Welcome to Bridgestone Arena in vibrant Nashville, Tennessee—home of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and top-tier concerts, awards, rodeos, and more. Whether you’re cheering on Smashville or catching an artist’s tour, this guide walks you through making the most of your experience at Music City’s premier indoor venue.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what to expect before you go—covering tickets, seating zones, food & drink gems, bag policy, transport & parking, plus insider tips to level up your visit. Whether it’s your first rodeo or your fiftieth Preds game, you’ll be prepped like a pro.
Table of Contents
🎟️ Tickets & Events
- Hosts Predators games, concerts, CMA & CMT Awards, rodeos, UFC, and more.
- Capacity: ~17,159 for hockey; up to ~20,000 for center-stage concerts.
- Premium options: Club Seats (201–223), Lexus Lounge, 501 Club, and luxury suites with padded seating and upgraded dining.
- Pro Tip One Lexus Lounge ticket can be a food/drink goldmine—unlimited dining and beverages make it worth considering. (All the lounges are ticket and wristbands.)
- Pro Tip Looking for tickets? You can compare seat prices across all the major ticketing sites using our search tool.
- Pro Tip Friends sometimes split one to share the bounty. Candy and popcorn go in a cup to bring back to your friends. Full food access requires each person to have their own pass. Either way it’s worth it compared to eating around the venue.
👜 Bag Policy & Security
- Clear bag policy in effect → bags must be clear and not exceed 12” x 12” x 6”.
- Small clutches/wallets allowed if under 6.5” x 4.5”.
- Prohibited: backpacks, large purses, laptops, outside food/drinks (except medical/child needs).
- All guests pass through metal detectors—plan ahead to speed entry.
- Pro Tip Arrive bag-free for the fastest security line—locals say it cuts your wait in half.
- Pro Tip Need earplugs? Guest Services provides free ones—especially handy for Preds games where the decibel level gets wild.
📍 Seating & Sections
- It’s a smaller stadium than most, which means the higher sections are much closer than the average hockey arena.
- Glass-side (101–120): As close to the action as it gets—perfect for hockey purists.
- Center-ice (104–106, 115–117): Balanced perspective, great for seeing plays develop.
- Corner sections (118–119): Great views with quick access to food stations like Rotiers, Walking Tacos, Christie Cookies, and more.
- Upper-level (301–333): Cheapest seats with a panoramic view—budget-friendly.
- Club Level (201–223): Wider seats, shorter concession lines, and lounge access.
- Pro Tip Front-row balcony seats give an unobstructed view of the ice—often better than pricier lower-level options.
- Pro Tip The 200-level at center ice combines excellent views with more comfortable seating and faster food lines.
Compare Ticket Prices
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✅ Fans save an average of 21% using our price comparison engine.
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Signature eats: Puckett’s BBQ, Christie Cookie Co., hot dogs, burgers, walking tacos, and grilled cheese (including a hot-chicken-and-waffle version).
- Drinks: Local craft beer stations like Music City Taps and Turtle Anarchy Brewing.
- Pete & Terry’s Tavern (outside the Nissan SoBro entrance) is perfect for pre/post-game dining and drinks and to wait out the crowds.
- Pro Tip Rotiers burgers are a local favorite—don’t miss them.
- Pro Tip Most of the local vendor food is on the first floor.
- Pro Tip Lexus Lounge offers unlimited premium food, snacks, and drinks—worth it if you plan to indulge.
- Pro Tip If you want a more lowkey, chill cocktail spot to drink beforehand, head to Pushing Daisies, 12:30 Club, or Urban Cowboy.
- 1 Hotel has a great rooftop for a more luxurious cocktail experience.
- Since Bridgestone Arena is on Broadway, you have many options to eat outside of the stadium at nearly any price range.
🚗 Transportation & Parking
- Location: 501 Broadway—steps from downtown’s honky-tonks, the Ryman, and museums.
- Nearby parking: Music City Center (~$20), Pinnacle, First Baptist, or Fifth Avenue of the Arts Garage (~$10, uphill walk).
- Pro Tip Library Garage (~$10) and McKendree Garage are cheap options just a short walk away.
- Pro Tip Free parking at Nissan Stadium’s Lot R + pedestrian bridge or $3 shuttle makes it a budget-friendly fan favorite.
- Pro Tip Hailing an Uber/Lyft? Walk to the side of Broadway that’s closest to your destination. Crossing Broadway in a car is a disaster, especially after a weekend event.
👀 Insider Tips
- Pro Tip Arrive ~30 minutes before showtime or gametime—enough time for security, food, and restrooms without waiting too long.
- Pro Tip Avoid bringing bags for quicker entry—security lines move faster bag-free.
- Pro Tip Bring earplugs—Preds games get LOUD, but Guest Services offers free ones if you forget.
- Pro Tip Assembly Food Hall nearby offers a superior pregame meal compared to in-arena options.
- Pro Tip Downtown Nashville nightlife is right outside—plan to grab a drink or bite after the event.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Bridgestone Arena?
Around 17,159 for hockey and up to 20,000 for concerts.
What is the bag policy?
Clear bags only (max 12” x 12” x 6”), small clutches under 6.5” x 4.5”. No backpacks or large purses.
Is Lexus Lounge worth it?
Yes—unlimited food, drinks, and premium seating access make it one of the best value upgrades if you plan to eat/drink.
Where’s the best cheap parking?
Library Garage (~$10), McKendree Garage, or Nissan Stadium’s Lot R (free with pedestrian bridge access).
Best food inside the arena?
Fan favorites include Rotiers burgers, Puckett’s BBQ, walking tacos, and hot chicken grilled cheese.
When should I arrive?
Go enjoy the bars and restaurants on Broadway beforehand. About 30 minutes before showtime—just enough for smooth entry without a long wait.
⎵ Bottom Line
Bridgestone Arena is the beating heart of Nashville entertainment—offering intense hockey, world-class concerts, and legendary Southern eats all under one roof. With smart parking choices, insider food picks, and seating hacks, you’ll get the most out of your Smashville night. Arrive on time, pack light with a clear bag, and soak in the Music City magic.
🤔 How do we know all of this?
UPFRONT is a Ticketing Intelligence Site dedicated to getting fans into the seats they love at a price they can afford. That’s why we try to do everything in our power to make your experience awesome, like making these guides!