Bridgestone Arena Guide

Home of the Nashville Predators since 1998, Bridgestone Arena is one of the loudest and most electric buildings in the NHL. Here's everything you need to know for game day.

Arena Basics

Address

501 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203

Capacity

17,159 for hockey
20,000+ for concerts

Opened

December 18, 1996
(Originally Nashville Arena)

Seating Guide

Bridgestone Arena offers great sightlines from almost every seat. Here's a breakdown of sections:

Lower Bowl (100 Level)

Sections 101-120

Closest to the ice. Premium experience with great views. Sections 105-107 and 115-117 are behind the goals. Sections 109-113 are center ice (most expensive).

Price range: $150-$400+

Club Level (200 Level)

Sections 201-222

Elevated view with access to exclusive clubs and lounges. Wider seats, less crowded concourses. Great balance of view and amenities.

Price range: $100-$250

Upper Bowl (300 Level)

Sections 301-333

Most affordable option. Steeper angle but still good views. The atmosphere up here is often the loudest! Sections 303-306 and 327-331 are behind goals.

Price range: $30-$100

Standing Room

Various Locations

Limited standing room tickets available for sold-out games. Located on the concourse level with views of the ice. Great budget option.

Price range: $20-$50

Pro Tip

The Predators shoot twice toward sections 115-117. If you want to see more offensive action, sit on that end for the 1st and 3rd periods.

Parking Options

Arena Garage

Attached to the arena. Most convenient but fills up fast. $30-$40 on game nights. Enter from 6th Avenue.

Public Square Garage

5-minute walk. $15-$25. Good option if arena lot is full.

Music City Center

7-minute walk. $15-$20. Often has availability even on busy nights.

Rideshare Drop-off

Uber/Lyft recommended. Drop-off zone on Korean Veterans Blvd. Avoid Broadway traffic.

Food & Drinks

Bridgestone Arena has upped its food game significantly. Here are the highlights:

Must-Try Items

  • Hot Chicken (various locations)
  • Loaded Nachos (Section 105)
  • BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
  • Graeter's Ice Cream

Bars & Lounges

  • Bud Light Party Zone (Section 114)
  • Lexus Lounge (Club Level)
  • Miller Lite House (Section 303)
  • Various craft beer stations

Prices (Expect to Pay)

  • Beer: $12-$16
  • Hot Dog: $7-$9
  • Nachos: $14-$18
  • Hot Chicken Sandwich: $16-$20

Entry Tips

  • Doors Open: 1 hour before puck drop for regular games, 1.5 hours for playoffs
  • Mobile Tickets: Have your phone charged and ticket ready on the NHL or Ticketmaster app
  • Clear Bag Policy: Bags must be clear plastic and no larger than 12" x 12" x 6"
  • Metal Detectors: All entrances have security screening - allow extra time
  • Best Entrance: If you're coming from Broadway, use the 5th Avenue entrance to avoid crowds

Pre-Game on Broadway

Part of the Nashville experience is hitting Lower Broadway before the game. Popular spots within walking distance:

  • Tootsie's Orchid Lounge: Iconic honky-tonk, 3 floors of live music
  • Honky Tonk Central: Multi-level bar with rooftop overlooking Broadway
  • The Stage: Great live music and pre-game crowds
  • Martin's Bar-B-Que: Tennessee BBQ before the game
  • Acme Feed & Seed: Multiple floors, rooftop bar with river views

Game Day Timeline

  • 3 hours before: Park or arrive downtown, explore Broadway
  • 1.5 hours before: Grab food/drinks at a honky-tonk
  • 1 hour before: Head to arena, doors open
  • 30 min before: Find your seat, watch warmups

Fan Experience

  • Team Store: Main store at Section 105, plus satellite locations
  • Gnash: The Predators mascot roams all levels during the game
  • Energy Zone: Interactive fan area on the main concourse
  • Photo Ops: Stanley Cup replica and player cutouts throughout arena

See you at Smashville!