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The Nashville Predators Come Out Lifeless On Grateful Dead Night at the Bridgestone Arena
Back in the early 1990's, while guitarist Jerry Garcia was still alive - The Grateful Dead were known to often play many undoubtedly legendary shows. But, on other nights the improvosatiional giants of the jam bands could come off a bit flat. Fans of sports are no stranger to that concept and that's what occurred when the Nashville Predators emerged lethargic and lifeless on January 09, 2024, at the Bridgestone Arena during a game that was dubbed Grateful Pred Night.
Grateful Dead Night at Brigestone Arena was a fun outing with a cool theme. The idea for this themed night was a thank you to the fans and the team. In December of 2023, the Predators found themselves only a few points out of first place in the Central Division of the Western Conference. So, their management team came up with a creative way to celebrate. The match against their Western Conference rival Anaheim Ducks certainly took on a different vibe as pschadelic rock vied for attention usually reserved for the stars of the ice. Maybe the Preds were just too busy grooving to the music but they did finally get their bones rolling when they managed to rally in the third. But, it was a case of too little too late as the Ducks won 5 to 3. So sadly, the hometown crowd did not have a win to be grateful for but that is the nature of the game.
Jerika Renee was hard at work crafting two paintings on the concourse. Fans who purchased a special theme package to the game received a limited edition Grateful Dead Night T-shirt. During both first and second intermissions, we enjoyed music by Grateful Pred a Grateful Dead cover band that played Dead tunes on the Ford Band Stage. Elsewhere, Krazy Kyle performed "Touch of Grey" on the organ to start the game and held the chair all nightlong to offer up the game's more familiar rally music. There was the usual energized team introductions and Gnash along with his cheering squad was there to encourage folks to make some noise in hopes of an early score by the Preds.
It was Grateful Dead Night but not the Preds' night. There were positives on Tuesday night. As always, the anticipation was high before the match. Many fans were clad in gold in support of the team. Signages for the theme night was scattered around the concourse. Artist Jerika Renee was painting Jerry and a second piece that would later be auctioned for a Predators related charity. There was trivia, the Pred Kids Corner and the Nashville Predators Foundation was hosting a fund raiser. The goal of the Nashville Predators Foundation is to meet cultural, educational, health and social needs throughout Middle Tennessee. The Preds Foundation uses its professional sports platform to serve the region by offering resources and financial support to local youth-oriented organizations. Since its inception in 1998, it has awarded more than $8 million in grants to the greater Nashville community.
The Predators had this shirt ready for fans who bought a special package deal. Grateful Pred Night blended the love of hockey and music, after all, the Bridgestone Arena is home of the Preds and has presented countless concerts since it opened in 1996. The pairing was a fun idea but we do think they could have gone just a little bit FURTHUR with the festivities. We were hoping to see Gnash in a tye-die or even a picture and brief bio about the band displayed on the Jumbotron would have made this night feel more complete. Still, theme nights, giveaways, good works and promotions are all part of an action-packed Predators season and they can surely tweak this concept if more Grateful Dead tie-ins are to occur in the future. Upcoming games will honor service workers, teachers and more. Plus, Smashville will be observing Black History Month along with Leap Year. So, check their calendar for home games and specials.
The Grateful Pred did a fine job covering a classic catalog in Music City. Related Links: For more information on the NASHVILLE PREDATORS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Nashville Predators | Predators Theme Nights | Grateful Dead | Jerika Renee | Bridgestone Arena |
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