The Nashville Predators announced today a multi-year deal for the naming rights to the Nashville Arena, formerly the Gaylord Entertainment Center.
The Sommet Group, a Franklin-based business services firm, has purchased the rights for an un-disclosed amount.
Predators and Powers Management owner Craig Leipold says the deal will bring in much needed revenue after the team struggled to fill what’s now known as the Sommet Center.
“These are the kinds of things that we need to happen. Without a naming rights partner, without the ticket sales, without the corporate sponsorships, that’s when we get hurt. But you know, this is a great step. It sends a great message and hopefully it will get other companies calling us as well.”
The Gaylord Entertainment Company signed a 20-year deal for the naming rights in 1999. It divested its holdings in the Predators about 3 years ago, agreeing to pay the team 9-million dollars for terminating the contract. Gaylord’s name was removed from the arena earlier this year.
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