Bridgestone Sees Opportunity In Preds Deal Despite Team's Issues

Bridgestone's Agreement With Predators is Company's First Naming-Rights Deal

Bridgestone Americas yesterday announced a five-year arena naming-rights deal with the Predators, “despite an unresolved $3.3[M] federal tax lien against” team Owner David Freeman, according to Michael Cass of the Nashville TENNESSEAN. Bridgestone Americas Exec VP/Community & Corporate Relations Christine Karbowiak said, “Our deal is with the Predators, with the team, not David Freeman. Based on our conversations with people like [Nashville Mayor Karl] Dean and the NHL, Nashville and hockey are going to continue to be a pair for a long time to come.” The venue will be renamed Bridgestone Arena, and Predators Exec VP & Chief Sales Officer Chris Parker said that the top of the facility “could feature a large ‘B’ at some point.” Bridgestone and the Predators also have “added five years to their previously existing marketing partnership, which includes a Bridgestone hospitality suite at the arena and advertising during games.” Predators President of Business Operations Ed Lang said that Bridgestone’s “investment was a good sign.” Lang: "This further reinforces that our organization is on the right track and moving in a very positive direction.” Karbowiak noted that the two sides “started talking about a deal in mid-December.” Bridgestone “had never bought naming rights before.” Karbowiak: “This was uncharted territory for us” (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 2/24).