NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Nashville Predators are back Thursday night for their first game of the season as they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m.
The Predators organization has worked with the Metro Public Health Department, the mayor’s office and NHL to make sure COVID-19 protocols are followed during the pandemic.
Tonight’s opening game against the Columbus Blue Jackets will not be open to fans. To start the season, attendance for home games in January will be limited to staff, family members and a select few hometown heroes who have helped the city through the tragedies of 2020.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the fun. The team is doing fan cut-outs to put in the stands. The Preds are also having daily giveaways on social media and will have Smashville Home Kits available to buy, which will help you decorate your home to cheer them on.
The team hopes as time moves on, fans will be allowed to attend the games.
They have launched the Tennessee Venue Pledge, which aims to unite different venues across the state with the common purpose of producing live events again in the safest possible manner. The Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena have also established the Smashville Safe policies for when fans return.
“You will see a lot of Smashville Safe signage, obviously masks are going to be a big deal in our venue. We'll have seating pods, instead of a traditional way of seating. You'll see a big tarp on the first 12 rows of the lower bowl as to create a divide between the players on the ice and anyone else,” said Michelle Kennedy, Nashville Predators COO.
If you’re interested in getting a cut out made of yourself and being placed in the audience, they cost $90, and you can sign up online at the Nashville Predators’ website.
