enjoyable live sports experiences in the NHL, made even better by Bridgestone Arena's position at the center of one of North America's most entertaining entertainment districts. The team's history, from the 1998 expansion season through the 2017 Stanley Cup Final run and the back-to-back division titles in 2017-18 and 2018-19, gives visiting fans context that makes watching a game feel like more than just a ticket to an event.
The practical planning advice that most guides skip: book your accommodation early (playoff games and marquee matchups sell out quickly, and rental prices near the arena rise with demand), arrive at Bridgestone Arena 45 minutes before puck drop to clear security and find your seats without rushing, and use the 30-90 minutes before the game to explore Lower Broadway on foot rather than trying to navigate it after the final buzzer. Post-game Broadway is considerably more crowded than pre-game Broadway.
In 2026, Nashville's status as a top-tier sports and entertainment destination is well-established. Davidson County drew 16.9 million visitors in 2026, and the Predators remain a core reason sports fans add Nashville to their travel plans. Whether you're a hockey purist tracking Roman Josi's defensive zone exits or a first-timer who picked Nashville for a celebration weekend that happens to include a game, the city rewards visitors who plan ahead.
For more on planning your Nashville trip beyond game night, the Nashville things to do guide covers the city's best neighborhoods, restaurants, and experiences in detail.
If your Predators trip includes a group of 4-10 people, Underwood Manor is the most well-rounded home base in Nashville for groups who want a private backyard hot tub and a speakeasy game room waiting after the final buzzer. It's roughly a 9-minute rideshare from the arena, and past guests consistently call it a better recovery spot than any downtown bar after a late game. Check availability for your game dates here.
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