Sommet Center to become Bridgestone Arena on March 2nd
OK, most of us have known this for awhile now...however, it is to be announced at a press conference in the lobby of 501 Broadway on Tuesday morning that the Predators have reached an agreement with Bridgestone for the naming rights of the arena.
IMO, this is a big win for the Predators and will hopefully provide some stability to the naming rights on the arena for a long time to come...
Quote:
Nashville's downtown arena soon will be renamed "Bridgestone Arena" under a naming-rights deal the Nashville Predators have reached with tiremaker Bridgestone Americas Inc., according to a letter the Predators sent to the Metro Sports Authority today.
The Predators are planning a news conference for Tuesday to announce the change, which requires Sports Authority approval. The arena has been called Sommet Center since 2007, but the hockey franchise's deal with Franklin-based Sommet Group ends soon. The Predators and Sommet Group were at odds late last year, then came to an agreement to keep the company's name on the building for the time being.
Nope, nothing official yet. I'm sure we'll find out the length of the deal tomorrow at the press conference, but figure the finances will either remain confidential or be exposed during the Sports Authority approval process...
Finally a name that doesn't make me slightly ashamed to use. And a great partner that helps highlight the fact that Nashville has a large, legit, thriving business community. The city should be thrilled with this choice as well.
Now, if only Freeman would get his tax mess cleaned up, and the NSC would stop declaring to the world that they think the team is in shambles and an imminent flight risk...
Now, if only Freeman would get his tax mess cleaned up, and the NSC would stop declaring to the world that they think the team is in shambles and an imminent flight risk...
No, even then that group of nitwits would find something to whine about to feel important...have you ever seen them in the headlines for any other issue?
Bridgestone gives the arena much more national name recognition and will most likely be a better partner than Sommet has over the past six months or so. But, let's not forget that Sommet stepped up in the weeks immediately following Liepold's sale announcement and infused cash into the organization during the uncertain times of 07. Thank you Sommet Group ... we've just grown apart and I think it's time for us to see other people, but we'll always have the monkey commercials and Red Wing virus.
Bridgestone gives the arena much more national name recognition and will most likely be a better partner than Sommet has over the past six months or so. But, let's not forget that Sommet stepped up in the weeks immediately following Liepold's sale announcement and infused cash into the organization during the uncertain times of 07. Thank you Sommet Group ... we've just grown apart and I think it's time for us to see other people, but we'll always have the monkey commercials and Red Wing virus.
The Red Wing virus was another outsourced IT company. Either Dolphini or Flat Earth(both have moved on as Preds sponsors, by the by.)
Quote from article:
When asked what signature events Nashville would try to attract next, Butch Spyridon, president of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, told The City Paper, “NHL All-Star Game — we’ll go after that.”
Quote from article:
When asked what signature events Nashville would try to attract next, Butch Spyridon, president of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, told The City Paper, “NHL All-Star Game — we’ll go after that.”
Love to have an all star game here.
I agree. I remember being told that we got the draft in 03 as a consolation prize for not getting the ASG.
Hopefully with our arena sponsor also being a major national NHL sponsor we wont ccome in second the next time we get considered
This is a good thing. Bridgestone's name carries some meaning. Hopefully the marketing team(s) can get some mileage out of this.
MILEAGE! Ha! Get it? Tires? Mileage? LOL!
Good move I think overall. Bridgestone has been getting their name out there in the past few years: Official tire of the NHL, NFL and Firestone is the Official tire of the MLB. Not to mention all the racing recognition. Couldn't be happier with this.
Quote from article:
When asked what signature events Nashville would try to attract next, Butch Spyridon, president of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, told The City Paper, “NHL All-Star Game — we’ll go after that.”
Love to have an all star game here.
Awesome that they are still going after that. I remember Bettman was in Nashville a few years ago (06/07 maybe?) and he was asked about getting an all-star game here. He pretty much said that it would be a few years until we are considered. He said something along the lines of not enough hotel space to accommodate everyone. Anyone else remember that radio interview?
Yeah he addressed it during the town hall meeting also, said we needed more hotel rooms and I think he mentioned a bigger convention center also.
Can't forget that night.... Tornado night vs the Hurricanes.
