Bridgestone Arena

Bridgestone Arena Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Nashville Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Bridgestone Arena is a landmark in Nashville’s downtown, situated at 501 Broadway. Since its opening in December 1996, the arena has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the city’s urban core and establishing Nashville as a premier destination for sports and entertainment (Wikipedia). Designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), the venue pays tribute to nearby icons like the Ryman Auditorium, blending modern architecture with deep-rooted historical significance (Stadiums Guide).

As home to the NHL’s Nashville Predators, Bridgestone Arena, affectionately known as “Smashville,” offers a seating capacity of 17,159 for hockey and up to 20,000 for concerts and large-scale events. Its strategic location provides easy access to Nashville’s renowned Honky Tonk Highway and cultural landmarks such as the Country Music Hall of Fame. The arena also features robust accessibility measures, including wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, and accessible parking (Bridgestone Arena Accessibility).

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—from visiting hours and ticketing to transportation, nearby attractions, and tips for making the most of your visit to this historic and vibrant venue.

Satellite view of Gaylord Entertainment Centre showing surrounding areas

Origins and Conception
Naming and Ownership
Architectural Features and Location
Visiting Information
Nearby Attractions
Development and Renovations
Sports and Event Legacy
Cultural Significance
Notable Events and Milestones
Venue Challenges and Resilience
FAQs
Visuals and Media
Plan Your Visit
Conclusion

Origins and Conception

Bridgestone Arena was envisioned in the early 1990s as a catalyst for Nashville’s downtown renaissance. Ground was broken in 1994, with HOK Sport and Hart Freeland Roberts, Inc. collaborating on the design to reflect the city’s musical and architectural heritage (Wikipedia; Stadiums Guide). The $144 million facility officially opened in December 1996, offering over 1.2 million square feet of flexible event space.

Naming and Ownership

The arena’s name has evolved alongside its sponsorships: starting as Nashville Arena, it became the Gaylord Entertainment Center (1999), then the Sommet Center (2007), and finally, Bridgestone Arena in 2010 after a naming rights agreement with Bridgestone Americas (Wikipedia). Owned by the Sports Authority of Nashville and Davidson County, it is operated by Powers Management Company, a subsidiary of the Nashville Predators (Wikiwand).

Architectural Features and Location

Bridgestone Arena is recognized for its sweeping glass facades, a distinctive glass cone at the entry, and a modern, rounded roofline. Its prominent location at Broadway and 5th Avenue places it at the epicenter of Nashville’s entertainment corridor, steps from the Honky Tonk Highway and the Country Music Hall of Fame (Sportskeeda).

Visiting Information

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours vary by event. Typically, doors open 1.5–2 hours before scheduled start times. The Nashville Visitors Center within the arena is open on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. Always check the official events calendar for up-to-date information.

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets can be purchased through the official Bridgestone Arena website, Ticketmaster, or authorized vendors. Prices start around $30 for Predators games and vary widely for concerts and other events based on demand and seating location.

Accessibility

The arena is fully ADA compliant, featuring:

Wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms
Elevators and ramps
Assistive listening devices
Service animal accommodations Guests needing special accommodations should contact Guest Services in advance.

Getting There and Parking

Bridgestone Arena is centrally located and accessible by car, public transit, and rideshare. Multiple parking garages and lots (including the 6th Avenue Garage and Music City Center Garage) are nearby. Rideshare drop-off zones and public transit stops are well-marked—plan to arrive early for major events.

Nearby Attractions

The arena is within walking distance of several top Nashville sites:

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Ryman Auditorium (“Mother Church of Country Music”)
Honky Tonk Highway (Broadway’s famous live music venues) These attractions enrich the visitor experience and make Bridgestone Arena an ideal starting point for downtown exploration.

Development and Renovations

In response to growing demand, Bridgestone Arena has undergone significant upgrades:

2007: New digital scoreboard and enhanced public areas
Ongoing: Concourse and infrastructure improvements
2023: Announced $650 million renovation to expand concourses, add 600–700 seats, build two new towers, and introduce new entertainment and hospitality spaces (Nashtoday; Nashville Post)

Sports and Event Legacy

Nashville Predators

The arena is best known as home to the Nashville Predators NHL team since 1998. Hockey games here are legendary for their high energy, earning the nickname “Smashville” (Sportskeeda).

Concerts and Major Events

Bridgestone Arena consistently ranks among the top U.S. venues for ticket sales, having hosted:

Country Music Association (CMA) Awards
CMT Music Awards
Concerts by global superstars across genres
NCAA basketball tournaments and other major sporting events
Family shows, comedy acts, and community events

Cultural Significance

Bridgestone Arena is a linchpin in Nashville’s identity as “Music City.” Its flexible design allows it to serve as a venue for everything from arena-sized concerts to intimate theater performances, supporting the city’s music and sports culture (Sportskeeda).

Notable Events and Milestones

Hockey: Host of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, 2016 NHL All-Star Game, and 2017 Stanley Cup Finals (Sportskeeda)
Concert Records: Performances by artists like Kacey Musgraves, Morgan Wallen, and Nate Bargatze have set attendance records
Special Events: The North American Youth Congress, Music City Rodeo, and various national conventions (Wikiwand)

Venue Challenges and Resilience

The arena has weathered challenges, including the 2010 Nashville flood (escaping major damage) and a 2022 water main rupture that temporarily halted events (Wikiwand). Its ability to adapt and recover underscores its importance to the city.

FAQs

What are Bridgestone Arena’s visiting hours?
Typically, doors open 1.5–2 hours before events. The Visitors Center operates Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.

How can I purchase tickets?
Buy online through the official website, Ticketmaster, or at the arena box office.

Is Bridgestone Arena wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Accessible seating, restrooms, elevators, and assistive listening devices are available (Bridgestone Arena Accessibility).

Where can I park?
Multiple garages and lots are nearby. Reservations and public transit are recommended for busy events.

What attractions are near the arena?
The Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and Honky Tonk Highway are all within a short walk.

Visuals and Media

Plan Your Visit

Arrive early for security checks and to explore nearby attractions.
Travel light to comply with the clear bag policy.
Check event schedules on the official events calendar.
Contact Guest Services in advance for accessibility needs.
Reserve parking or consider public transit and rideshare options.
Explore downtown—take in the nightlife, dining, and cultural sites around the arena.

For more tips, see:

Conclusion

Bridgestone Arena is more than a venue—it’s a cornerstone of Nashville’s cultural, musical, and sporting legacy. With ongoing renovations, enhanced amenities, and a world-class event lineup, it continues to define the Music City experience. For the latest news, ticketing, and event updates, visit the official Bridgestone Arena website or download the Audiala app for personalized recommendations and seamless planning.