The highlight of the themed evening was undoubtedly the exclusive fan giveaway designed to reward early arrivals. As part of the promotion, the first 5,000 fans entering the arena received a custom Nashville Predators football jersey, a highly sought-after collectible blending the team's signature gold and navy colors with the iconic silhouette of a gridiron uniform. Furthermore, the night featured special fan promotions, including discounted $5 beers for all attendees. This combination of a desirable giveaway and game-day promotion significantly amplified the electric atmosphere in "Smashville," encouraging widespread fan participation and a noticeable tailgate-like energy throughout the venue.

The Predators' promotional team did a great job this year making sure there was enough football-themed tie ins to support the effort. Nash was joined by his mascot friend T-Rac from the Tennessee Titans and together they rallied the crowd with football related trivia and a competitive pigskin toss. Hockey players were asked their opinions on who the G.O.A.T. of the gridiron is and by our count Tom Brady was the unanimous favorite chosen by more than a dozen NHLers.

Also featured was local hero Tyler Hwang - a Vanderbilt student who just last month banked a half million dollars with his successful 33-yard field goal kick that was sponsored by ESPN's College GameDay. Tyler was invited to take part in another contest and, of course, he won again!

Watch the clip and listen to "You Might Hear a Heart" at the links above.

More big winners included the Nashville Kats who were on the concourse to promote their move to Clarksville in 2026 where the top-rated AF1 Arena Football franchise will battle it out against new and returning teams in the fast paced, nascent league that looks to return arena football to its glory days in the late 90's and early 2000's. By moving to the Pred's sister venue known as the F&M Bank Arena the indoor warriors might be eyeing an ultimate return to the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville as their prospects continue to rise. Can hot tub shopping be far behind?

MCN Founder Rockin' Rich Lynch had a chance to talk with Kats CEO Bobby DeVoursney and explain to him his onstage look that includes wearing only football related apparel - reminding him how the Kats generously outfitted him with a jersey and hat for a live appearance earlier in the year for a local cat rescue.

"I have watched that video," DeVoursney confirmed while thanking Rich for his support of the Nashville Kats and the arena game over the years.

MCN founder Rockin' Rich Lynch gets a new football jersey; Bobby DeVoursney's claws are out in Nashville.

On the ice, the competition provided just as much drama as the themed evening promised. The Predators faced a determined Vancouver Canucks squad in a tightly contested match that went the distance. The teams exchanged goals throughout regulation, keeping the score close and the crowd engaged with high-tempo, playoff-style hockey. Nashville managed to rally late coming from two goals behind to tie the score at 4-4 while securing a crucial point by forcing the game into overtime. Although the Preds ultimately fell to the Canucks by a narrow 5-4 final score in the extra period, the hard-fought battle ensured the fans were treated to a thrilling contest worthy of the night's celebratory mood.

The event's true success lay in its effective execution of the cultural fusion between hockey and football. Arena programming fully embraced the theme, incorporating football-specific music, goal celebration graphics, and interactive elements during stoppages in play. This focus on cross-sport promotion, part of the wider Smashville Sports Series, serves a crucial role in the Predators' fan engagement strategy. It helps solidify their connection to the wider Middle Tennessee sports market, attracting both dedicated hockey enthusiasts and general sports fans looking for a unique night out with exclusive memorabilia.

In conclusion, the Nashville Predators' Football Night was a resounding success as an experiential and promotional event. Despite the overtime loss on the scoreboard, the atmosphere, the turnout, and the popularity of the custom football jersey giveaway highlighted the community's enthusiasm for these blended sports nights. The Predators organization effectively leveraged Nashville’s identity to create a memorable evening, setting a high standard for the remaining theme nights planned for the season, including upcoming events focused on basketball (Nov. 24), hockey (Feb. 2), baseball (March 2) and soccer (April 13).

The Nashville Kats added real pro football authenticity to the theme night in Smashville.

Related Links: For more information on the NASHVILLE PREDATORS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Nashville Predators | Bridgestone Arena | Nashville Kats | F&M Bank Arena | Rockin' Rich Lynch - Why Football?