The Nashville Predators are continuing their years-long mission this week to keep Chicago Blackhawks fans from attending games between the two teams at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Hockey fans attending the game tonight between the two teams, can get in with a season-ticket holder ID card or tickets by credit card but “will be restricted to residents of the Nashville Predators television viewing area — Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Residency will be based on credit card billing address. Orders by residents outside the viewing area will be canceled without notice and refunds given.”
The team confirmed the move in a tweet.
🚨 Reminder: Tomorrow's game is Passport or Credit Card entry ONLY! #CHIvsNSH
Passport: https://t.co/vFDalWPsnl
CC: https://t.co/cVzhYxtCL7— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) December 28, 2016
In 2013, the Predators started these restrictions to dissuade Hawks fans from coming south when they would not allow anyone to purchase single game tickets to Predators/Blackhawks games, rather offering two-game ticket packages. This evolved into another heavy-handed blockade during a playoff series (which the Blackhawks won by the way) where fans could only buy tickets locally and in person.
Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp (NCVC) has publically stated they are unhappy with the move.
This is easily the most selfish and insecure move by any sports team in a while.
Here is a local TV report from Nashville touching on the topic.
Oh, and Tampa Bay Ligthning are dumb and petty too. Remember the Stanley Cup finals with them….
WGN sportscaster Pat Tomasullo reacted to this bs with this delightful bit filmed in Florida.
