Fan mail address
Nashville Predators
Bridgestone Arena
501 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203-3980
USA
Address information
Bridgestone Arena
(Arena)
501 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203-3980
USA
Phone: (615) 770-2355
The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1997 as part of the NHL’s expansion, the Predators joined the league officially in the 1998-1999 season, bringing hockey to a city more traditionally associated with country music than winter sports. Since its inception, the team has steadily grown in popularity, establishing a passionate fan base affectionately known as “Preds Nation” and making Nashville a burgeoning hockey town. The Predators play their home games at Bridgestone Arena, located in downtown Nashville, which has become one of the most energetic venues in the league.
The team’s distinctive name, logo, and colors—navy, gold, and white—are inspired by the prehistoric saber-tooth cat, the remains of which were discovered near Nashville in the 1970s. The fierce logo and “Predators” nickname embody the aggressive and tenacious spirit the team sought to cultivate. Their mascot, “Gnash,” a blue saber-tooth cat, has been a fan favorite and a key part of the game-day experience, helping foster excitement and energy within Bridgestone Arena, where “Smashville” chants energize the crowd.
Barry Trotz, the team’s first head coach, helped shape the Predators’ identity with a defense-first, hard-working playing style, earning them respect throughout the league despite being a young franchise. Early stars, including Cliff Ronning, Tom Fitzgerald, and Kimmo Timonen, helped establish the team’s competitive foundation. However, the Predators’ early years were challenging, as they worked to find their place in the NHL. It wasn’t until 2004, under Trotz’s leadership and with strong performances by players like goaltender Tomas Vokoun and forward David Legwand, that the Predators qualified for the playoffs for the first time.
