The good news just keeps on coming for the Nashville Predators. They are currently on a franchise record 10-game winning streak, they lead the Western Conference, General Manager David Poile just became the all-time winningest GM in NHL history, and Pekka Rinne is making a push to the be the front-runner for the Vezina Trophy. So how could the feeling in Smashville get any better right now? Well, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman might have an idea up his sleeve.
Bettman was in Nashville on Thursday night to take part in the celebration of David Poile becoming the all-time winningest GM in NHL history. Prior to the game, Bettman was fielding questions. It’s become tradition in the Nashville market to ask Commissioner Bettman about a possible outdoor game being held in the Music City.
In the past, Bettman has always used the excuse of it being too warm in Nashville to host the game. Well, that excuse has now gone out the window with Los Angeles hosting a Stadium Series game a few years ago. So instead of dodging the question, Bettman finally answered that he “could envision” Nashville hosting an outdoor game. Now, that is far from a confirmation that the Preds will host a Winter Classic, but it’s the closest thing Nashville has ever gotten to a yes.
If you think about it, Nashville makes a ton of sense for a Winter Classic or Stadium Series game. The franchise has now hosted the NHL Draft, the All-Star Game, and a Stanley Cup Finals, and all have been a huge success. The next logical step would be an outdoor game. So where could a Winter Classic or Stadium Series game take place in Tennessee? There’s actually a lot of options, so let’s take a look at what Nashville has to offer.
Vanderbilt Stadium
The first option is Vanderbilt Stadium. The NHL has gone to a few college football stadiums over the years, and Vanderbilt could be next if the Preds were to host the game. It’s right in the middle of downtown with plenty of parking in the surrounding area, so it’s very accessible. The way the stadium is oriented makes every seat a prime viewing area. The stadium is a bit on the smaller side with capacity at just under 40,000, but that still exceeds several of the previous games, including the most recent Stadium Series at the Naval Academy by around 10,000 people. Some renovations would also need to be done to the stadium to update concessions, bathrooms, and the press area.
New MLS Stadium
Could the new MLS stadium being built at the fairgrounds be a potential site? I think it’s something you have to consider. It would be a brand new facility with all new amenities, so you wouldn’t have to worry about renovations like with Vanderbilt. The fairgrounds could provide a great place for tailgating and any events the NHL and Preds would like to host leading up to the game. Again, capacity would probably be on the smaller side, but it should be in line with some of the other Winter Classics that have been held in baseball stadiums. It would also be several years down the road, so Nashville hockey fans will have to wait for it to be built.
Nissan Stadium
To me, Nissan Stadium would be the best location for an outdoor game in Nashville. It is across the river from Bridgestone Arena, with a great downtown area just a short walk away. Could you imagine the scene of 70,000 Predators fans packing lower Broadway then making the march over the pedestrian bridge for the game? There are spots for tailgating set up already with the parking lots around the stadium. It would be just a huge party, similar to what Nashville saw during the playoffs last year. The best part? Nissan Stadium and downtown Nashville are already equipped to handle all of this.
Neyland Stadium
This is a little bit of an outside the box idea, but Neyland Stadium in Knoxville could be a great location. They are already equipped to handle the crowd and atmosphere with the Vols playing there in the fall. It would be a little bit of a drive from Nashville, but are you telling me you wouldn’t make that trip to see the Predators in an outdoor game? Attendance for the game would be massive as well, with Neyland being able to accommodate over 100,000 people.
Centennial Park
This is a very long shot, but I think it would be really cool. Just picture a Winter Classic game being played with the Parthenon acting as the backdrop. How cool would that be? Now of course, there’s no stadium there currently. That causes a few problems. A temporary ice rink and seating would have to be constructed, which I’m sure would be a logistical nightmare, but this is more wishful thinking on my part. The environment here would be unlike any other. I don’t think this will happen, but it’s fun to think about.
There’s a ton on options here in Tennessee if Nashville were awarded an outdoor game. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but Bettman’s statement last night shows that maybe the NHL is at least seriously considering it. The Predators are enjoying their best years as a franchise right now, and an outdoor game would be icing on the cake. Another strong playoff run this year could be what finally pushes the NHL over the edge and selects the Preds to host the game. I know almost every middle Tennessee hockey fan has been waiting for this for a long time. Maybe we won’t have to wait too much longer.
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Hockey Analyst for SoBros Network. He knows three things: beating Commies, winning Gold Medals, and having great hair. Follow him on Twitter: @SoBroHerbie_B
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