The Predators have reached their first Western Conference Finals in franchise history, which has "spread hockey fever far beyond" Bridgestone Arena and the team's "loyal legion of fans," according to Teresa Walker of the AP. Stars from Carrie Underwood to Lady Antebellum are "lining up to sing the national anthem and the likes of John Hiatt to Lee Greenwood are singing with the house band during intermissions." Predators President & CEO Sean Henry said, "You can't drive through a neighborhood without seeing a flag. So it's fun to tap into a passion that this community has for sports, and right now it's all about the Nashville Predators." Walker writes college football may be "king in the South and NASCAR remains popular, but hockey certainly has a foothold." The Titans also "have been very supportive" of the Predators. Titans RB DeMarco Murray "stirred up fans waving a rally flag for one game," while coach Mike Mularkey and GM Jon Robinson "regularly wear Predators' gear." During a rain delay, the Triple-A PCL Nashville Sounds "showed the Predators' playoff game a few blocks away on their guitar-shaped video board." The Predators also are "benefiting from youth hockey programs in this non-traditional market, and now former skaters are buying their own tickets." The team has sold out 55 consecutive games, "including every luxury suite this season." About 70% of the Predators' tickets are sold outside the city's home county, with up to 20% of those "coming from outside of Tennessee" (AP, 5/11).
AFTER THE GOLD RUSH: In Nashville, Lizzy Alfs reported sales of Predators gear are "booming as hockey fever grips" the city. Nashville Sports Seasons store manager Nicholas Anderson said that gear sales "started picking up" after the Predators won the first two games of their opening round series against the Blackhawks in Chicago. Anderson: "They’re trying to get everybody in (Bridgestone Arena) to have gold on, so that’s the big deal. Pretty much everything is selling well but anything with gold goes right out the door." Delaware North GM of its Bridgestone Arena operation John DonVito said that gold has been the "hot color" in the playoffs. Predators D P.K. Subban is the "top-selling jersey of any Predators player on the NHL’s online shop and at the Predators Team Store" at the arena (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 5/10).
