Predators’ proposal to operate Centennial Sportsplex deferred after board questions

The Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation deferred action on a proposed lease giving the Nashville Predators operational control of the Centennial Sportsplex ice rinks and concession area (agenda item 10-25-02). The board asked for additional information and directed questions to be submitted to Director Odom by Oct. 21.

The proposal presented by representatives of the Predators would transfer day-to-day operation of both Centennial ice rinks and the concession area to the team. In return, the Predators said they would fund major capital improvements, assume insurance and operating costs for the leased premises, and share any net profits from rink operations with Metro Parks. The Predators’ presentation emphasized using private investment to eliminate Metro’s annual operating subsidy for the rinks and to finance roughly $30 million of capital work the team said will be needed over the next two decades.

Jordan Rippy, who signed up to speak during public comment on the Predators item, told the board she feared the arrangement would raise costs…