A Guide to Bridgestone Arena
Bridgestone Arena stands as the high octane epicenter of downtown Nashville, where the intensity of professional hockey meets the neon lit energy of the city's legendary music scene. As the long standing home of the Nashville Predators, the venue is renowned for a raucous game-day atmosphere that perfectly captures the vibrant, rhythmic spirit of Music City.
Getting to the Arena
- Bridgestone Arena is located at 501 Broadway in the core of downtown Nashville; Lower Broadway is immediately outside the front entrance
- Public TransitWeGo Public Transit commuter rails and local bus routes serve downtown Nashville.
- WeGo Star Commuter RailRail terminates at Riverfront station. 12 minute walk to the stadium.
- WeGo Central BusThe primary downtown bus terminal at Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central, is located at 4th Ave N and Charlotte Ave. About 0.7 miles from the arena.The nearest transit hub is on Broadway and 5th Avenue.
- ParkingStreet parking downtown is tight on game nights. Look for garages on 4th and 5th Avenues, like the Fifth Ave of the Arts Garage or along Korean Veterans Boulevard south of the arena.
- Neighborhood just south of Broadway has additional parking garages and is a short walk to the arena.
- RideshareAvoid requesting rides directly on Broadway after a game. Walking two blocks south to Demonbreun St or Korean Veterans Boulevard, typically saves 20+ minutes of wait time as traffic on Broadway is often restricted to pedestrians and police flow.
Pregame Festivities
This is where Nashville separates itself from every other arena in the NHL. Lower Broadway the stretch of honky-tonks running from the river to the arena IS the pregame. Live music pouring out of every door, cold beer on every level, and a crowd that builds energy for hours before puck drop. There is no better pregame walk in professional hockey.
Bars & Restaurants
- Live country bands, cold beer & fried bologna sandwiches draw fans to this prototypical honky-tonk.
- Saloon with dozens of draft beers & eclectic pub grub in an exposed-brick, memorabilia-filled space.
- This lively BBQ & brews joint with a rooftop deck also serves up live country music.
- Artisanal & mainstream libations to go, in a moody liquor store with concrete walls & black shelves.
- Large diner serving American classic fare & drinks, plus sushi & oysters, in modern digs. Open late.
- Mild to very spicy fried chicken, Southern sides and local brews in a casual, counter-service eatery.
- Buzzing hub featuring a variety of eateries doling out local and global fare, plus live entertainment.
Neighborhood Attractions
- A must-visit Nashville landmark just blocks from the arena on Demonbreun Street.
- The "Mother Church of Country Music," a few blocks up Broadway from the arena; catch a show on an off night if you can.
- A stunning walking bridge over the Cumberland River with panoramic views of the Nashville skyline; a perfect pregame stroll from East Nashville.
- Located inside the Municipal Auditorium adjacent to Bridgestone Arena, honoring the session musicians behind the hits.
Monuments & Unique Features
- The Pekka Rinne StatueLocated on the Main Plaza outside the front entrance, this 11-foot-11-inch bronze monument honors the franchise's legendary goaltender. It was unveiled in March 2023 and is the primary historical photo opportunity before entering the arena.
- BannersThe rafters feature several key banners celebrating the team's most successful seasons.
- The Smashville SignSituated on the plaza, this large-scale sign is a permanent fixture representing the team’s cultural identity and serves as a major gathering point for fans.
Seating & Special Sections
- Lexus LoungeThe Lexus Lounge and Bud Light Balcony offer premium all-inclusive experiences with food, drinks, and padded seating. The Event Level Bunker Suites are private 420-square-foot spaces located directly within the Lexus Lounge that offer the most exclusive event experience.
- Standing room onlyStanding-room spots along the upper concourse and behind the 300-level sections are available for sold-out games.
- Bud Light BalconyContinues to be a popular premium area for hockey and concerts.
- Yuengling FlightdeckA key addition for your guide—this area on the Lower Suite Level features private tabletop bar-style seating with all-inclusive food and beverages.
- California Closets StudioThis is a newer, members-only lounge and studio space offering a luxury living room atmosphere.
- BetMGM Sports LoungeLocated where the arena meets Broadway near the Nashville Locker Room. This lounge is open year-round and offers a dedicated security checkpoint for ticket holders to skip the main entry lines.
Concessions
- Nashville Hot ChickenThis remains the arena's culinary centerpiece for 2026. The Hot Chicken Stand is centrally located outside Section 109 and now features self-serve kiosks to speed up ordering.
- Yee-Haw BrewingDedicated bar located outside Section 102.
- Top DogsLocated in the Main Arena Food Court. This is a gourmet build-your-own hot dog stand that features a Dog of the Game inspired by the Predators' opponent that night.
- Goo Goo ClustersNashville's official candy bar is confirmed for the 2026 season. Look for them at the "Smashville" themed dessert stands and in premium snack packages.
- Hunt Brothers PizzaThey remain the official pizza partner. For 2026, the main stand is located outside Section 310 and has been upgraded with six full-size touch-screen kiosks.
- Puckett’s Gro. & RestaurantPuckett’s is a primary partner for the 2026 season, notably serving their signature Smoked Brisket with Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce and pulled pork in the premium suites and select concourse areas.
Arena Information
Notable Events
- The Predators entered the NHL as an expansion team in 1998.
- Nashville's regular-season hosting of the NHL Winter Classic and Stadium Series games has cemented the city's place in hockey culture.
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this arena