Toronto Star Article on playing in Nashville
- Thread starter Pred303
- Start date
LeafsNation75
Registered User
I know this might not sound like a big deal but in December 2012 I was staying the night in Cleveland, Tennessee and that night Fox Sports Tennessee was showing an old Predators game because the lockout was going on at that time. Maybe they choose to do that because it was a week night and there wasn't any other sporting events going on in the state of Tennessee, still it was a nice surprise to see a NHL game being played, even if it was a replay of an old game.The Titans being pathetic lately may have something to do with it, but in Murfreesboro I see more people wearing Preds gear than anything else sports related. That didn't used to happen before 2007. It's insane how much this team has picked up local support.
Having been there for the "Rally to Keep the Team" several years ago, it's refreshing. I was sure I was losing my team back then. Now, I'm sure this team will be here until the NHL collapses or the world explodes, whichever happens first, and I love it
The fans in the arena are great, I knew that. But how's the local buzz? It's been mentioned a couple of times ITT but how has it changed over the years? How much press is the team getting?
The Podium
Registered User
I grew up a Whalers fan in CT, but moved a ton. I've lived in NYC, Long Island, CT, North NJ, Philly, New Zealand, Nashville, Charlotte, and DC for 2-7 years depending on the stop; I also did an 8,000 mile road trip around the U.S. a couple years ago. Nashville is my favorite city by a country mile (HM to Austin, that place rocks). I've also been to ~12 different NHL arenas and the Bridge remains my favorite. Great crowd and the actual arena infrastructure is very nice, but it's location is the real kicker; has to be a top 5 arena location in the NHL. Right on Broadway, fans just spill out into the main strip of bars (every one has live music) and have a great time.
You'll hear the accencts more outside of Nashville in the smaller towns.
There's more transplants in and around Nashville than folks who grew up here. (jobs)
Younger crowd is definitely growing in town, plenty of hipsters.
It's easy to spot the tourists though, they're the ones in the cowboy boots/hats.
Perhaps the fine folks in Nashville just wanted to make the Leafs feel at home...
Dave is a killer
Dave's a Mess
We'll take all your money, thanks! The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp will take those tax receipts happily \m\ \m/ /m/
Pred303
Registered User
i've been a hockey fan for 35 years and have been to many arenas around the country. what seperates Nashville from others is the fact that it's a non-corporate crowd. Its a crowd composed almost completely of true pred fans who pay their own money to be there. Makes for a great atmosphere, a college type atmosphere, a non-traditional hockey atmosphere true, but a unique one.
wadesworld
Registered User
If you (meaning fans of other teams) have a moment, read the history of Section303, which defined the atmosphere we have. It's fascinating:
http://www.section303.com/oldsite/about_history.htm
ibleedkings
Rob Fake
Recently took a road trip from Cali to Nashville to watch the Kings vs Preds. Had a blast! The city and the people were great. Deff the best experience I've had in an opposing building. The Lexas lounge was also pretty fun before the game.
542365
2018-19 Cup Champs!
- Mar 22, 2012
- 22,535
- 8,988
We make the trip down to Nashville every season. It really is a great place to visit, the fans are friendly, but still competitive, and it's a great venue to take in a game. You really feel a lot closer to the action than at Scottrade. My only complaint comes from our visit a couple years ago. We bought tickets for the second or third row in the upper bowl, and there was a poorly placed railing that kept us from seeing part of the ice. That was kind of a drag, but everywhere else I've sat I've had no problems.
I've been a Preds season ticket holder for a few years now. What I know of hockey I know from watching it on the TV in the 90s and then attending Preds games. My idea of what a hockey game is like live is what I know from the Preds experience. The crowd is fantastic, the scene outside of our arena is fantastic, the entire atmosphere is.. fantastic.
Taking my first road trip in late March to see the Washington Caps and our Godfather Barry Trotz. Hope the Caps arena, crowd, etc. does road hockey justice as opposed to just serving a reminder for how good we have it.
If any of you ever have a chance to come down for a long weekend I highly recommend it. Every opposing fan I've ever talked with, usually at Robert's Western World before/after the game, have always had nothing but great things to say about the experience. "Best road trip we've taken" is a common statement. This even includes some Blackhawks fans from a couple of years ago before it got out of hand over the last year or so. Come on down and visit. I promise you'll have a great time (even when your team loses.
)
Taking my first road trip in late March to see the Washington Caps and our Godfather Barry Trotz. Hope the Caps arena, crowd, etc. does road hockey justice as opposed to just serving a reminder for how good we have it.
If any of you ever have a chance to come down for a long weekend I highly recommend it. Every opposing fan I've ever talked with, usually at Robert's Western World before/after the game, have always had nothing but great things to say about the experience. "Best road trip we've taken" is a common statement. This even includes some Blackhawks fans from a couple of years ago before it got out of hand over the last year or so. Come on down and visit. I promise you'll have a great time (even when your team loses.
)
