Predators, Jets fans take second-round playoff series outside

When the Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets play Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round at Bridgestone Arena on Friday (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, SN360, TVAS), a sellout crowd will be on hand to watch the action.
But thousands of fans will be watching the game outside the arena in downtown Nashville. When the series shifts to Winnipeg for Game 3 on Tuesday and Game 4 on Thursday, there will be plenty of fans outside Bell MTS Place watching on big-screen TVs.

RELATED: [Complete Predators vs. Jets series coverage]
Which fans of the Central Division rivals throw the best outdoor party during Stanley Cup Playoff games? Here's a tale of the tape:

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Where they do it: Outside of Bridgestone Arena, Broadway, Walk of Fame park next to Country Music Hall of Fame
Number of city blocks: 6-7
Estimated crowd: 60,000 at its peak
Attractions: Smash car for charity (a plane is being used for the series against the Jets), honky-tonks, live music, food trucks

When they arrive: 4-5 hours before game time.
Famous fans: Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Taylor Lewan, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Nicole Kidman, Rascal Flatts, Marcus Mariota, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Little Big Town, Kings of Leon, Paramore
Signature site/chant: Broadway. Fans inside and outside the arena chant at the opposing goaltender after the Predators score a goal.

Famous moment: Bryan, one of the top stars in country music, performed on the rooftop of the world-famous Tootsie's Orchid Lounge prior to Game 6 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final between the Predators and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The skinny: The outdoor viewing parties for the Predators took on a life of their own during the run to the 2017 Final. The crowds got larger with each game and ultimately grew into an estimated gathering of 60,000 for Game 6.
The scene outside Bridgestone Arena during the playoffs is best described as a gigantic party. People take advantage of the arena's location on Broadway near the local bars, honky-tonks and restaurants. There's even live music on occasion; country star Alan Jackson performed on stage prior to Game 3 of the Final last June.

WINNIPEG JETS

Where they do it: On Donald Street, adjacent to Bell MTS Place. Two blocks of Donald between Portage Avenue and St. Mary Avenue as well as Graham Avenue between Hargrave and Smith Street.
Number of city blocks: A total of four city blocks were used for Game 5 of the Western Conference First Round against the Minnesota Wild, up from one city block for Game 1.
Estimated crowd: For Game 5, the Winnipeg Police Service estimated 20,000 people were a part of the Whiteout Party, up from 5,000 for Game 1 and 9,000 for Game 2.

Attractions: Five big-screen TVs, several vendors for food and beverages, and a family-friendly zone in the Millennium Library park.
When they arrive: Gates for the Whiteout Party have opened at 4:30 p.m. for each home game, but fans have begun lining up 30 to 60 minutes earlier.
Famous fans: Jets co-owner and Canada's richest person, David Thomson; Dancing Gabe; WWE star Chris Jericho.
Signature site/chant: Donald Street between Portage and Graham. "Go Jets Go."
Famous moment: This is the first whiteout party of its kind in Winnipeg. So far, the sheer size of the crowd outside of arena for Game 5 has been its biggest moment.

The skinny: The Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party, as it has been dubbed by organizers, is the first of its kind in Winnipeg and has continued to grow during its brief history, from 5,000 people for Game 1 of the first round to around 20,000 for Game 5. In total, organizers say 35,000 people have come through the gates of the whiteout party.
The scene outside of Bell MTS Place has grown to rival what's going on inside the arena. For Game 3 and 4 of the second round, a 36-foot by 22-foot screen will be installed. Business is up as much as 30 percent in Winnipeg's downtown area, and fans are showing up earlier and staying later to enjoy the festivities.