After opening in December 1996, Bridgestone Arena became the home ice of the Nashville Predators for the 1998-99 season. The arena is at 501 Broadway in downtown Nashville, directly across from the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway and next to the Music City Center.

The Nashville Predators are members of the NHL’s Western Conference Central Division and were founded in 1998. Although the Predators haven’t captured a championship, they battled for the Stanley Cup in the finals in 2017. The Predators are affiliated with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) and Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL. Although a young franchise in comparison to some of the NHL’s old guard, the team and fans have developed traditions, like members of other local professional teams acting as hype men prior to games to get the crowd going, and Section 303 being known as Cellblock 303, where some of the arena’s loudest fans lead chants.

How many seats are in Bridgestone Arena

Bridgestone Arena has 17,159 seats for Predators games. Basketball and concert totals are higher and depend on the event configuration. The building includes four seating levels, suites, clubs, and accessible seating on every level.

For concessions and dining details, see the Bridgestone Arena food guide.

Directions – How to get to Bridgestone Arena

Located at 501 Broadway in the middle of downtown Nashville, Bridgestone Arena is easy to reach on foot from Lower Broadway, downtown hotels, the Music City Center, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. WeGo Public Transit operates routes into downtown, including Route 18 between downtown and Nashville International Airport.

Where to Park near Bridgestone Arena?

Downtown garages and lots serve Bridgestone Arena, including Fifth + Broadway Garage directly across the street, Music City Center Garage, Pinnacle at Symphony Place Garage, and several facilities that accept advance reservations.

For Predators home games without a conflicting Nissan Stadium event, Lot R offers complimentary parking across the river. A free shuttle runs between Lot R and the arena, or fans can walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Check the arena parking page before relying on Lot R because stadium conflicts affect availability.

What is near Bridgestone Arena?

Lower Broadway is outside the main entrance. The Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, National Museum of African American Music, Music City Center, and Walk of Fame Park are all within a few blocks.

Other Bridgestone Arena FAQs

What arena do the Nashville Predators play in?

The Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League play at Bridgestone Arena, originally opened as Nashville Arena in 1996, located at 501 Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.

Where does Nashville’s hockey team play?

The Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League’s Western Conference Central Division play their home games at Bridgestone Arena.

What hockey teams play at the Bridgestone Arena?

The Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League’s Western Conference Central Division call Bridgestone Arena their home ice. 

Who owns the Bridgestone Arena?

The Sports Authority of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County owns Bridgestone Arena. Powers Management, an affiliate of the Nashville Predators, operates it.

Is Bridgestone Arena cashless?

Yes. The arena accepts major credit cards and mobile payments but does not accept cash.

Can I bring a bag into Bridgestone Arena?

Bags and backpacks are generally prohibited. Medical and parenting bags up to 12 by 12 by 6 inches are allowed after inspection. Small clutches and wallets up to 4 by 6 inches are also permitted.

Sources

Fact-checked August 9, 2026.