Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:501 Broadway
Nashville, Tennessee
Our Sports Superfan Says:
Who says you have to go to the Grand Ole Opry to see good music in Nashville, the "Music City"? In addition to entertaining sports, you can also check out some major concerts at the Sommet Center (formerly known as Nashville Arena and the Gaylord Entertainment Center).
The Sommet Center's permanent tenant is the National Hockey League's Nashville Predators. While the Preds started slowly since beginning play in 1998, they have, of late, become one of the NHL's more competitive teams. In addition to the 41 games a year that the Predators play here, there are numerous concerts, college basketball games (including several NCAA Tournament contests), and pro wrestling shows. There are also one-time events, like the 2004 U.S. Gymnastics Championships or the 2003 NHL Draft staged here.
Furthermore, the 20,000-seat (with 17,113 of those available for hockey and 19,395 for basketball) Sommet Center can be turned into the 5,145-seat Music City Theater. As Music City it's used for concerts, Broadway-style shows, and other, more intimate, events.
Located in downtown Nashville, the Sommet Center can be reached by mass transit via bus routes 3, 7, and 45.