Bridgestone Arena: further development of property

[dmillsphoto]

2 hours ago, nashwatcher said:

IMO

1) raze the wall facing Broadway. use brick, blend it in, and give it the 'Good Ole Nashville Broadway' feel that tourists from all over love. rooftop bars. sure. makes it more festive along Broadway for tourists. slam dunk.

2) raze the parking lot in the back. such a prime location for a hotel. you could do the same retail/restaurant/entertainment wrapped around the building like you do on Broadway. you've got all the Music City Center visitors facing this side, and as SoBro continues to grow you'll have many more potential patrons. build the hotel with some serious height. slam dunk #2.

3) rehearsal hall = IMAX theater. residential downtown living is growing rapidly. we've reached a critical mass and it will continue. the theater would be a hit.

I agree with one & two, however leave the IMAX for Lifeway Campus in my opinion. The additions of restaurant/bar on the Broadway-side would already make the Bridge the best arena in the NHL. Adding hotel to it would make it the most interesting venue perhaps in the world.

[Vrtigo]

4 hours ago, nashwatcher said:

2) raze the parking lot in the back. such a prime location for a hotel. you could do the same retail/restaurant/entertainment wrapped around the building like you do on Broadway. you've got all the Music City Center visitors facing this side, and as SoBro continues to grow you'll have many more potential patrons. build the hotel with some serious height. slam dunk #2.

Huge +1 for this. That parking garage seems downright tiny by today's standards. Surely it only barely holds the capacity of the arena (or maybe not even that). If they doubled the size of the garage and put a large tower on top of it, that would guarantee the garage being used pretty much 24/7 and certainly better utilized than it is today.

[markhollin]

7 minutes ago, Vrtigo said:

Huge +1 for this. That parking garage seems downright tiny by today's standards. Surely it only barely holds the capacity of the arena (or maybe not even that). If they doubled the size of the garage and put a large tower on top of it, that would guarantee the garage being used pretty much 24/7 and certainly better utilized than it is today.

The attached garage only holds a few hundred cars.  It was primarily made for staff usage, and as perk for high-end season ticket holders, or for those willing topaz ridiculously high rates to park during events.

My hope is that someday First Baptist will sell/lease their lot that is directly across 6th Avenue (just to the south of the church) for a major development that would include another 1,000 capacity garage beneath, wrapped by retail and a major hotel on top.  Certainly that spot would be primo for that. The church could have it in their agreement that they would have access to 500 spots on Sunday mornings (about the only time the ever use the lot themselves), and perhaps even get a % of parking revenue throughout each week.  It's a ridiculous shame that lot is just surface parking at this stage of SoBro's boom.    

[bigeasy]

Would it be loud inside a hotel connected to the arena and facing Broadway? I am never downtown so I wasn't sure on the noise level. I know events at the arena wouldn't be that late into the night, but I wasn't sure if street level activity would be an issue until the wee hours of the morning.

[donNdonelson2]

If any hotel is built "on the cheap" noise will be an issue. I travel frequently for business and find that noise from hallways (drunks, kids & housekeeping staff) are more of a problem than noise from outside. My solution is that I rely on earplugs! Don't leave home without 'em.

[titanhog]

As someone mentioned in another thread, I don't think they'll touch the rehearsal hall.  They had mentioned that it's a big plus for visiting bands, Nashville touring bands and setup for other acts who use the arena (like circuses or tractor pulls, etc). 

[markhollin]

Yesterday I had a nice chat with Sean Henry, the president and CEO of the Predators. I got him to open up a bit about what might be in store as far as possible further development of the arena property.  He said it was funny I should ask, because next week they are turning-in their extensive research that had been requested by the Mayor's office last fall. They have made a thorough study of all the possibilities based on existing infrastructure, zoning issues, community needs, traffic flow, etc.  I could tell he was most excited about additional entertainment ideas, as well as potential hotel concepts.

"The biggest issue we face from a civic standpoint is, do we want to prepare this building and all the ancillary opportunities for the next 30 years (a la the improvements made to Madison Square Garden a few years ago), or will we have to look at constructing a new facility in a decade?" he asked rhetorically. "I think most of us would opt for the first option because our location is absolutely prime, and there are not only some great synergistic opportunities, but we can also keep upgrading the arena itself."

I'll wait and see if any of the concepts that he mentioned to me are announced to the press next week.  If none of it is made public, then I'll list off some of the ideas that he told me they have been researching.

[markhollin]

Here are the plans that Sean Henry (President and CEO of the Predators) was telling me about last week that he presented to the Nashville Sports Authority today.  Pretty exciting stuff designed by Populous out of KC (who designs many of the stadia and arenas around the world). The plan probably would be at least 3 years away from starting, and then might take 10-12 years to complete in stages, since the arena will stay in use the entire time that construction is occurring.

The tower along Broadway could be hotel, or residential, or office---no firm plan for it yet.  But the first two floors would be retail/restaurant, and would be a direct compliment to the 5th and Broadway development directly across the street.

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2016/08/18/predators-unveil-ambitious-expansion-plans-for.html?ana=twt

http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2016/08/18/preds-explore-dramatic-overhaul-bridgestone-arena/88942384/

http://www.nashvillepost.com/business/development/article/20831179/preds-owners-unveil-major-plans-for-arena

 

The current layout of the arena with yellow highlighted areas for future redevelopment:

 

Sean Henry told me the total height of the Broadway facing tower from street to top could be as many as 31 stories, although these renderings show it to be around 18 total.

 

New fan/concert attendee experience area would be built above the current plaza:

 

This is an outdoor plaza that would be built between the 18-30-story tower and the existing upper levels of the arena:

 

The large rehearsal hall would have major revisions for fan experience. Possibly a small theater:

 

Thoughts of a practice sheet of ice would run along the Demonbreun Avenue side over the top of the current south entrance:

 

The NE corner of 6th and Dembonbreun would be transformed from a parking garage to the new team offices and the practice rink above street level, and more restaurant/retail on ground level.

[smeagolsfree]

It only appears to be 18 or 19 floors. Need 30 or more baby!!!!

[titanhog]

Seems to me that the "back" tower over the garage should be a tall hotel tower with the MCC right across the street.

[markhollin]

8 minutes ago, titanhog said:

Seems to me that the "back" tower over the garage should be a tall hotel tower with the MCC right across the street.

As I recall, Sean mentioned that there were some challenges with having too many floors or additional weight above that existing parking garage area, which has several layers of load-in and team parking beneath ground level.

[Skyscrapergeek]

From a visual perspective, I'm not a fan of covering up the beautiful curved, glass elevation at the plaza.  I realize the additions there might make for a better fan/user experience, etc. but the view looking south on 5th from Broadway toward the CMHoF is one of my favorite in the city.  I love the way those curves play off of and compliment each other.  

[Neigeville2]

I like it all except the 5th and Broadway corner, which is magnificent as it is.  The changes to the back are a big improvement, although even there it covers up the bold, "spaceship" shape a bit too much for my taste.  The NW corner including the tower should be built first.

[nashvylle]

Metro should sell the office/hotel portion to the highest bidder and use the proceeds to fund the arena upgrades... ERGO limitation metro $ utilized. 

I do really like these proposals. We have the best location of the arena in the country, and these upgrades can ensure it is one of the best arenas in the country too. 

[markhollin]

Have corresponded a bit with Sean Henry, CEO and President of the Predators, asking about any updates regarding further development of the Bridgestone Arena complex.  Here is his latest response:

We rolled those "big" plans out to start the conversation on not only what this building can transform into, but how it can continue to generate incredible economic impact for the city and region. We also used it as the catalyst to start the conversation to extend the lease beyond the 2028 end point and to keep the team locked into not just SMASHVILLE but in this building for decades beyond the lease end. I get so frustrated when arenas and stadia are discarded after 20 or 30 years. It is not necessary and is quite foolish not to invest in the building year and year out, so there is never a time when venues become "obsolete".

Some of those renovations are in process now as we start the first wave of A/V renovations and then next summer that project will continue along with (ideally) the first major renovation of what will be a 15 year major overhaul that will compliment 15 more years of annual smaller renovations and improvements. I realize the above is a tad vague, but until we are done securing the plans and extension, it would be foolish to speak about it in more detail. I am proud of never speaking about trades, concerts, or negotiations until they are done and then can be properly announced.

I look forward to sharing more as is appropriate.

[DDIG]

13 minutes ago, markhollin said:

Have corresponded a bit with Sean Henry, CEO and President of the Predators, asking about any updates regarding further development of the Bridgestone Arena complex.  Here is his latest response:

We rolled those "big" plans out to start the conversation on not only what this building can transform into, but how it can continue to generate incredible economic impact for the city and region. We also used it as the catalyst to start the conversation to extend the lease beyond the 2028 end point and to keep the team locked into not just SMASHVILLE but in this building for decades beyond the lease end. I get so frustrated when arenas and stadia are discarded after 20 or 30 years. It is not necessary and is quite foolish not to invest in the building year and year out, so there is never a time when venues become "obsolete".

Some of those renovations are in process now as we start the first wave of A/V renovations and then next summer that project will continue along with (ideally) the first major renovation of what will be a 15 year major overhaul that will compliment 15 more years of annual smaller renovations and improvements. I realize the above is a tad vague, but until we are done securing the plans and extension, it would be foolish to speak about it in more detail. I am proud of never speaking about trades, concerts, or negotiations until they are done and then can be properly announced.

I look forward to sharing more as is appropriate.

Current Madison Square Garden was opened in 1968. He's right, if done right and managed strategically an arena can last as long as you want it to.

Edited July 17, 2018 by DDIG

[nashvylle]

Fenway Park, Lambeau Field, MSG... 

I agree, and think the same can and should be applied to Nissan Stadium. 

[DDIG]

10 minutes ago, nashvylle said:

Fenway Park, Lambeau Field, MSG... 

I agree, and think the same can and should be applied to Nissan Stadium. 

Don't know if I can make that bridge to Nissan. Fenway and Lambeau are historic. Nissan, well. Bridgestone with its location and already iconic space needle can be. 

To really update Nissan the way it needs to be you are probably better off just starting from scratch.

[nashvylle]

11 minutes ago, DDIG said:

Don't know if I can make that bridge to Nissan. Fenway and Lambeau are historic. Nissan, well. Bridgestone with its location and already iconic space needle can be. 

To really update Nissan the way it needs to be you are probably better off just starting from scratch.

Nissan would need major improvements, but not $1.5-$2.0 BN worth of improvements to make it historic and last another few decades. 

[bigeasy]

You can't make a stadium historic with development/improvements. The team/fans make it historic. 

Fenway is historic because the Red Sox have been around 100+years , rank in probably top 5 for wins in baseball, and won multiple World Series. Same for Lambeau. It is a historic venue because the Packers are one of the oldest franchises, have an incredible fan base, and the most championships of any team. 

[nashvylle]

55 minutes ago, bigeasy said:

You can't make a stadium historic with development/improvements. The team/fans make it historic. 

Fenway is historic because the Red Sox have been around 100+years , rank in probably top 5 for wins in baseball, and won multiple World Series. Same for Lambeau. It is a historic venue because the Packers are one of the oldest franchises, have an incredible fan base, and the most championships of any team. 

10 years ago, would you say Fenway was still historic without any world series for a century and a "curse"? What about Wrigley?

I really do not like Nissan Stadium, but if the detroit lions can possibly add a retractable roof to their 18 year old stadium (for MLS), if Green Bay can add thousands of more seats in a major renovation, if Miami Dolphins can seat protection throughout their stadium in a major renovation, same with Wimbledon and Arthur Ashe.... Nissan can be renovated to be able to host Super Bowls and NCAA Final Four, and we don't have to spend $1.5BN minimum to do it. 

[ZestyEd]

Viewed strictly through the prism of 1999, it is shocking that Fenway Park not only is still standing, but restored with more than $285 million of new renovations.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2012/04/06/saving-fenway/8HGlzAxzVSoo8zNvfIgkxL/story.html

[DMilner]

45 minutes ago, nashvylle said:

10 years ago, would you say Fenway was still historic without any world series for a century and a "curse"? What about Wrigley?

I really do not like Nissan Stadium, but if the detroit lions can possibly add a retractable roof to their 18 year old stadium (for MLS), if Green Bay can add thousands of more seats in a major renovation, if Miami Dolphins can seat protection throughout their stadium in a major renovation, same with Wimbledon and Arthur Ashe.... Nissan can be renovated to be able to host Super Bowls and NCAA Final Four, and we don't have to spend $1.5BN minimum to do it. 

Hard Rock Stadium is a completely different stadium now with their renovations. It was basically an entire gut job for around $500 million. I grew up in south Florida and Joe Robbie was worse, in my opinion, then Nissan Stadium. My wife and I went down last year to a couple Hurricanes games, and I was blown away with what they were able to do. I would be in favor of something similar here instead of them trying to build a new stadium.  

[Tenn2Tex]

On 3/3/2016 at 5:44 PM, grilled_cheese said:

The largest capacity NHL arena is the Bell Centre in Montreal at 21k.  Bridgestone is just above 17k and Nashville isn't going to sell out for an entire season unless the Preds win a couple cups so there is no benefit to adding more seating.

According to the 2017/18 stats, the Preds averaged above capacity for the 41 regular season home games. So statistically they averaged more than sellout.  http://www.espn.com/nhl/attendance

[nashvylle]

On 3/3/2016 at 6:44 PM, grilled_cheese said:

The largest capacity NHL arena is the Bell Centre in Montreal at 21k.  Bridgestone is just above 17k and Nashville isn't going to sell out for an entire season unless the Preds win a couple cups so there is no benefit to adding more seating.

Haven't the Preds sold out like 90 consecutive games?