An empty arena turns into a sea of gold as people fill their seats. The lights dim. Music begins to blast. A spotlight shines on the players' entrance. Every fan in the sold out arena jumps to their feet as the announcer says, "Welcome to the ice your Nashville Predators!" The music can't be heard anymore over the cheers of the fans. This can only mean one thing... It is hockey night in Smashville.
Win or lose, a Nashville Predators hockey game is one of the most exciting things that happen in Nashville. I have grown up going to hockey games and every year they get better and better. There are countless reasons why the games are such a big deal. This is just the top five.
1. The energy of the fans
There is nothing like walking into a huge arena and seeing it filled with thousands of people all cheering. The fans at the Preds games are not the kind of fans you will find anywhere else. They are louder and crazier. The atmosphere that the fans create is a huge part of the reason why the games are so much fun. No one wants to watch a sporting event in a half empty arena filled with people that don't care.
2. Hot players
After looking at the pictures above, do I need to say anything else? While having cute players is not the only reason I love the Preds, I would be lying if I said that it isn't a nice perk of going to the games.
3. Fights
Who doesn't love watching a good fight? Fights don't happen at every single game. In fact, a real good fight that lasts longer than a few seconds is pretty rare. Which is why they are so memorable when they do happen.
4. The players give back to the community
When the players aren't out on the ice, they don't just hide in the privacy of their homes. They give back to our community. They make visits to children in hospitals, visit youth leagues' hockey practices, and participate in the Beard-a-thon to raise money for 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund. They do not limit themselves to being sports stars, they take part in the community, making the fans love them even more.
5. The 7th Man
In hockey, there are 6 players on the ice for each team. There are three forwards, two defense-men, and a goalie. The seventh man refers to the fans. In Nashville, the fans are just as important as the players. The players credit their success to their fans. The Preds never hesitate to let the fans know how much they appreciate their loyalty and support. The connection the players build with the fans is what makes the franchise so strong, whether they win or lose.
The Nashville Predators are an important part of our community. They are a special team, not just to me, but also to the thousands of fans that show up for the games every season. Even though the season has officially ended, the beloved Nashville Predators are not far from our hearts.
