Bridgestone Arena Officially Launched in Nashville

At a press conference this morning, the official announcement was made that he Sommet Center will be renamed the Bridgestone Arena. The agreement is for five years. I have not heard any dollar amounts revealed at this time.

Here is the official release from the Predators...

Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Americas announce naming rights partnership.
Venue to be renamed Bridgestone Arena.

(Nashville, TN – February 23, 2010) The Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Americas, Inc. are proud to announce a naming rights partnership for the home of the Nashville Predators. Pending Sports Authority approval, the new venue name will be Bridgestone Arena starting with the March 2nd Predators game. The initial term of the agreement is 5 years with extension options.

“Bridgestone Americas and its subsidiary company, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC (BATO) have been long term supporters of the Predators and it is fantastic to have them on board at this new level. We are excited to have a locally based partner with the global brand equity and recognition of Bridgestone. They have a strong presence in sports marketing across the country which made this opportunity very attractive. On behalf of the entire organization this is a very exciting day.” Ed Lang – President of Business Operations Nashville Predators

In addition to the naming rights agreement, the Predators and BATO announced a five year extension of their existing marketing partnership.

“We’re excited to be in a position to support the city, the Predators and the entire Nashville community through this naming rights partnership,” said Christine Karbowiak, Executive Vice President, Community & Corporate Relations. She concluded by saying, “Bridgestone Americas is proud to be a part of Nashville, and this naming rights agreement will let the world know that Nashville is our home.”

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

About The Bridgestone Arena:

Bridgestone Arena opened in December 1996. The facility has hosted over 11 million guests for such events as 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, Rolling Stones, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Martina McBride. The Bridgestone Arena has been the home of the NHL’s Nashville Predators since 1998.

About the Nashville Predators:

Since they were announced as the National Hockey League's 27th franchise in 1998, the Nashville Predators have grown from a young expansion franchise to a regular contender in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Over the past 12 seasons, the Predators have proven themselves to be a hard-working, blue collar team on the ice – racking up four consecutive playoff berths (2003-2008) along the way. Off the ice, the Predators are proud to support the Nashville community which supports them, with the Nashville Predators Foundation raising more than $2.0 million in grants and donations for area charity organizations.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass