Predators a hot ticket in the Music City
"I like it, I love it, I want some more of it."
The Nashville Predators sold out all 41 home games this season, a first for the franchise that joined the NHL in 1998. Of the league's 30 clubs, the Predators are one of 11 to average standing-room only capacities in 2016-17, according to ESPN:
| Rank | Team | Average | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blackhawks | 21751 | 110.3 |
| 2 | Penguins* | 19762 | 110.2 |
| 3 | Maple Leafs* | 19768 | 107.9 |
| 4 | Jets* | 15742 | 107.6 |
| 5 | Wild | 19070 | 106.2 |
| 6 | Blues* | 19553 | 104.7 |
| 7 | Flyers | 19642 | 100.5 |
| 8 | Predators | 17159 | 100.3 |
| T9 | Kings | 18240 | 100.1 |
| T9 | Canadiens | 21288 | 100.1 |
| T9 | Rangers | 18020 | 100.1 |
*The Penguins, Maple Leafs, Jets, and Blues hosted outdoor games, played in larger-capacity stadiums.
"It is incredibly exciting to sell out every home game this season," Predators president Sean Henry said in a statement. "(It) puts us one step closer to reaching the 'One Goal' vision Tom Cigarran set when he became chairman seven years ago, of becoming the No. 1 sports and entertainment venue in the United States centered around a Stanley Cup champion hockey team."
The previous high mark for attendance was set a year ago, when the Predators reported 35 sellouts at Bridgestone Arena.
One of the league's most exciting teams, the Predators have given their faithful something to cheer about. Nashville sits tied for ninth in goals this season, with burgeoning stars like Viktor Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg providing plenty of offensive punch.
But it wasn't always this easy in Tennessee.
The Predators were challenged with ownership issues and relocation rumors through their early goings, fighting off challenges from BlackBerry billionaire Jim Balsillie to relocate the team to southern Ontario followed by a fraudulent takeover by Boots Del Biaggio to move the team to Kansas City.
Through it all, the Predators endeavored, growing hockey throughout the state and becoming a model expansion franchise for the NHL. Grassroots efforts continue where more than 1,200 local children tried their hand at hockey this season through the Little Preds Learn to Play Program.
This year, the Predators will make their third consecutive playoff appearance, giving fans another opportunity to showcase their enthusiasm. The postseason begins next week, when the Predators will look to build on their success from last spring, when they advanced to Game 7 of the second round.
While just two games remain on the season, this year's playoff opponent remains to be decided. The Predators have collected 92 points through 80 games and will close out the regular season Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets.