Bridgestone Arena outlines multi‑year transformation, community programs and 30th anniversary plans

Bridgestone Arena staff presented a program of capital renewal and community initiatives at the Sports Authority meeting, combining near-term enabling work with a multi-year renovation plan and ongoing outreach programs.

Kyle Clayton and Max Schaefer reviewed venue highlights tied to the arena’s 30th anniversary, bookings and attendance milestones. Max noted multiple sellouts this season and upcoming shows and neutral-site college games. Amy Bratton described the Guider inclusion program — an acronym for Growth, Understanding, Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Representation — and listed partnerships for heritage and theme nights with community groups such as the Tennessee Latin American Chamber and the National Museum of African American Music.

Rebecca King, vice president of community relations and executive director of the Preds Foundation, provided grant and program details: the foundation expects to distribute grants to roughly 190 organizations and reported the foundation will distribute over $2 million in cash and in-kind support this year. King described Smashville Schoolhouse teacher awards ($3,000 cash and $2,000 in school supplies per selected teacher at games) and other player-driven community initiatives and fundraising events.

Arena leadership also described renovation sequencing: enabling projects begin this summer (south-entrance escalators, ice-plant control upgrades) with core arena work phased across summers 2027–2029 and a Broadway expansion (about 200,000 sq ft of restaurants/retail) targeted for construction beginning in 2027. A potential 400–600 room hotel across from the convention center remains under study.