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Known as Nashville Arena upon its inception, Bridgestone Arena's 1993 mission statement was "to provide a state-of-the-art facility that can maximize utilization by hosting a full spectrum of events appealing to all constituencies in the Nashville area. The arena should help stimulate growth and enhance development in downtown Nashville, provide an attractive venue for entertainment, sports and learning, instill a renewed sense of pride in the city, and serve as a landmark for the image and reputation of Nashville as a premier place to live, visit, work and enjoy."
Twenty years later, the building has helped stimulate growth more than those who developed the arena could have ever imagined. Not only is Bridgestone Arena one of the top-five venues in the nation for entertainment, it's home to one of the NHL's top Stanley Cup contenders.
The building will celebrate its 20th Anniversary this year during a matchup against the New York Rangers on Saturday, December 17, taking place two decades after its opening event, Amy Grant's memorable concerts on December 16 and 17, 1996. Since that first iconic concert run all the way through today, more than 20 million fans have visited Bridgestone Arena to watch history unfold and to create lasting memories.

Leading up to the 20th anniversary celebration, NashvillePredators.com will take a look back at the greatest moments in Arena history, year-by-year, continuing today with the year 2002.
Big-name acts including Alan Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Kenny Chesney and Cher brought their talents to Bridgestone Arena in 2002, showing fans that although time may pass, some songs and performers are truly timeless.

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The Vanderbilt Commodores Women's Basketball team gave Nashville something to cheer about when, for the first time since 1995, they won the SEC Championship by downing LSU 63-48.
Remember When: 2002
Billboard Hot 100 Top Song: "How You Remind Me" - Nickelback
Top Grossing Movie: Spiderman
Top Rated TV Show: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation