"Preds Fest" returns

The Nashville Predators are bringing back Preds Fest, a celebration of hockey leading up to the regular season that should help get fans ready for the 2010-11 campaign. It includes parties, a public skate at Bridgestone Arena, a Community Night during the pre-season game against Atlanta which highlights local charities, and a whole lot more. You can also snag some free tickets to the Sept. 23rd game vs. Carolina.

Follow after the jump for all the details...

From the team:

The Nashville Predators are gearing up for their second annual Preds Fest, a fan-appreciation celebration from September 23-27 featuring several unique experiences to mark the start of the hockey season in Smashville.

 "Hockey is back in Smashville and we are ready for the puck to drop on another exciting season," Nashville Predators Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer Chris Parker said. "Preds Fest, and the five days of activities surrounding our three home pre-season games, is designed to highlight and showcase the great value and one-of-a-kind entertainment that we provide to our fans at Bridgestone Arena. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces and welcoming new hockey fans to Smashville."

Preds Fest will kick off with a party on Bridgestone Arena's plaza at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23. This free party will feature music and prizes from 103.3 WKDF, a beer garden, appearances by mascot GNASH and the Nashville Predators Dancers and autograph opportunities with players. Fans are also invited to attend that evening's 7 p.m. game vs. the Carolina Hurricanes for FREE. Tickets for the Sept. 23 game can be secured by visiting nashvillepredators.com/freeticket.

Day Two of Preds Fest on Friday, Sept. 24 features Preds Night at the Full Moon Pickin' Party. The Pickin' Party will be held at Warner Parks Equestrian Center and runs from 7 p.m.  - 11 p.m. Wear your Predators gear and stop by the Preds Fest table to "pick" up some promotional items and enter to win four tickets to an upcoming game at Bridgestone Arena. For complete details and to purchase tickets, visit friendsofwarnerparks.com/pickingparty.

Day Three of Preds Fest will begin on Saturday, Sept. 25 with an open-to-the-public Preds practice at Bridgestone Arena at 10 a.m., where fans will be invited to take in the team's morning on-ice session. The Predators will also be hosting an Open House from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., providing fans the chance to tour Bridgestone Arena, ask questions and personally select seats for the upcoming 2010-11 season. Day Three of Preds Fest concludes with a pre-season game vs. the Washington Capitals (doors open at 6 p.m.; game begins at 7 p.m.). Fans are encouraged to bring school supplies for a collection to benefit LP Pencil Box - a free school supply store for educators that provides learning materials for impoverished students in the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.

Day Four of Preds Fest returns to Bridgestone Arena on Sunday, Sept. 26 where fans are invited to participate in a public skate from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Participants must bring their own skates. Skaters under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Later that evening, Zanies Comedy Club will host Bumps, Bruises and Bedtime Stories featuring Predators alumni Stu Grimson, Jim McKenzie and Reid Simpson at 7:30 p.m. The event, full of uncensored stories and humorous tales, will give the adult hockey fan a rare peek "inside the glass" of an NHL game. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit nashville.zanies.com.

Preds Fest concludes with the Predators final home pre-season game on Monday, Sept. 27 vs. the Atlanta Thrashers at 7 p.m. This will also be a Community Night in which local non-profit organizations will be set up around the main concourse passing out information and giveaways.

For more information on Preds Fest or to purchase tickets for upcoming games, please visit nashvillepredators.com/predsfest

Remember, readers of On the Forecheck can take advantage of a coupon code for discounted Nashville Predators tickets throughout the 2010-11 season.

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