Nashville Gets Bid Accepted for 2016 NHL All-Star Festivities

For the first time in NHL history, the NHL All-Star Game will take place in Nashville's Bridgestone Arena in 2016.

This will be the third southern NHL All-Star Weekend, as the Florida Panthers hosted the event in 2003, and the Carolina Hurricanes in 2011.

In the official NHL release, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says the decision to bring Nashville an All-Star game was an easy one.

"Nashville knows how to showcase stars, put on great events and deliver first-rate entertainment and is a great place to visit. So where better to host our 2016 All-Star Celebration than in Nashville?"

"The spotlight will shine on our All-Star players and on the wonderful connection that has developed between Music City and hockey. Without question, Nashville is an ideal location for all the All-Star fun and excitement."

Bridgestone Arena will host the NHL Skills Competition on January 30, and the All-Star game on January 31.