Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena staff assess damage, still on for May 22 concert

From the Nashville Predators:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and businesses that suffered losses and damages from the storm," Nashville Predators President of Business Operations Ed Lang said. "While this has presented unprecedented challenges to the community, it has been heart-warming to see people come together and help one another. It is just another example of why Nashville and middle Tennessee is such a wonderful place to live. In support of those affected, the Nashville Predators Foundation will be making a contribution to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee."

Operations have resumed in Bridgestone Arena after the events of this weekend's storms. The Event Level of the Arena did sustain flooding and today, damage and structural issues will begin to be assessed. There is no timetable for when the assessment will be completed.

BRIDGESTONE ARENA FLOODING TIMELINE:

• Water began entering Bridgestone Arena on Sunday.
• By Monday morning, there were 1-2 inches of standing water - which rose throughout the day.
• At that point, staff began relocating equipment from the control room, locker rooms, coaching offices and storage areas to higher locations.
• On Monday afternoon, power, phones and computers were shut down due to standing water.
• Due to the flooding and power outages, the Bridgestone Arena and Predators offices were closed on Monday and Tuesday.
• Water began to recede on Tuesday, ebbing back from a high of approximately 1 foot to just 1 inch.
• The floor, carpeting and walls of the event level did sustain extensive damage.
• Today, all Predators and Bridgestone Arena operations resumed and we will begin the process of assessing damage and examining all structural issues.
• The next Bridgestone Arena event (James Taylor and Carole King) is still scheduled for May 22, 2010.

For fans interested in assisting with flood relief efforts throughout middle Tennessee, please check out the following organizations:

• The Community Foundation (www.cfmt.org)
• Hands On Nashville (www.hon.org)
• The American Red Cross - Middle Tennessee Chapter (www.middletennredcross.org)

It's good to see the Preds & Bridgestone Arena getting back to business, as Nashville's tourism and entertainment industry will play a key role in the city's recovery from the flood.