When you hear "Kings of Spring Nashville," your brain probably goes straight to some country music festival or a massive bar crawl on Broadway. Honestly, it makes sense. It's Nashville. But if you’re hanging out at the Ford Ice Center or Centennial Sportsplex in late May, you’ll realize pretty quickly that this has nothing to do with acoustic guitars and everything to do with elite AAA youth hockey.
It is loud. It is cold. And it is arguably the most intense invitation-only tournament in the southern United States.
What Kings of Spring Nashville actually is
Basically, this isn't a "sign up and play" kind of weekend. The Kings of Spring Nashville is a premier SuperSeries AAA Elite Hockey event. We are talking about the top tier of youth talent, specifically focusing on birth years like 2011 and 2012 as they transition into their Bantam seasons.
Most people don't realize that Nashville has quietly become a massive hockey hub. Since the Predators’ Cup run years ago, the infrastructure here has exploded. You've got rinks popping up in Antioch, Bellevue, and Nolensville. This tournament utilizes all of them. For a few days in May—specifically May 22–25 in 2026—the city is flooded with families from Minnesota, Michigan, and even Finland.
Yeah, Finland. The World Hockey Group actually coordinates international trips specifically for this event.
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The venues: Where the hits happen
If you're heading down for the tournament, you aren't just staying in one spot. The schedule is spread across the Nashville area, and you’ll likely spend a lot of time in your car.
Centennial Sportsplex Ice Arenas
This is the OG. It's right near Vanderbilt and the Parthenon. It’s got two sheets of ice and serves as the practice facility for the Preds. The vibe here is old-school but high-energy.
Ford Ice Center (Antioch and Bellevue)
These are the shiny new toys. The Antioch location helped revitalize that part of town, and Bellevue is basically a hockey palace. Both have great snack bars, which, let’s be real, is where the parents spend half their time anyway.
Gary Force Acura Ice Arena
Located in Nolensville (just south of the city), this is the home of the Nashville Warriors. It’s a bit of a trek if you’re staying downtown, but it’s a top-tier facility.
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Why the "Kings" label matters
There is a weird misconception that "Spring Hockey" is just for fun. Like, "oh, the season is over, let's go play some pond hockey in Tennessee."
That’s not this.
The Kings of Spring Nashville is an evaluation ground. Scouting reports from outlets like Neutral Zone are common here. In the 2025 event, scouts evaluated over 230 players. They aren't just looking for goals; they’re looking for hockey IQ, gap control, and how these kids handle the pressure of a 3-on-3 overtime period.
The East Coast Kings have a history of dominating this tournament. In 2025, they took the title in a 6-3 comeback win against Maroon Hockey. If you’re a player, winning here actually carries weight on your scouting profile.
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The logistics: What to expect in 2026
If you’re planning for the May 2026 tournament, there are some hard rules you need to know. The SuperSeries folks don't mess around with the schedule.
- The 8 AM Rule: You have to be ready to play at 8 AM on the first day. No exceptions.
- The 4 PM Finish: They aim to have everything wrapped up by 4 PM on the final day so people can catch flights.
- The Schedule Drop: You won’t see your actual game times until 7–10 days before the event. It makes booking dinner reservations on Broadway a total nightmare, but that's the nature of the beast.
- Neck Guards: They are mandatory. If your kid doesn't have one, they aren't stepping on the ice.
One of the best things about this specific tournament? They don’t charge a gate fee. In a world where youth sports feel like a constant cash grab, being able to walk into the rink without handing over twenty bucks is a small but appreciated win.
Is it worth the trip?
Look, Nashville in May is beautiful, but it’s also crowded. You’re competing with bachelorette parties and tourists for every square inch of sidewalk.
However, for a hockey family, it’s a unique experience. You get elite-level competition in a city that actually has things to do after the game. Most tournaments are stuck in random suburbs with nothing but a Buffalo Wild Wings nearby. Here, you’re ten minutes away from some of the best food in the country.
Actionable Next Steps for 2026:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your team meets the AAA Elite criteria. This is invitation-only, so if you haven't been reached out to, your coach needs to email info@superserieshockey.com.
- Book the Hotel Early: Do not wait for the schedule. Nashville hotels fill up months in advance for Memorial Day weekend. Aim for the West End area to stay central to both Centennial and the Ford rinks.
- Check Your Gear: Double-check that all players have certified neck guards and updated team insurance. The rink managers at these facilities are known for being strict on the paperwork side.
- Plan Off-Ice Activities: If you have a break, hit up the Nashville Zoo or the "Zoolumination" if it’s still running, though usually, the spring focus is on the downtown Broadway experience.
The Kings of Spring Nashville is essentially the "Sundance" of youth hockey in the South. It's high-stakes, high-visibility, and a total blast if you can handle the cold rinks in the middle of a Tennessee spring.