Courtesy: Predators.NHL.com

By now, you’ve probably heard of the new Ford Ice Center that is under construction in Antioch that will serve as a multi-purpose ice rink and venue for all things hockey in Middle Tennessee. Though most were a little apprehensive of its location choice at first, as you can see from the photo above (thank you Predators.NHL.com), they did a remarkable job on the building and, with new-to-Nashville-Tennessee location of Perani’s Hockey World, the defunct city of Antioch may find its rebirth. The south end of Davidson County has been in need of some serious loving for a while now, and the Nashville Predators took advantage of that mistreatment quickly.

Now, I said in the above paragraph that it is under construction, but in reality, it’s pretty much finished and ready to go (give or a take few glitches here or there). Ice Skating great Scott Hamilton is already teaching classes and youth and adult leagues are already beginning to form to hit the ice. However, the Predators are gearing up for a Grand Opening Weekend with you – the fans – in mind. Here’s the rundown:

Friday, September 12, 4:30-8 p.m.
• Ribbon cutting ceremony
• Open Skate – Free to the public
• Party in the Park
• Fireworks

Saturday, September 13, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Party in the Park
• Rookie Game featuring Florida Panthers vs. Boston Bruins
• Rookie Game featuring Nashville Predators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
• Annual Nashville Predators Skate of the Union Address
• Autograph signing with select Nashville Predators rookies and prospects

Sunday, September 14, 4-8:30 p.m.
• Rookie Game featuring Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins
• Rookie Game featuring Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers

Tuesday, September 16, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Rookie Game featuring Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
• Rookie Game featuring Nashville Predators vs. Boston Bruins

Rookie games, autograph sessions, the annual Skate of the Union Address… What more could you want before the start of the 2014-15 NHL season? Don’t forget to follow both the Ford Ice Center and Perani’s Hockey World on Twitter for the latest, up-to-date information on hockey happenings in South Nashville.