NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The NHL All-Star game will be played Nashville in 2016, bringing the showcase to Music City.

Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the game Friday at a news conference at the Bridgestone Arena, home to the Nashville Predators.

Bettman says Nashville has a passion for hockey and the Predators, making this a perfect marriage of "Music City and Hockey."

The Predators hosted the NHL's entry draft in 2003 and have been on a short list to host the All-Star game. But Nashville needed a bigger downtown convention center to host all the festivities connected with the game. The Music City Center opened in May 2013.