Preds to hit the home ice at Bridgestone Arena for first time in nearly a year

SMASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The 22nd season of Nashville Predators hockey begins at Bridgestone Arena, but the team have never played a home game like the one they are going to play Thursday night.

The Preds will be back on home ice for the first time in nearly a year, but not everything will be back to normal at Bridgestone Arena.

Preds will take on thethe Columbus Blue Jackets - but no fans will be in attendance. The team says it hopes to welcome fans later this season.

All of Nashville's 56 games scheduled this year will be against division opponents.

Coverage for opening night from Nashville begins on FOX Sports Tennessee at 6 p.m. CT