Bridgestone to assume naming rights to the Sommet Center in Nashville?

by Dirk Hoag on Feb 5, 2010 2:29 PM EST

Is Bridgestone going to be the new title sponsor of the Nashville Predators arena? This report from CoolSprings.com seems to indicate just that:

A little bird stopped by Cool Springs today and told us the Sommet Center naming rights are going to Bridgestone. We're not sure if it will be named exactly "Bridgestone Center" but it will be "Bridgestone Something".

The new Bridgestone Center in Nashville is expected to be christened soon, ushering out the old Sommet Center name.

This could be a huge win for the Predators if true. Bridgestone is a large, well-known global corporation with its North American headquarters in Nashville, and already has an existing relationship with the NHL (they were the title sponsor of the NHL's Winter Classic this year).

More on this story as it develops (I have questions in with both the Preds and Bridgestone), and thanks to multiple folks on the @PredFans Twitter group for pointers.

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Good...

never liked “Sommet” anyway. I was hoping for the “Gibson Guitars” arena. Bridgestone has had a good relationship with the league and is located in TN. There are some guys at Bridgestone who are hockey fans. Even heard the c.e.o. on NHL Live,and they sponsored the WinterClassic. This is a way better partner for our team than Sommet ever was.

by hockeydekefreak on Feb 5, 2010 2:39 PM EST reply actions

I like it!

How sure is this?

Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.

by Aditya T (smashville) on Feb 5, 2010 3:06 PM EST reply actions

great...if true

i just wonder how reliable this “little bird” is

by flyalder on Feb 5, 2010 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

CoolSprings.com Re: Sommet Center Naming Rights to Bridgestone

It is happening for sure. The little bird is spot on.

Editor
CoolSprings.com

by CoolSprings.com on Feb 6, 2010 9:18 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks for coming over and chipping in to the discussion!

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on Feb 6, 2010 10:38 AM EST up reply actions

this is good news

Bridgestone is about as big as we could wish for and quite recognizable. Gotta admit, though, I was hoping for the Jack Daniels Center because of all the sweet nicknames.

As it stands, what can (could) we call the place now? Every arena needs a good nickname….

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.
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by Chris Burton on Feb 5, 2010 4:04 PM EST reply actions

We could call it...

“The rock " or give it the slogan “Don’t tread on me”!

The puns and play-ons have gone too far… my apologies.

by Poiju on Feb 5, 2010 4:08 PM EST up reply actions

The Tire Palace

“The Rock” is already taken by the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

by jerseypredsfan on Feb 5, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

Bridgestone Tires rocks! Instead of the opposing goalie, maybe we can chant “Goodyear sucks” to express our gratitude.

by Lil cutie on Feb 5, 2010 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

This is a Good Year! Oh wait...

The Bridgestone Center, I’m for it! Beats the hell out of a lot of other arenas out there.

by Poiju on Feb 5, 2010 4:04 PM EST reply actions

This is fantastic news!

And I’m not trying to take credit for anything, but I did mention the Predators in my last Bridgestone/Firestone customer survey… ok, maybe I am trying to take credit.

"Get to the Choppa!"

by PredHead on Feb 5, 2010 4:25 PM EST reply actions

This would be huge for the Predators. An internationally visible company taking over the naming rights. The money might not be huge but credibility would definitely benefit.

I'd rather have a bottle in front of me rather than a frontal lobotomy. - Waits

by RanchyBalls on Feb 5, 2010 8:49 PM EST reply actions

Sommet Center name rights to BridgeStone Center

The funny thing is, NO ONE really evens know what the Sommet Group’s actual business even is. The Bridgestone partnership will be a natural for both Bridgestone and Nashville/Preds. With the convention center and medical trade mart on the way, much larger, national sponsors will be stepping up for all sorts of different opportunities.

I had no idea how active these some of these hockey websites are! Several picked up on the report we did. I found some of them, signed up to comment and have had a ton of people welcoming me. I’m glad to have found such great communities!

Todd
Editor
CoolSprings.com

by CoolSprings.com on Feb 6, 2010 10:40 PM EST reply actions

Yup, the community of local Preds blogs has found a ready audience where the mainstream media has left a gaping hole.

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on Feb 7, 2010 12:14 AM EST up reply actions

UPDATE on Bridgestone Sommet Center naming rights

CoolSprings.com just posted a huge update regarding Bridgestone acquiring the naming rights to Nashville’s Sommet Center. Here are the six most likely names for Bridgestone to choose from, based on domain names Heather Novak with Bridgestone Americas Holdings registered last week….

Bridgestone Center
Bridgestone Centre
Bridgestone Arena
Bridgestone Tire Center
Bridgestone Tire Centre
Bridgestone Tire Arena

by CoolSprings.com on Feb 8, 2010 3:30 PM EST reply actions