It's Official! NHL Annouces Nashville to Host 2016 All Star Game

The NHL and the Nashville Predators made official what has been known for a few days- that Nashville will be the host city for the 2016 All Star game. Commissioner Gary Bettman was in town to make the official announcement at a press conference at the Bridgestone Arena.

Here are some pictures from the event:

 

George Plaster and Terry Crisp served as emcees for the event. On Stage are (from left to right) Predators President Jeff Cogen, NHL Governor and Chairman of the ownership group Tom Cigarran, Bridgestone North America CEO Gary Garfield, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

 

 

 

Commissioner Bettman makes the official announcement awarding the All Star game to Nashville.

 

 

 

The Predators organization honored three long time fans and supporters of the organization, presenting them with sweaters that has "All Star" on the name plate and the number 16.

 

 

 

Dignitaries show off Predator sweaters that say "NHL All Star Weekend"

 

 

Some notable quotes from today's event:

 

 

"We are no longer struggling. This franchise will be in this city forever."

 

-Tom Cigarran

 

 

"This is a huge win for Nashville, and it is golden opportunity for our city. We look forward to welcoming the NHL to our Southern hospitality."

 

-Nashville Mayor Karl Dean

 

"Let me go ahead and deal with the inevitable question 'When are we going to get a Winter Classic?' Let's take them one at a time."

 

-Commissioner Gary Bettman

 

"That standing ovation you got is a dress rehearsal for when you hand that big silver cup to us."

 

-Predators President Jeff Cogen, to Commissioner Gary Bettman 

 

The All Star game coming to Nashville is a testimony to the strength of this franchise and the growth of this area as a hockey market. It also speaks well of Nashville as a city and the ability to accommodate an event of this magnitude.

 

Many groups besides the Predators and the NHL had to come together to make this happen. Bridgestone, the Nashville Sports Council, and the Nashville Sports Authority to name a few were integral in their cooperation and support. And it goes without saying that this event could not happen without the support of the Mayor and the Nashville City Council.

 

All are to be commended for their efforts.

 

Those efforts will now showcase Nashville to the NHL and the sports world.