NEW YORK – The National Hockey League (NHL) today announced the selection of the Nashville Predators, the city of Nashville and Bridgestone Arena as hosts of the 2016 National Hockey League All-Star celebration. The League's mid-season showcase will take place Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31 and will include the Honda NHL All-Star Skills Competition™ and the NHL® All-Star Game.

"Nashville knows how to showcase stars, put on great events and deliver first-rate entertainment and is a great place to visit. So where better to host our 2016 All-Star Celebration than in Nashville?" Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "The spotlight will shine on our All-Star players and on the wonderful connection that has developed between Music City and hockey. Without question, Nashville is an ideal location for all the All-Star fun and excitement."

"Bringing this event to Nashville has been among our very top priorities for some time. We are delighted for our fans, the Nashville community and for the members of the hockey community across North America and the world who will get to see what an exciting place Nashville is to visit," said Nashville Predators Governor Tom Cigarran.

"Hosting the 2016 NHL All-Star Game is a huge win for Nashville. We have hosted big sporting events like this, and we know it benefits our city in many ways, particularly our downtown and hospitality businesses. I look forward to showcasing the enthusiastic base of hockey supporters in our region and all that Music City has to offer," said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.

The 2016 NHL All-Star Game will mark the first time the NHL All-Star activities will take place in Nashville. The Predators and Nashville previously hosted an NHL signature event, successfully welcoming thousands of NHL fans, executives and personalities to the city for the 2003 NHL Draft™. Bridgestone Arena has the distinction of being one of the busiest venues in the U.S. since the doors first opened in 1996, hosting more than 13 million guests during that time. The Predators have been the primary tenants of Bridgestone Arena since 1998 and boast one of the most unique game atmospheres in the NHL.

Further details on the 2016 NHL All-Star celebration, including ticket information, special events and television broadcasting information will be released at a later date. Those wishing to use the official hashtag of the event should utilize #NHLAllStar.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the city of Columbus will host the 2015 NHL All-Star celebration. The League's mid-season showcase will take place Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25 and will include the NHL Fan Fair™, NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft™, the Honda NHL All-Star Skills Competition™ and the NHL All-Star Game.