Garth Brooks, ZBB Help Set Arena Attendance Record

On the final night of the flood relief concerts, Mayor Karl Dean thanks Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood by presenting them with a signed concert poster. The economic impact of the nine shows is expected to be between $10 and $15 million, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Nashville Downtown Partnership.

Attendance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena hit an all-time high in December. Twenty-two separate events, including nine sold-out Garth Brooks shows, drew 334,917 guests to the venue, making December the most attended month since the venue opened in 1996.

In addition to Brooks’ shows, which were record setting in themselves, the venue hosted seven Nashville Predators home games and six other concerts, such as Zac Brown Band.

Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena COO/President Sean Henry points out that the attendance has had a positive impact on Downtown Nashville businesses.

The venue’s previous record of 248,600 was set in March 2001, the first year the arena hosted the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament. Since opening in December 1996, the facility has welcomed more than 13 million guests.

Alan Jackson surprised Zac Brown with a celebratory gift prior to ZBB's concert Wednesday (12/29) night in Nashville. Jackson had the 1966 Cadillac El Dorado convertible delivered backstage. He also joined ZBB onstage at the Bridgestone Arena to sing their hit "As She's Walking Away." photo: Glen Rose

Dec. 2010 Bridgestone Arena Events
Dec. 2: Toby Mac and Skillet – Winter Wonder Slam
Dec. 4: Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Dec. 5: Michael Bublé
Dec. 11: Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers
Dec. 12: Trans Siberian Orchestra – Two shows
Dec. 13: Nashville Predators vs. New York Islanders
Dec. 15: Nashville Predators vs. San Jose Sharks
Dec. 16, 17, 20, 21, 22 and 23: Garth Brooks – Nine shows
Dec. 18: Nashville Predators vs. Los Angeles Kings
Dec. 23: Nashville Predators vs. Ottawa Senators
Dec. 27: Usher and Trey Songz
Dec. 28: Nashville Predators vs. Dallas Stars
Dec. 29: Zac Brown Band