Parks Board approves Predators— lease for Centennial Sportsplex; council presses for written guarantees on access and legacy programs

The Parks Board has approved a lease agreement with the Nashville Predators covering the Centennial Sportsplex—s ice rinks and concession area, and the agreement was presented to the Arts, Parks, Libraries & Entertainment Committee for an update and questions.

Shane Foster, presenting in place of project board chair Michelle Steele, told the committee the Parks Board voted unanimously to approve the Predators— lease and that the team will assume operational control consistent with its management of other city ice facilities. Foster and Predators representatives said the Predators will assume responsibility for major capital improvements, all insurance costs and a share of net revenue, and that letters of commitment have been issued to existing user groups to protect current access.

Sean Henry of the Nashville Predators said the organization expects to take on roughly $30,000,000 in known capital expenditures over the next 25 years and anticipates $2—4 million per year in operating costs, describing the arrangement as roughly a $100,000,000 investment over a 25-year horizon. Michelle Kennedy, identified as the Predators— president in the meeting, said the Predators are not doing the deal to limit access and that locking out youth or adult leagues would be counterproductive.

Council members pressed staff and Predators representatives for concrete, written protections. Several council members asked whether guarantees on legacy programming, affordability and employee transitions are included in the contract or will be set later. Parks staff and negotiators said letters of commitment and an amendment to the lease/legislation will address rates and access; they described a planned community benefits agreement (CBA) and said multiyear agreements with legacy user groups would be negotiated independently.

Council members also sought clarification about which parts of the Sportsplex the Predators will operate. Predators representatives said they will not operate the aquatic (pool) side; common areas and building systems such as HVAC and lighting will receive upgrades, but aquatics programming remains under separate management. The Predators— representatives also clarified that the Predators license their brand to third parties that operate travel programs (e.g., Junior Preds) and said those operators employ and pay coaches, and that the Predators— foundation is a separate entity that may apply for grants.

Some council members expressed unease with finalizing the lease before every contract detail is settled: one member said it gives "a little bit of pause" that detailed terms will be finalized after passage. Staff replied that the letters of commitment outline the basic terms and that the inspection period and contract negotiations will follow council approval.

Next procedural steps described to the committee include an inspection period and contract addenda or legislative amendments to set final terms. The Parks Board vote and written commitments will be part of the record as staff finalizes multiyear agreements with legacy groups and executes contract language.