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Bridgestone Arena Information
The Bridgestone Arena is a multi-use entertainment venue conveniently located in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Since its opening is 1996, this arena has hosted a broad range of events. Its unique design easily accommodates everything ranging from sports competitions to big-name concerts, plus ample space for large trade shows and conventions. It is also home to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. For many years, the Bridgestone Arena has been recognized as the premier venue for major events in the greater Nashville area. As a tribute to its operation and commitment to superior service, the Bridgestone was awarded the prestigious 2010 International Entertainment Buyers Association Venue of the Year Award.
The arena is owned by an authority that includes both the City of Nashville and Davidson County and is operated by Powers Management Company. The management company is a subsidiary of the Nashville Predators National Hockey League franchise, which has been the primary tenant of the facility since 1998. The arena has a seating capacity of 17,113 for ice hockey, 19,395 for basketball and between 5,145 to 20,000 for concerts depending upon the stage and seating configurations. The design of the facility is noted for its unique south end which features two sweeping, arched roof supports that allow the upper level of seats to be located much closer to the main floor. The main flooring area can also provide 43,000 feet of space for a trade show or convention layout. A restaurant, lounge and private seating areas are also available to premier patrons.
Over the years, the venue has gone through several name changes. It was originally named the Nashville Arena, but within three years was renamed the Gaylord Entertainment Arena when a 20 year, $80 million naming rights contract was signed. In 2005, it was announced that an agreement had been reached for terminating this contract and the local media once again began referring to the facility as the Nashville Arena. In 2007, it was renamed the Sommet Center, but after a breach of contract was filed over the naming rights agreement the management company announced its would seek a new corporate sponsor. In February of 2010, the venue was renamed the Bridgestone Arena.
In addition to serving as the home of the Nashville Predators hockey team, the venue has featured a wide variety of notable sporting and concert events throughout the years. These have included NCAA Men's Basketball Tournaments, SEC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments, the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the Country Music Association Awards program plus hundreds of world-class music entertainers. In order to stay competitive in continuing to host such premier events, the arena upgraded its facility in 2007 to include a state-of-the-art, $5 million scoreboard and a new multimedia digital control room.
One of the unique features of the Bridgestone Arena is its location in the heart of Nashville's famous Country Music Row. The entrance faces the historic Ryman Auditorium, know as the birthplace of country music. Within short walking distances, visitors can easily find other Nashville landmarks such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Studio B where hundreds of musicians have recorded and numerous museums dedicated to famous country music performers. The immediate area surrounding the arena also offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, hotels and other entertainment establishments.
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