Nashville: The Gaylord Entertainment Center

Lexy · #1 Posted **Feb 19, 2004, 7:39 PM**

The "GEC" as it is affectionatly known to all of us here is the state of the art downtown arena built for the Nashville Predators. It plays host to conferences, concerts, gala's, College Basketball tournaments, Professional Hockey, etc. With over 20,000 seating available for basketball it is a prime target for the SEC tournaments for both men and women. This year it will host the 2004 SEC Womens Basketball Tournament. 17,113 for Pro Hockey.

The Predators have been around since 1997 and haven't faired too well since the start. This year is different....VERY different!! We ARE a real contender!!! One of leagues poorest performing franchises, historically, has not been very kind to the boys but they don't seem to care. They just want to play hockey. I used to hate hockey, but since I moved down here and experienced a game for myself I am hooked to say the least. I have met all of the coaches, players, trainers on the team this year and all are great guys. Here are some collections of photos from games that I have gone to, primarily the New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers games respectfully this season.

These pics will showcase a wonderful arena and great place to catch sports. Especially hockey!!! PLAYOFFS HERE WE COME!!!!!

Here we go!!!

Face off with the Oilers this past Sunday.

Our All Star goalie Tomas Vokoun in net during pre-skate.

DENIED!!!!!!!

Game time!!!!

You wanna piece of me??????

You FREAK!!!! You must really wanna get your ass beat tonight!!!!

ummmmmm..........cottoncandy

End of the Period and time for the ZAMBONNI!!

Need a credit card?????

The Arena...

I got a treat from work that day for the Oilers game. I got two tickets in the lower bowl. I normally set in section 303, which is the REALLY ROWDY section. You can see 303 in this pic up high. We have been called some of the loudest fans in the NHL and this section is why!

The single most HATED player in hockey right now...Jordin Tootoo.

Before the crowds.....

View from my seat in 303!

Lexy · #2 Posted **Feb 19, 2004, 8:08 PM**

The view from the Main Concourse inside.

My apoligies please.

chris · #3 Posted **Feb 19, 2004, 9:40 PM**

Good stuff! Do you go to hockey games often? What does Nashville, and other Southern US cities think of Hockey and the NHL in general? Is it big?

Thanks for showing is these pics! Is it just me, or does this arena look a little smaller than the average NHL arena. I don't know...maybe its because I just came back from the Bell Center...where the Habs lost 4-1 vs. Atlanta!

Lucky 24 · #4 Posted **Feb 19, 2004, 9:43 PM**

Great pics Lexy. The GEC looks like a great venue, but I really don't like all of that ugly concrete located at the back of the upper bowl.

I also notice you guys still have the seamless glass all away around the rink. If management was smart, they would get rid of it before players start dropping like flies because of concussions. That's why it was removed from the ACC.

#5 Posted **Feb 19, 2004, 9:49 PM**

Nice pics lexy.

You must be used to::

Lexy · #6 Posted **Feb 19, 2004, 11:28 PM**

Thanks guys! hockey is starting to catch on in Nashville. it is real slow, but I have seenmore new people at games the past month than the entire first half of the season.

I try to go to all the home games, and a few away games if possible for the Predators.

The "Concrete" looking stuff is actually metal. It is part of the design for the hockey team, kinda gives it (the arena) that "Freezer" kinda feel to it.

Mr. Vokoun is amazing. I have grown quite accustomed to it. LOL!!!! I just hope it continues.

chris · #7 Posted **Feb 20, 2004, 12:19 AM**

Mr. Vokoun used to be a Montreal Canadien. He played 1 game for the Habs during the last few weeks of the 1996-97 season against Philadelphia. He let in 5 goals in 2 periods.

BTW...the Nashville Predators have been around since 1998, not 1997.

BnaBreaker · #8 Posted **Feb 20, 2004, 1:49 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cristal (Roch5220)

Nice pics lexy.

You must be used to::

I guess you missed the caption Cristal...that would be a shot during a PREgame skate.

Lucky 24 · #9 Posted **Feb 20, 2004, 2:05 AM**

^^^ I think he knows that...hence the joke.

Lexy · #10 Posted **Feb 20, 2004, 2:49 AM**

1998 or 1997 My bad. I am still rather new to the fanbase, so give me a break. LOL!!!

Lexy · #11 Posted **Feb 20, 2004, 5:21 AM**

If your city has a hockey team, minor or pro, I encourage you to post some pics. This thread doesn't have to do with JUST Nashville. hehe

mexx_P · #12 Posted **Mar 9, 2004, 1:23 AM**

i'm going to the Flames and Oilers game tommorow. I'll take some shots of the Saddledome and post them on Wednesday.

It only holds just over 17 000 for hockey?? I thought it was bigger than that.

btw, is it just me, or does one end of the arena look small, while the other end looks big?