The Nashville Local Organizing Committee yesterday announced that the Bridgestone Winter Park "will officially open Dec. 12" as part of this season's NHL All-Star Game festivities, according to Adam Vingan of the Nashville TENNESSEAN. At the center of the park, which will be located adjacent to Bridgestone Arena at Walk of Fame Park, will be an "outdoor ice rink that will remain open until the end of NHL All-Star Weekend on Jan. 31." It will "serve as the focal point of most of the events leading up to the weekend." The Predators "will hold movie nights and watch parties for select games, including nationally broadcast games such as the annual Winter Classic on New Year's Day." It will be "available for public skates, parties and youth hockey events." Other activities, "including a concert series, will also take place within the park." Nashville Sports Council President & CEO Scott Ramsey thanked the Predators organization for "having the vision to make this a community event and not just a Predators or hockey event." Predators CEO Jeff Cogen said that the organizing committee needed to raise $3M "in order to properly develop its vision of Bridgestone Winter Park." Vingan notes there "will also be an NHL Fan Fair at Music City Center." The festival will be held from Jan. 28-31 and will "feature interactive games and attractions, special appearances, memorabilia and musical performances from popular acts." Cogen said that admission "will be $12" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 10/7).
