Nashville Predators reporting that Ford Ice Center has reopened

Per the Nashville Predators' official team site, the Ford Ice Center in Bellvue has reopened with enhanced safety measures in place to protect athletes and patrons during all scheduled programs.

With the NHL and NHLPA coming together on plans to return to play, many team facilities around North America have reopened for business with phase two of the plan under way, with phase three set (training camp) to begin on July 10th, if everything goes according to schedule.

The Ford Ice Center is taking every possible precaution, understanding and acknowledging the risk that COVID-19 still presents. Among these precautions are:

Social and physical distancing at all times.

Administrative controls (e.g. masks or face coverings) will be mandatory in all public areas; they will not be mandatory while on the ice.

All athletes and guests will be required to check in outside of the facility's main entrance no more than 15 minutes prior to their scheduled programming.

Participants under the age of 18 will be allowed to bring one parent or guardian.

Participants over the age of 18 will be not allowed to bring guests.

The parent or guardian of a minor will be allowed into Ford Ice Center, but will be required to sit in a designated area within the rink.

Participants will enter the facility dressed for programming and will use facility benches or chairs to put on skates.

Every other row of bleachers will be closed, with six-foot spacing decals placed on open rows.

Lobby chairs will be spaced six-feet apart to allow for social distancing while putting on skates.

The standard�Ford Ice Center waiver will be completed by guests online.

Six-foot-spacing decals will be placed on the floor throughout each rink.

Doors will be specifically designated for entry or exit.

Guests who do not comply with the guidelines will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to return until Ford Ice Center is operating under normal circumstances.

Parking:

Guests may park within the general parking lot at both Ford Ice Centers. High-touch surfaces, including handles on doors used to enter the facility, will be regularly disinfected.

Restrooms:�

Restrooms located in the main lobby of both facilities will be open for guests. Social distancing controls for line queuing will be installed, and social distancing will be encouraged in restrooms.

Touch-free faucets, soap dispensers and paper towel dispensers will be in use. Sanitizing stations will be provided for athletes and guests near all restroom areas.

The maximum capacity of arena restrooms will be limited, with signage posted outside of each restroom location. Family restrooms will be available for use in compliance with ADA guidelines.

Restrooms will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

Locker Rooms:

Until further notice, all Ford Ice Center locker rooms will not be available for use. As we continue to adjust these measures at a later time period, we will begin to implement these rules:

Locker rooms will be cleaned and sanitized between each session.

Six-foot spacing decals will be placed on the benches and floor to encourage social distancing.

Showers will be closed and are off-limits.

Locker room access will be restricted to guests 18 years of age or older.

Adult locker rooms will be propped open and the rooms should only be used for bag storage and, if necessary, changing.

Benches:�

Benches will be extended to help practice social distancing.

Six-foot spacing decals will be placed on the benches.

Scorekeepers will clean and sanitize both benches following each session.

Concessions:�

Until further notice, all Ford Ice Center concessions will be closed. Once re-opened, concessions at both facilities will operate with a limited menu. All vending machines in both facilities will be removed.

Equipment:�

Rental skates will be disinfected by the Sani Sport system following each use. Other rental equipment will not be distributed.

Zambonis will be disinfected after each use and drivers will wear disposable gloves while operating. All Ford Ice Center tools will also be disinfected after each use.

Online Waiver:�

Participants will be required to complete the�standard Ford Ice Center waiver online prior to arriving at the facility.

Example Daily Schedule:

30 minutes will be allotted between the same on-ice programs to change participants.

45 minutes will be allotted between new programs (e.g. switching from a youth league game to an adult league game).

45 minutes will be allotted between adult league games.

All areas, including locker rooms, benches and the scorer's table, will be cleaned between each program.

With 11 NHL players and staff having tested positive for the virus on Friday, these and other preventive measures are necessary to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Keeping players and patrons safe is priority number one if hockey does in fact return this in the coming months. At this point, all signs indicate that both the NHL and NHLPA are still aligned and plan to execute on their return to play plans.

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