Predators seek operational control of Centennial Sportsplex ice sheets | Hockey

The Predators are seeking to assume management and operational control of the two ice sheets, and related areas such as the concession stand, at Centennial Sportsplex in Nashville, which serves as the team’s official practice facility.

That would enable the team to operate the rinks as it does at the Ford Ice Center in Bellevue and the Ford Ice Center in Antioch, buildings that are owned by the city but run by the Predators.

The Preds would assume all operating costs and liability from Metro Parks, which currently foots those bills. The intent would be to upgrade the facility at an estimated cost of $30 million — money spent by the Predators — over the next couple of decades.

Predators CEO Sean Henry is expected to present his case to the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting Oct. 7.

If the move is approved in a vote by the full Parks board in November, it would then proceed to Metro Council for three readings in November and December.

If Council eventually approves the move, it’s likely there would be a four- to five-month process of due diligence before the Predators would begin managing and operating the ice sheets in the spring.

Under the proposed move, Metro Parks would continue to operate much of Centennial, such as the aquatics center, fitness center and tennis courts.

But the Predators would have the freedom to start making cosmetic alterations, such as changing the light fixtures over the ice, repainting walls, and upgrading the concession area and restrooms.

In addition, the Predators would build a locker room for Tennessee State’s new NCAA Division I men’s hockey program, which is scheduled to begin play in the 2026-27 season and would practice at Centennial.

In time, more in-depth changes, such as upgrading Centennial’s HVAC system and putting in new bleachers, would be analyzed.

The proposed agreement would include a profit-sharing setup, so if the facility ever made money, both the city and the Predators would benefit.

All the existing public ice access at Centennial would remain, with the Predators likely to try to add more.

The lease for the Predators at Centennial would run through 2049, which is the same time frame as the team’s lease at Bridgestone Arena.