Predators Could Work Out Deal With Sommet

Nashville’s hockey arena could keep its name as the Sommet Center. Last week the Nashville Predators sued to end Sommet’s naming rights deal and change the name of the downtown arena, saying Sommet wasn’t paying. But it now appears a compromise is possible.

At a Sports Authority meeting this morning, Predators business operations president Ed Lang wanted approval to change the name to Nashville Arena, with one caveat:

“I do want to let you know that the Sommet Group has reached out to us in the last 24 hours asking us to try to resolve this issue.”

The Authority decided to go ahead on the name change unless that compromise can be reached. Lang says that would mean Sommet covering its costs. And he expects to know within the next few weeks.

In the meantime, Authority chairman Arnett Bodenhamer says it creates an awkward situation about what to call the venue.

“I don’t know what to say because I got called and they said ‘We’ve got a bunch of events coming up, can we go ahead and use “Nashville Arena?”’

But Lang answered it’s worthwhile to try to resolve the dispute amicably. And if an agreement isn’t reached, Lang says the team will look for a new naming rights partner.

—

The total value of the naming rights deal is unclear.