A release sent out by the Predators confirms that Bridgestone Americas will be returning as a sponsor for the Nashville Pride Festival, which will take place on Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23 at Public Square Park.

From the release:

Bridgestone employees will lead the Nashville Pride Parade, kicking off the Saturday’s festival at 10 a.m. Walking alongside Bridgestone will be representatives from the Nashville Predators including team captain Roman Josi, team mascot GNASH, and the Predators Energy Team. “I’m so proud to be able to help represent the Predators alongside our friends at Bridgestone at the Nashville Pride Festival,” said Roman Josi, Captain, Nashville Predators. “Everyone on our team, from players, coaches, staff and front office believe strongly in the Hockey is For Everyone initiative. We have been involved in many ways to support this initiative over the years. I am honored to participate in this event to celebrate, raise awareness and bring our community together.”

Bridgestone also reaffirmed its commitment as a business to support of the LGBTQ+ community.

“We are thrilled to have Bridgestone’s continued support and involvement in our flagship event,” said Matthew Gann, president of Nashville PRIDE. “As the largest LGBTQ+ event in the state of Tennessee, our mission is not only to educate, but maintain a sense of awareness and pride for LGBTQ+ culture in our city. We are fortunate to have incredible community partners like Bridgestone who understand the great impact we can have on our community when we work together.” [...] The Nashville Pride Festival is Tennessee’s largest LGBTQ+ festival and works to increase awareness for LGBTQ+ people and families. According to Gann, 2018 was one of the most successful festivals to date, with more than 35,000 attendees for the two-day event.

Having the Nashville Predators participate in the Nashville Pride Festival will be exciting to many LGBTQ+ fans looking to feel welcomed and valued by their favorite sports team and to allies hoping to see more places and people extend that welcome, while other LGBTQ+ fans will be frustrated by the NHL putting rainbows on marketing opportunities without addressing some of issues within men’s hockey culture.

This weekend is going to be hot and might be stormy. If you’re planning to attend the Pride Festival, stay hydrated and keep an eye or ear on the weather reports!