The following press release just came across the wire:

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 2^nd 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.

It's great to have this in place before the stretch drive to the playoffs, and what we all hope will be a long postseason run. The Nashville Post has some pictures posted of what the new signage should look like.

UPDATE: The Predators' President of Business Operations, Ed Lang, appeared on the Thom Abraham Show this afternoon to talk about this agreement and what it means to the team. You can listen via the following link:

Ed Lang on Thom Abraham Show 20100223

The Nashville Predators resume their home schedule after the Olympic break with 10 home games in the month of March. For discounted tickets to any Nashville Predators home game, follow this link and use the special offer code "PREDS".