Nashville, Tenn. (Nov. 15, 2024) – The Nashville Predators, in collaboration with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) through the Industry Growth Fund (IGF) initiative, are developing ball hockey play spaces for residents of Nashville’s Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA). Additionally, the Predators have completed construction on a new KABOOM! playground at Cheatham Place, the oldest property managed by MDHA.
An outdoor ball hockey rink is being built next to the KABOOM! playground in Cheatham Place. This multi-purpose rink is expected to open in spring 2025 and will feature a sports flooring system that accommodates basketball, soccer, and other activities.
“We are excited to provide these accessible play spaces for the youth of Cheatham Place and other MDHA communities throughout Nashville,” said Sean Henry, CEO of the Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena. “Alongside today’s KABOOM! playground opening, we are grateful to partner with the NHL and NHLPA through our IGF programming to create multi-purpose ball hockey rinks, offering more free opportunities for those interested in hockey.
“Whenever we have the chance to collaborate with MDHA, the City of Nashville, the Metro Nashville Police Department, the Nashville Police + Public Alliance, and the Police Activities League to promote positive outcomes for the youth in our city, we fully commit to the effort. These ball hockey rinks embody that commitment. I eagerly anticipate cutting the ribbon on our rink at Cheatham Place next spring, allowing young people from the neighborhood to engage in hockey and other sports alongside those using our KABOOM! playground.”
The first ball hockey rink will be located next to the KABOOM! playground at Cheatham Place, serving its more than 400 residents and families living in the Randee Rogers Apartments, another MDHA housing facility. The 40-foot by 70-foot rink is being developed in partnership with Lose Design and American Constructors. The flooring will be marked for various sports beyond hockey, and a basketball hoop will also be part of the project. Plans for multi-sport ball hockey rinks at other MDHA facilities are also in the works, with more details to be announced in the future.
“We’re grateful to the Nashville Predators for collaborating with us to turn these play spaces into reality,” said MDHA Executive Director Dr. Troy White. “The KABOOM! playground at Cheatham Place will be an exciting ‘upgrade’ for the children who play there, and the addition of the ball hockey rink will also greatly benefit the neighborhood. MDHA relies on private business partners to support our residents, and we deeply appreciate the contributions being made today and in the future by the Predators organization.”
The KABOOM! playground represents the 13th playground built for the youth of Middle Tennessee by the Predators and the Nashville Predators Foundation. It was designed by children and constructed by community members, including staff from the Nashville Predators. This year’s KABOOM! project partners include MDHA, the Cheatham Place Residents Association, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Cromwell Media, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Nashville Electric Service (NES), Jackson, Liberty Tire Recycling, Piedmont Natural Gas, The ICEE Company, J&J Snack Foods Corp., and KABOOM!
About the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency
Founded in 1938, MDHA provides affordable housing options to around 30,000 residents of Nashville, primarily through Project-Based Rental Assistance and Section 8 vouchers. The agency also manages federally funded community development and homeless assistance programs on behalf of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. To promote urban development, MDHA oversees 11 redevelopment districts, guiding growth through design standards and land-use zoning regulations.
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