Bridgestone scores naming rights for Nashville Predators' arena

Nashville’s National Hockey League Predators will be hitting the rink in the newly named Bridgestone Arena. Approval from the local Sports Authority body is still pending, but the naming rights agreement runs for five years with extension options.

An existing five-year marketing partnership has been continued as well.

“We are excited to have a locally based partner with the global brand equity and recognition of Bridgestone,” says Ed Lang, the Predators’ president of business operations, who welcomes the new high-profile level of support. “They have a strong presence in sports marketing across the country, which made this opportunity very attractive.”

With its headquarters in the Music City, the company “is proud to be a part of Nashville, and this naming rights agreement will let the world know that Nashville is our home,” reports Christine Karbowiak, executive vice president of community and corporate relations.

“Bridgestone is a first-class business and a model corporate citizen. I am proud to have their name associated with Nashville, with our great hockey team and with our arena,” says Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.

“This is a good fit for the Predators,” he points out. “Bridgestone is actively engaged in the Nashville community and active in promoting sports, adds Dean. “I look forward to watching a Predators game at the Bridgestone Arena.”

The facility opened in 1996. It has hosted the NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional Tournament, SEC and OVC Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournament as well as entertainers such as Garth Brooks, Elton John and Billy Joel, the Rolling Stones, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Martina McBride. The Predators have played there since becoming an NHL franchise in 1998.

For more information, visit www.bridgestone-firestone.com.