By Jen Spice
The Predators open at home October 1. Here’s your invitation to be part of Smashville, whether you know every player or just love a good night with your people.
Maybe it’s the hockey mom in me, but I love what happens when a rink fills up. One minute, everyone’s arriving from different parts of town, juggling kids, friends and whatever the day threw at them. The next, we’re all on our feet cheering for the same thing. That’s the part of sports I never get tired of.
If Saturday’s PredsFest put you in a hockey mood, good. The real thing is almost here: the Nashville Predators open the 2026–27 regular season Thursday, October 1, at 7 p.m. against the Minnesota Wild at Bridgestone Arena. Opening night is at home, and I already know downtown is going to feel different when all those gold jerseys show up.
I promise there is no quiz at the door. You can be the fan who knows every line combination, the parent whose kid wants to see the ice up close, or the friend who came for the energy and now somehow owns a jersey. There’s room for all of us.
As a hockey mom, I’ve seen how the sport becomes more than a game. It gives families something to look forward to together. It gives kids someone to cheer for. And it gives us an excuse to put down the to-do list for a couple of hours and actually be in the moment. In a city that can feel busy and spread out, that kind of community is a big deal.
This season gives us plenty of chances to make it a tradition: the Preds have 42 home games on the schedule. Pick one, start a group text, and take the friend who keeps saying they’ve never been. Opening night would be a pretty great first one.
Here’s the Nashville Fit part I especially love: hockey and wellness don’t have to live in separate worlds. E+ROSE x Preds Yoga is back on Thursday, October 8, at Bridgestone Arena. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the yoga class runs 6–7 p.m. A yoga class at the home of the Preds? That’s exactly the kind of Nashville crossover I’m here for.
The experience also includes an E+ROSE Summer Sun Smoothie, E+ROSE Water, a Preds sweat towel and a ticket to a select Nashville Predators game. So bring the friend who loves a good yoga class and the one who’s been trying to get you to a game. This plan has room for both of them. Find tickets for E+ROSE x Preds Yoga here.
I love what this kind of event represents. You might come to hockey through your kid, a friend, a fitness class, or a random Thursday night downtown. However you get there, you get to be part of it.
And if the game makes you want to try the ice yourself, local Predators-affiliated rinks offer public skating and ways to get involved. You don’t need to be good at it. In fact, bringing a friend who’s equally wobbly might be half the fun.
Put October 1 on the calendar. Wear the gold if you have it. Bring your people. Cheer even if you’re still figuring out what icing means. I’ll be right there with you for the feeling that Nashville hockey season is finally back. 💛
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