Going to a Nashville Predators hockey game at the Bridgestone Arena is an exciting experience for any sports fan. From the raucous crowds to the fast-paced action on the ice, Predators games offer a fun night out. If you want to see your favorite NHL team take on rivals like the Chicago Blackhawks or St. Louis Blues, you’ll need to get your hands on some tickets.
When is the Nashville Predators Season?
The Nashville Predators season runs from October through April, with a total of 82 regular season games divided between home and away matches. The NHL schedule typically comes out in August for the upcoming season. Here are some key dates for Predators fans:
- Preseason: September
- Regular season: October to early April
- All-Star Break: Late January
- Stanley Cup Playoffs: April to June
The Predators playoff success determines how deep into June they will play. In 2017, the Predators made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals before ultimately falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Where Do the Nashville Predators Play?
The Nashville Predators play their home games at Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville. The address is:
Bridgestone Arena
501 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
Bridgestone Arena is located in the SoBro (South of Broadway) neighborhood of Nashville, conveniently close to bars, restaurants, and music venues. Bridgestone has a capacity of 17,159 for hockey games.
How to Buy Single Game Tickets
Here are some of the main ways to purchase single game tickets for Predators games:
- Online – Visit the Predators’ official ticket site. You can view the interactive seating map to pick seats, and securely checkout online.
- Ticketmaster – As the official ticketing partner, you can also buy through Ticketmaster. They may have access to different inventory.
- Box Office – Visit the Bridgestone Arena box office in person to purchase tickets. The box office opens 2 hours before puck drop on game days.
- Resale sites – Stubhub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek are reputable options to score resale tickets, often at below face value prices.
When shopping for single game tickets, be sure to consider factors like:
- Opponent – Rival games or popular teams like the Blackhawks will have the highest demand.
- Day of the week – Weeknight games are typically cheaper than Friday or Saturday games.
- Seating zone – Lower level and club sections will be the most expensive.
Where are the Best Seats at Bridgestone Arena?
Bridgestone Arena has three main seating levels – lower bowl, club level, and upper level. Here are some of the best seats by section:
- Lower bowl sideline – Sections 105-118 offer a great straight on view of the action. You’ll pay a premium for rows closer to the ice.
- Attack zone end – Sections 102-104 behind the net get you up close to see plays develop. An authentic hockey experience.
- Club level – Sections 201-211 have comfortable seats withwait service and private bars. A luxurious way to watch the game.
- Upper level corners – Sections 301-303 give you an overhead view and put you right on top of chants and cheers.
Avoid sitting directly behind the net in sections 119-121 or the upper corners in sections 304-308 as your view will be obstructed. There are really no bad seats at Bridgestone!
Finding Predators Ticket Deals
Here are some tricks for getting cheap Nashville Predators tickets:
- Buy single tickets for less popular weeknight games like Tuesday or Thursday instead of Friday.
- For big rivalry games, wait until the last minute for prices to drop on secondary markets.
- Follow the Predators on social media for special promo code offers.
- Check third party sites like Groupon for ticket packs and discounts.
- Join the free Predators email list for access to presales and exclusive ticket deals.
Some of the designated discount nights at Bridgestone Arena include:
- College Night (Tuesdays) – discounted tickets for college students with ID.
- Run To The Cup Night (Thursdays) – $15 upper level ticket offer.
- Frosty Saturdays (Saturdays) – special discounted tickets from Wendy’s.
Buying Season Ticket Packages
The most committed Predators fans purchase season tickets, which gets you tickets to every home game for that season. Here are some of the benefits of being a Nashville Predators season ticket holder:
- Guaranteed seats for the entire season.
- Access to playoff ticket presales.
- VIP perks like exclusive events and merchandise.
- Discounts on food, beverage, and parking.
- Flexible payment plans available.
Season tickets can cost anywhere from $900 per seat in the upper level to over $3,000 per seat down low. There is often a minimum 2 to 3 year commitment required. Besides full season tickets, you can also purchase smaller 20, 14, or 6 game flex packs to share with friends and family.
Predators Season Ticket Packages
| Package | # of Games | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Full Season | 41 Home | $900 |
| Half Season | 20 Home | $500 |
| Quarter Season | 12 Home | $300 |
| FLEX12 | 12 Games of Choice | $360 |
Contact your Nashville Predators ticket sales representative to learn about season ticket pricing and availability in your desired seating location.
Getting to the Game
Bridgestone Arena is located in downtown Nashville. Here are some tips on navigating traffic and transportation:
- Parking: There are over 10,000 paid parking spaces within a 10 minute walk. Prices range from $10 to $40. Pre-purchase parking online to save time and money.
- Rideshares: Uber or Lyft can drop off right at the VIP arena entrance. There is also a designated rideshare pickup lot.
- Public transit: Take the WeGo Star bus line or Nashville MTA bus #52.
- Taxis: Taxi stands are located on both the 5th and 6th Avenue sides of Bridgestone.
To avoid traffic delays getting into downtown, arrive early and grab dinner or drinks at one of the nearby Broadway bars and restaurants before the game starts.
Can You Buy Tickets at the Door?
While you can sometimes buy tickets at the Bridgestone Arena box office on the day of the game, it is highly recommended that you purchase Nashville Predators tickets in advance online.
Here are some reasons why buying ahead is better:
- You are guaranteed tickets before sell out.
- Gives you time to compare all available seats and prices.
- Avoid the long box office ticket lines on game day.
- Door prices are often marked up higher.
- Entries and exits are smoother with pre-purchased barcode ticket.
For super high demand games against rivals or popular opponents, grabbing tickets online ahead of time is really your best bet. You can shop around for deals at your convenience rather than scrambling last minute.
Can You Upgrade Your Tickets?
Maybe you purchased cheap upper deck tickets but after getting inside Bridgestone Arena want to move closer? Here are some ways you can upgrade your seats for an NHL game:
- Visit the Predators upgrade stand near sections 118-120 and ask if they have any last minute upgrades available for purchase.
- Check the NHL or Predators ticket app to see if any seats opened up closer to game time that you can instantly purchase.
- Ask friendly fans if they’d be willing to trade seats and offer them cash for switching.
Upgrades are based on availability and not guaranteed. But it never hurts to check – you might get lucky and land some open lower bowl tickets! Just don’t try sneaking down to better seats on your own or you risk being ejected.
Who Should You Bring to a Predators Game?
Sharing the experience of a Predators game with friends and family is part of the fun. Here are some of the best people to bring along:
- Hockey fans – Fellow Predators devotees or anyone passionate about the sport will have a blast.
- Kids – Excite the next generation of Preds fans and create lifelong memories.
- First-timers – Give newbies a chance to discover why you love hockey and this team.
- Out-of-town guests – Show visitors an iconic Nashville experience.
- Coworkers – Bond with work friends and talk about the game at the office.
Striking up conversations with fellow fans is part of the experience. Trade player stories and cheer loudly together after a Predators goal!
Can You Eat At Your Seat?
Unlike some sports venues, you are allowed to eat food at your seats during Nashville Predators games. Here are some tips on eating at a Preds game:
- Take advantage of in-seat wait service if located in a premium club section.
- Carefully balance food on your lap or empty seat next to you.
- Opt for handheld foods that are easy to eat like hot dogs, nachos, and chicken tenders.
- Bring napkins and wipe up any spills so as not to annoy neighboring fans.
- Avoid bringing in foods with strong odors that can bother others.
- Arrive early or wait for intermission to grab food and avoid long concession lines.
Having a cold beer, hot dog, and some snacks makes taking in a Predators game even better. But be responsible by cleaning up after yourself and not disturbing other fans while you eat.
Do the Predators Do Anything Special for the Playoffs?
When the Nashville Predators make the NHL playoffs, the fan experience at Bridgestone Arena goes to another level. Here are some of the special touches you can expect during the postseason:
- Gold rally towels on every seat for fans to wave and cheer with.
- Special pre-game intro videos to get fans pumped up.
- Playoff merchandise and apparel only available in the team store.
- “Smashville” signs and banners decorate the arena concourses.
- Enhanced pyrotechnics and lighting effects during player intros.
- Free merchandise giveaways like t-shirts for every fan.
The crowds are louder, the arena is decked out in gold, and the players elevate their game for the high stakes Stanley Cup playoff hockey. It’s an electric atmosphere you don’t want to miss!
What Should You Wear to a Nashville Predators Game?
While there is no official dress code, Nashville Predators fans like to wear their gold team colors and hockey pride. Some popular game day outfit ideas include:
- A Predators jersey or t-shirt with your favorite player’s name and number.
- A brand new gold shirt from the Preds team shop.
- Face paint or temporary Predators tattoos.
- Gold beads, bandanas, hats, and other accessories.
- Your lucky Predators socks or underwear!
- Normal jeans or casual pants on bottom.
- Closed toe shoes since the arena can get wet and dirty.
Aim to dress comfortably while representing your Predators fandom. Layers are handy for dealing with varying arena temperatures. Avoid any other team’s colors or logos!
What Are Good Tips for Attending Your First Predators Game?
If going to your first ever Nashville Predators game, keep these tips in mind for an optimal experience:
- Arrive early – At least 30-60 minutes before puck drop to fully take in the arena, find your seats, grab food, and watch warmups.
- Download the Preds app – For easy ticket management, stats, and replays.
- Bring earplugs – The game will be loud so protect your hearing.
- Dress warmly – Bring a coat or layers in case the arena A/C makes you cold.
- Bring cash – For quicker concession stand purchases instead of credit cards.
- Check arena bag policy – Only certain size purses or clear bags are allowed.
- Read up on hockey basics – Offsides, icing, power plays, goals, penalties, etc.
Following these tips will make you prepared to cheer on the Predators like a true fan! Then you’ll be ready to enjoy all the non-stop action and excitement.
Conclusion
Going to a Nashville Predators game is a classic Music City experience that any sports lover or hockey fan should try. Whether you’re a diehard season ticket holder or first-time attendee, the energy and festivities inside Bridgestone Arena create a fun and lively atmosphere. Use this guide to learn the best tips and tricks for securing your Preds tickets, finding seats, scoring deals, and fully enjoying a game night in Smashville. With the dedicated fan base cheering them on, here’s hoping the Predators bring another Stanley Cup championship to Nashville soon!
