Wooden to sink teeth into Bridgestone Arena

Article posted by Coliseum, February 13^th, 2026

Image: Nashville Predators

The National Hockey League (NHL) team Nashville Predators, the Predators home ground Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, US, and the SS&E head honcho Sean Henry announced recently that the organization has hired Eric Wooden as the Senior Vice-President of Arena Transformation.

‘nhl.com’ stated that in this role Wooden will manage ‘Smashville’s’ Next Stage – the multiyear renovation project that will transform the Bridgestone Arena into an open, extroverted and world-class destination for the best fans in sports. Throughout the process Wooden will ensure the project aligns with the organization’s values of inclusion, sustainability and community connection.

The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee (US). The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The team has played its home games at the Bridgestone Arena since 1998.

The 17,500-capacity Bridgestone Arena (originally Nashville Arena and formerly the Gaylord Entertainment Center and Sommet Center) is a multipurpose indoor arena in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Completed in 1996, it is the home of the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL).

‘nhl.com’ further stated that Wooden will oversee all phases of the renovation including planning, design, construction, and commissioning and guarantee that once finished the updates continue the arena’s legacy of being the heartbeat of Smashville. During the renovation Wooden will work with the Predators leadership, the stakeholders, the partners, and the City leaders to collaborate on ideas and updates. Additionally, Wooden will lead the development of new amenities, premium spaces, restaurants, bars, and gathering areas to enhance the guest experience.

Narrated Henry, “As we take the center of ‘Smashville’ to new heights we are thrilled to have Eric join our team. Eric has a rare ability to seamlessly combine innovation, elevated guest services, distinctive gameday food and beverage (F&B), and cutting-edge technology together all while honoring the traditions that make our building so special. His history of translating those elements into thoughtful renovations and design has consistently produced exceptional outcomes for the fans, the players, the performers, the employees, and the partners alike. He brings a meticulous eye for detail, a deep understanding of how people experience space and a proven ability to align design with long-term impact and sustainability. The future of the Bridgestone Arena is incredibly bright and we’re excited to have Eric helping lead the way.”

Wooden is a seasoned hospitality and venue consultant known for shaping some of the most recognized sports and entertainment destinations in the United States and Europe. He began his career with the National Basketball Association (NBA) team Detroit Pistons learning the operational side of professional sports while helping guide several multimillion-dollar renovation projects. He went on to serve as the Vice-President of Sales for a start-up high-definition television company where he played a key role in producing one of the first national high-definition (HD) broadcasts of the NBA, an innovative project that refined his sales and production expertise.

Wooden has since designed hospitality plans for and helped open major sports venues around the world. His portfolio includes projects for the LaLiga teams Atlético de Madrid, FC Barcelona (Spain), the 22,090-capacity KFC YUM! Center in Kentucky, US, the 76,468-capacity Caesars Superdome in Louisiana, US, the Major League Baseball (MLB) team San Francisco Giants, and many others.

Exulted Wooden, “I am unbelievably excited to join the ‘Smashville’ family and am grateful to Bill Haslam, Sean Henry, Michelle Kennedy, and the entire Predators organization for this opportunity. This is an exceptional franchise with a great culture and vision and I am thankful to be a part of it. I look forward to helping take the Bridgestone Arena to the next level with ‘Smashville’s’ Next Stage.”

‘Smashville’s’ Next Stage will comprehensively transform the venue into a best-in-class destination for the patrons, the performers and the athletes. Envisioned as a premier gathering place where the world comes together to experience sports, entertainment and hospitality this next chapter reinforces the Bridgestone Arena’s enduring role at the heart of Nashville and Broadway’s future.

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