2000 Inaugural Home Game vs Islanders

Lore & Background

The 2000 inaugural home game is revered as the moment Nashville truly embraced hockey. After the Predators' expansion season in 1999-2000 was played entirely on the road due to arena construction delays, fans had waited over a year to see their team play at home. The game was a celebration of the city's new identity as a hockey market, with country music stars like Tim McGraw and local celebrities in attendance, blending Nashville's musical heritage with its emerging sports culture. The night felt like a declaration: this town wasn't just about twang and honky-tonks—it had ice in its veins.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed as a roar erupted from the stands, the first notes of 'I've Been Everywhere' by Johnny Cash blasting through the speakers. On the ice, the Predators skated in formation, their gold jerseys gleaming under the spotlights. The crowd, a sea of gold and navy, waved towels and chanted 'Go Preds!' as the puck dropped. For the fans, this wasn't just a game—it was a declaration that hockey had found a home in the heart of Tennessee. When the final horn sounded, the 3-2 victory sent the arena into a frenzy, with strangers hugging and high-fiving, knowing they'd just witnessed the birth of a hockey town.

Reader's Guide

The 2000 inaugural home game was a historic occasion for the Nashville Predators. After playing their entire inaugural season on the road, the team finally took the ice at the Gaylord Entertainment Center to face the New York Islanders. The game was a tightly contested affair, with the Predators securing a 3-2 victory in front of a raucous home crowd. Key moments included a standout performance from goaltender Mike Dunham, who made several crucial saves, and a game-winning goal by Cliff Ronning that sent the fans into a frenzy. The match is remembered for its celebratory atmosphere, marking the beginning of a deep bond between the team and the city. It set the tone for future home games and established the Predators as a beloved part of Nashville's sports landscape.

Did You Know?

• The Predators played their entire 1999-2000 expansion season on the road because the Gaylord Entertainment Center was still under construction.
• Country music star Tim McGraw performed the national anthem at this inaugural home game.
• The arena's design included a unique 'Predators' logo at center ice, which became an iconic symbol for the franchise.
• This game was the first NHL game ever played in the state of Tennessee.