The Ultimate Guide To Kings Of Spring Nashville: Dates, Venues, And The Music City Experience
The Kings of Spring Nashville tournament has solidified its status as a premier destination for elite youth hockey, drawing top AAA talent from across North America to the heart of Music City. As of December 2025, the focus is already shifting to the highly anticipated 2026 event, following the successful conclusion of the 2025 tournament. This guide provides an in-depth look at this must-attend spring showcase, detailing the competitive level, the official venues, and the essential family itinerary for a trip that is about more than just hockey.
Organized by SuperSeries Hockey, the Kings of Spring Nashville is specifically designed for players entering their Bantam Major season, offering a high-stakes, competitive environment that serves as a crucial development step in an athlete's career. The combination of elite-level competition and the unique, vibrant backdrop of Nashville, Tennessee, makes it a highlight on the annual spring hockey circuit, providing an unforgettable experience both on and off the ice.
Kings of Spring Nashville Tournament Profile and Upcoming Dates
The Kings of Spring tournament is recognized as one of the best events in youth hockey, providing a platform for exceptional young talent to compete against the best.
The tournament is a key component of the SuperSeries Hockey schedule, which focuses on showcasing high-level Bantam and Midget teams.
Here is the essential profile and the most current confirmed dates for the next event:
- Event Name: Kings of Spring Nashville
- Organizer: SuperSeries Hockey (also associated with Conacher Hockey and Performance Hockey Group)
- Competitive Level: AAA Elite/Super AAA
- Target Age Group: Players entering their Bantam Major season (typically a specific birth year, such as the 2012 birth year for the 2026 event).
Key Tournament Dates: 2025 Review and 2026 Outlook
The competitive schedule for the Kings of Spring is strategically placed in late spring, making it a perfect capstone for the spring hockey season.
Recent Event (2025):
- Dates: May 23–26, 2025 (Friday to Monday)
- This four-day event saw intense competition, culminating in the Championship Game on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Upcoming Event (2026):
- Dates: May 22–25, 2026 (Friday to Monday)
- The 2026 tournament promises to maintain the high standard of competition, welcoming elite teams for another unforgettable weekend in Nashville.
The Premier Hockey Venues of Music City
The success of the Kings of Spring Nashville relies on world-class ice facilities capable of handling a high-volume, multi-day tournament. The event leverages the best rinks in the Nashville area, many of which have direct ties to the NHL's Nashville Predators organization.
Participating families should be prepared to travel between these major hockey hubs during the event:
1. Ford Ice Centers
The Ford Ice Centers are the cornerstone of Nashville's youth hockey development, backed by the Nashville Predators. The tournament frequently utilizes both major locations:
- Ford Ice Center Antioch: Located southeast of downtown, this facility is a primary twin-rink venue for local and traveling tournaments.
- Ford Ice Center Bellevue: Situated southwest of the city, this is another modern, twin-rink facility that offers a full range of amenities for players and spectators.
2. Centennial Sportsplex Ice Arenas
A long-standing fixture in the Nashville sports community, the Centennial Sportsplex is centrally located near downtown and is a common venue for major hockey tournaments.
Other Notable Local Rinks
While the main tournament is typically hosted at the Ford Ice Centers and the Sportsplex, the broader Nashville hockey scene includes other important facilities, such as the Gary Force Acura Ice Arena in Nolensville, which is home to the Nashville Warriors Hockey Club and the Nashville Spartans USPHL Club.
Beyond the Boards: The Ultimate Nashville Family Itinerary
One of the biggest draws of the Kings of Spring Nashville is the opportunity for families to experience "Music City" during their downtime. The tournament organizers explicitly encourage teams to enjoy the local attractions, turning a hockey trip into a family vacation.
Here are essential entities and activities to build your family’s Nashville itinerary, ensuring a perfect balance between competitive hockey and world-class entertainment:
The Music and Entertainment District
No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to the city’s vibrant core.
- Broadway: This is the epicenter of Nashville's music scene, famous for its honky-tonk bars and live music venues. While the honky-tonks are adult-focused, the atmosphere and sights during the day are a must-see for all ages.
- The Ryman Auditorium: Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," a tour of this historic venue is a compelling stop.
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: An immersive experience detailing the history and legends of country music.
- Bridgestone Arena: Home of the Nashville Predators (NHL), even if there isn't a game, seeing the exterior and the surrounding downtown area is a key part of the experience.
Sports and Adventure for the Whole Family
For families who want to keep the sports energy going, Nashville is a sports fan's playground.
- Nashville Sounds Baseball: Catching a Minor League Baseball game offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, especially with the team’s new downtown stadium.
- Professional Sports Teams: Depending on the season, explore the venues of the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and the Nashville Soccer Club.
- Adventure Parks: For a break from the ice, consider an outdoor adrenaline rush. The Adventure Park at Nashville offers a zipline and ropes course experience, while the SOAR Adventure Tower features a massive aerial adventure tower with over 110 ropes course obstacles.
Dining and Local Flavor
Nashville's culinary scene is as famous as its music. Families should plan to sample some local specialties:
- Hot Chicken: A Nashville staple; Prince's Hot Chicken Shack and Hattie B's are legendary starting points.
- BBQ: Places like Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint offer true Southern smoked flavor.
- The Gulch: A trendy neighborhood with numerous upscale and casual dining options, perfect for a team dinner.
The Significance of Bantam Major Hockey
The Kings of Spring Nashville is not just another tournament; it is a critical checkpoint for players entering the Bantam Major age group. This transition is highly significant in the world of youth hockey.
At this level, the game becomes faster, more physical, and the scouting process begins to intensify. The Bantam Major season is often the last stop before Midget and Junior hockey, making tournaments like the Kings of Spring essential for exposure and development.
The SuperSeries format, which showcases elite AAA talent, ensures that the competition level is extremely high, providing players with the challenging environment needed to elevate their game. For many, this is a pivotal experience that shapes their next steps in competitive hockey.
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