The Thrill of Live Hockey: A Community Experience in Smashville
Ask any hockey fan how they became enthralled with the sport, and they’ll likely recount a moment that changed everything: attending a live game. The electric atmosphere, the roar of the crowd, and the thrill of the game create an experience that is hard to replicate. This sentiment transcends cultural, heritage, and background differences, uniting fans in a shared passion for the sport. In Nashville, affectionately known as Smashville, this sense of community is palpable, especially when it comes to the Nashville Predators.
Welcoming New Fans
Wendy Silva, the Director of El Jefe Radio, understands the transformative power of a live hockey game. When she sees someone of Hispanic heritage attending their first Predators game at Bridgestone Arena, she knows they are in for a treat. “When we first got invited to this project, we said, ‘As long as you make us feel welcome, as long as you make the community feel welcome, they will follow,’” Silva explains. This philosophy is at the heart of their partnership with the Predators. By creating an inclusive environment, the team fosters a sense of belonging that encourages fans to return.
Bridging the Gap with Spanish Broadcasting
While attending all 82 games in person may not be feasible for everyone, the Predators have taken significant steps to ensure that fans can still engage with the team. Enter El Jefe Radio, which has been broadcasting games in Spanish since spring 2022. This partnership has allowed Spanish-speaking fans throughout the region to stay connected to the Predators, regardless of whether they can attend games in person. Silva expresses her excitement about the collaboration, noting how it has evolved over the years. “We are growing, and we see the partnership really bond together even more this year,” she says, highlighting the unique blend of broadcasting styles that has emerged from this collaboration.
A Legacy of Community Engagement
El Jefe Radio has been a staple in Nashville and surrounding areas for over 30 years, serving as the only Spanish-speaking radio outlet in Middle Tennessee. With simulcast coverage that reaches more than 150,000 listeners, the station has a significant impact on the local Hispanic community. The addition of Predators games to their programming is a natural extension of their mission to engage with the community. Silva emphasizes that the partnership with the Predators aligns perfectly with their goals, stating, “We’ve been in the market for 30 years, and Preds are one of the best organizations that we have ever partnered with.”
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
The partnership between El Jefe and the Predators is not just about broadcasting games; it’s about celebrating culture and community. El Jefe covers numerous events within Middle Tennessee’s Hispanic community, including Hispanic Family Day and Fiestas Patrias. The inclusion of Predators games in their lineup allows them to reach a broader audience and create a more vibrant community atmosphere. Silva sees this as a crucial step in fostering connections among diverse groups. “The most exciting thing is seeing all the communities bond,” she shares, emphasizing her commitment to making everyone feel welcome.
A Night to Remember
The collaboration will be showcased during special events, such as the upcoming Hispanic Music Heritage Night when the Predators host the Seattle Kraken. This event is a testament to the growing relationship between El Jefe Radio and the Predators, highlighting the importance of cultural representation in sports. Silva believes that these initiatives are just the beginning of what’s to come, as both organizations work together to create a more inclusive environment for all fans.
A Vision for the Future
As the partnership continues to flourish, Wendy Silva remains focused on her primary goal: making every community feel welcome. By bridging the gap between the Predators and the Hispanic community, she hopes to cultivate a larger fan base that reflects the diversity of Nashville. “That’s why we’re part of it, because we want everybody to feel welcome and make a big fan base,” she concludes, embodying the spirit of unity that defines Smashville.
In a world where sports can often serve as a dividing line, the collaboration between El Jefe Radio and the Nashville Predators stands as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of community and the love of the game.