For the first time in the City's history Nashville, Tennessee will host the 2016 NHL All-Star game. Nashville was the only team in the South to have not hosted the All-Star game yet, with even the Thrashers who are no longer in Atlanta still having held one. Nashville held the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
Nashville first got its NHL team in 1998 when the Nashville Predators were founded. Nobody really knew if hockey could take off in the South or in Music City. Country music and football reign throughout much of Tennessee. The Predators set out to change that. Through David Poile's oversight the Nashville Predators have begun to have a steady following to their games and have begun to slowly change Tennessee into a hockey town. Adopting the nickname of "Smashville" the Predators have a strong following throughout the Volunteer State now. In the 2013-2014 season Nashville averaged 16,600 fans per game. While that was only good for 20th in the NHL, for a small-time team in the South it shows that hockey can catch on. Now the All-Star game will prove that as well.
Nashville has a few All-Star quality players on its team which fans could see. Shea Weber is easily a top 5 defensemen in the league. Pekka Rinne is a top 5 goalie in the league, and Seth Jones looks like he could be a top defender by the time the 2016 All-Star game happens. Nashville getting this All-Star game is huge because it isn't just one game. It's an event.
The skills competition is a sight to see with only the best of the best NHL players competing in various challenges to show off just how elite they are. The actual All-Star game itself is only one of many attractions this event will bring. This game puts Nashville solidly in the spotlight for hockey. The NHL will get to see true Southern hospitality, because you can bet Nashville will do everything in its power to put on a good showing here. Why? Nashville still has hopes to host a Winter Classic match. All eyes on you, Nashville.