Bridgestone Arena to Increase Attendance for 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Nashville, Tenn. (May 10, 2021) - Following Mayor John Cooper's April 27 announcement that COVID-19 capacity limitations in Nashville will be lifted as of May 14, the Nashville Predators, Nashville Metro Public Health Department and National Hockey League have reached an agreement that will allow for a 12,135-person crowd inside Bridgestone Arena for home games played during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Additionally, in accordance with the city's updated guidelines, future non-hockey events will be permitted to operate at full capacity.

"On the tail of the amazing stretch of hockey that secured our team's spot in the 2021 Playoffs, this capacity increase will take what is already an amazing atmosphere to the next level as we continue our pursuit of the Stanley Cup," Nashville Predators President & CEO Sean Henry said. "Since the very onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the Metro Public Health Department and the NHL have been instrumental throughout the process of gradually welcoming back our fans, and thanks to SMASHVILLE's committed adherence to all health and safety protocols, we will continue increasing our capacity until we can once again come together with 17,159 of the best fans in sports for every single game."
Having defeated the Carolina Hurricanes on May 8 to clinch the fourth and final Central Division berth in this year's Playoffs, the Nashville Predators will face the Canes in a best-of-seven Round 1 series, and all home games will see approximately 70 percent of Bridgestone Arena's seats filled. Additional playoff details, including a full first-round schedule, ticket information and more, will be made available this week.
The NHL has allowed this capacity increase for hockey games based on a calibration of outside air flow requirements used uniformly throughout the League to determine venue capacities for the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. To meet this requirement, Bridgestone Arena will supplement its existing HVAC system with three additional air conditioning units. While creating an air-flow environment approximate to that of the outdoors, the use of these added air conditioning units will also serve to maintain optimal ice quality conditions despite climbing temperatures and humidity levels.
While all upcoming hockey games will operate at a capacity of 12,135 people, future non-hockey events will be permitted to utilize Bridgestone Arena's full capacity of 17,159. Such events include the June 12 CINCH World's Toughest Rodeo, July 2 and 3 ALABAMA shows and July 30 Luke Bryan concert. For a full listing of currently scheduled events or to purchase tickets, fans can visit
BridgestoneArena.com
.
In addition to this capacity announcement, it was also announced that Bridgestone Arena has been awarded the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management by the International WELL Building Institute. This rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing buildings and facility types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, occupant engagement and emergency plans. Although the rating was informed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it also has broader applicability for supporting long-term health and safety needs.
In receiving this WELL Health-Safety Rating, Bridgestone Arena further reinforces the successful implementation of its current health and safety protocols, which are anchored by the extensive
Smashville Safe
guidelines and the Tennessee Venue Pledge.
While each Smashville Safe protocol was carefully developed to protect every patron from the moment they step foot on Bridgestone Arena property, the Tennessee Venue Pledge aims to unite entertainment producers and assembly places of all types across the state over the common purpose of producing live events again in the safest possible manner. Since the introduction of the pledge in early January, 16 additional venues have committed to its standards, which can be viewed
here
.
Tennessee Venue Pledge Commitments
Nashville
1. 3rd & Lindsley*
2. The 5 Spot*
3. The Bluebird Café
4. Bridgestone Arena
5. Cannery Ballroom*
6. The End*
7. The East Room*
8. Exit/In*
9. The High Watt*
10. The Listening Room Cafe *
11. Marathon Music Works
12. Mercy Lounge*
13. Music City Center
14. The Nashville Sounds and First Horizon Park
15. Nashville Superspeedway*
16. The Nashville Symphony and Schermerhorn Symphony Center
17. Rudy's Jazz Room*
18. The Ryman Auditorium
19. Springwater Supper Club & Lounge*
20. Tennessee Performing Arts Center
21. The Tennessee Titans and Nissan Stadium
22. Vanderbilt University (Vanderbilt Stadium, Memorial Gym, Hawkins Field) \
Knoxville
23. ASM Global Knoxville (Knoxville Civic Auditorium & Coliseum, Knoxville Convention Center, World's Fair Exhibition Hall, Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center)
24. Bijou Theatre
25. The Concourse\
26. The Tennessee Theatre
27. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Thompson-Boling Arena, Neyland Stadium)
Memphis
28. Growlers*
29. Levitt Shell*
30. The Memphis Grizzlies and FedExForum
31. The Orpheum Theatre Group (Orpheum Theatre, Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education)
32. The Renasant Convention Center and Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

\Groups and venues that have committed to the Tennessee Venue Pledge since its introduction on Jan. 5*
About Bridgestone Arena
Serving as the home for numerous national and international events, Bridgestone Arena has the distinction of being one of the busiest venues in the Unites States since the doors first opened in 1996, hosting more than 25.6 million guests during that time. The NHL's Nashville Predators have been the primary tenants of Bridgestone Arena since 1998 and boast one of the most unique game atmospheres in the NHL. The list of acts that have called the Pollstar Arena of the Decade nominee and 2017 Pollstar and IEBA Arena of the Year home is lengthy and includes the Country Music Association Awards; the Country Music Television Awards; and the SEC Basketball Tournament through 2035.
About The Well Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management
The WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and facility types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans. Designed to empower businesses to prioritize the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders, the WELL Health-Safety Rating can guide users in preparing their spaces for re-entry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and instill confidence in those who come through the building. This rating leverages insights drawn from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) Task Force on COVID-19, in addition to guidance on the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and more.
About The International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is leading the global movement to transform our buildings, communities and organizations in ways that help people thrive. IWBI delivers the cutting-edge WELL Building Standard (WELL), the world's leading health-focused building standard. IWBI mobilizes the wellness community through management of the WELL AP credential, the pursuit of applicable research, the development of educational resources, and advocacy for policies that promote health and wellness everywhere. IWBI is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate citizenship initiative, and helps companies advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the use of WELL.