Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has opted to sign an early renewal of its naming-rights deal for Bridgestone Arena, home of NHL ice hockey team the Nashville Predators.
The arena will retain its current name until 2025 after Bridgestone signed a new five-year deal with the Predators. The two parties’ previous agreement had been due to run until 2020.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Bridgestone is a proud supporter of the Nashville Predators, and it continues to be a great source of pride for our company and our teammates to have the arena bear our name,” Bridgestone Americas president and chief executive Gordon Knapp said. “Now that our new headquarters building is located across the street from the arena, there’s even more of a connection to our city and pro hockey team.
“Like the rest of the world, we’ve witnessed the success of both the arena and the Preds, and we are excited to continue our partnership with a local landmark that has helped transform downtown Nashville into one of the top destinations in the country. We look forward to keeping the Bridgestone brand front and centre with so many passionate fans of sport, music and the countless other world-class entertainment events hosted by this celebrated venue.”
Sean Henry, chief executive and president of the Predators, added: “We’re ecstatic to extend our valuable partnership with Bridgestone to ensure the home of the Predators, and one of the greatest venues in North America, continues to be Bridgestone Arena.
“As the Predators gain more traction as a household sports franchise and Bridgestone Arena strengthens its position as a dynamic, must-visit site, it’s only fitting that we also bolster our relationship with a world-renowned manufacturing and innovation leader who shares our commitment to the Nashville community.”
Bridgestone Arena has a capacity of 17,000 and is also used to host basketball games and music events. Bridgestone began sponsoring the arena in 2010.
Image: Stephen Yeargin
