If you are looking for ice skating on the south side of Nashville, Ford Ice Center Antioch is your rink. Operated by the Nashville Predators organization, it is one of the most well-equipped public skating facilities in Middle Tennessee — a 90,000 square foot complex with two full NHL-size sheets of ice, a pro shop, concessions, and year-round programming for skaters of every level.
It is not the cheapest option in Nashville. But it is one of the best.
Here is everything you need to know before you visit.
The Quick Facts
Address: 5264 Hickory Hollow Pkwy, Antioch, TN 37013 Phone: 615-742-4389 Operated by: Nashville Predators / Ford Ice Center Ice sheets: Two full NHL-size rinks Reservations: Required for public skate — online booking only Payment: Cashless facility — cards and digital payment only
Public Skate Pricing
Ford Ice Center Antioch uses a two-tier pricing structure based on session time:
- Matinee public skate: $10.98 plus tax
- Evening public skate: $13.73 plus tax
- Skate rental: Included in both admission prices
- Ages 2 and under: Free at most sessions
For a family of four — two adults, two kids over two — expect to pay roughly $44-55 all-in depending on session time. That is meaningfully more expensive than Centennial Sportsplex downtown, but the reservation system guarantees your spot and the facility quality is a step up.
Important: Ford Ice is a fully cashless facility. No cash is accepted anywhere in the building. Bring a card or set up Apple Pay before you go.
Cancellations: A 24-hour notice is required for a refund. If you need to cancel, contact Ford Ice Center Antioch directly through the link on the Predators website.
How to Reserve Your Spot
This is the most important thing to know about Ford Ice Center Antioch: you cannot walk in for public skate. All sessions require advance online reservations through the DaySmart Recreation platform.
How to book:
- Create a free DaySmart Recreation account at fordicecenter.com or download the DaySmart app on iPhone or Android
- Log in and search for available public skate sessions at the Antioch location
- Select your session, add skate rental if needed, and complete payment
- Your confirmation is your entry — bring it on your phone or print it
Sessions book up, especially on weekend afternoons and during school breaks. If you are planning a weekend family outing, check availability and reserve a few days ahead rather than the day of. Weekday matinee sessions tend to have more availability.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Ford Ice Center Antioch sits in the Hickory Hollow area of Antioch, part of a Metro Nashville campus that also includes a public library and community center. The building is 90,000 square feet — large, modern, and easy to navigate.
When you arrive, head to the main entrance and check in at the front desk with your reservation confirmation. Skate rental is handled at the rental counter near the rink entrance — give the attendant your shoes and pick up your skates.
The rink area is clean and well-maintained. Two NHL-size sheets means public skate sessions are rarely overcrowded, even at busy times. The boards are in good condition and the ice is resurfaced regularly.
Seating and viewing: Spectator seating is available for parents and non-skating guests. Spectators do not need a reservation and can accompany your group to watch.
Temperature: Like all indoor rinks, the ice area runs around 55-60 degrees. Bring a light jacket or layer regardless of the season outside.
Perani's Hockey World Pro Shop
One of the things that distinguishes the Ford Ice Center locations from most Nashville rinks is the in-house Perani's Hockey World pro shop. Ford Ice Center Antioch and Bellevue are both home to a Perani's location — one of the premier hockey equipment retailers in the United States.
For skaters, this means:
- Skate sales: A full selection of hockey and figure skates across price ranges, with staff who can help you find the right fit
- Skate sharpening: Professional sharpening service available on-site
- Skate fitting: If you are buying your first pair of personal skates, the Perani's staff at Ford Ice can fit you properly — something rental desks cannot do
- Equipment and accessories: Helmets, gloves, protective gear, laces, blade guards, and more
If you have been skating on rentals and are ready to invest in your own skates, a visit to Perani's at Ford Ice Antioch is one of the best options in Nashville. The staff know skating equipment well and the selection is far broader than a typical sporting goods store.
Learn to Skate Programs
Ford Ice Center Antioch is home to the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy's Learn to Skate program — widely considered one of the best learn-to-skate programs in the South. The program uses the Learn to Skate USA curriculum and is designed for skaters from complete beginners through intermediate skill levels.
Who it is for: All ages. Programs are available for tots (ages 3-5), youth (ages 6-15), and adults (ages 16 and up). Classes are grouped by skill level, not age, so beginners of all ages start together and progress through levels at their own pace.
What is included:
- On-ice instruction from certified coaches
- Unlimited public skate access for registered athletes during the 6-week session
- Progression through the Learn to Skate USA skill levels
Current pricing: Standard 6-week session registration runs approximately $150. However, Ford Ice periodically offers promotional rates — following the 2026 Milan Olympics, the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy launched a Gold Medal Special offering 50% off registration fees for new skaters. Check the Ford Ice Center website for current promotions before registering at full price.
Nashville Predators Season Ticket Citizens receive 15% off learn-to-skate registration — another perk if you are a Preds fan.
Spring 2026 session: The Spring 1 session at Antioch and Bellevue started the week of February 23 and runs through April 11, 2026. Spring 2 registration information will be posted on the Ford Ice Center website.
Youth Hockey Programs
Ford Ice Center Antioch is a major hub for youth hockey development in Middle Tennessee, serving as home ice for the Nashville Junior Predators program and hosting youth hockey leagues, tournaments, and development programs throughout the year.
For families with kids interested in hockey — not just skating — Ford Ice Antioch offers:
G.O.A.L. Program (Get Out and Learn): A free on-ice youth hockey introduction series from the Nashville Predators, designed for boys and girls ages 4-8 with no prior hockey or skating experience. Participants receive on-ice instruction from USA Hockey certified coaches, complimentary equipment to use during the program, a hockey jersey to keep, and a graduation certificate.
Learn to Play: A structured program for skaters ready to transition from pure skating skills to hockey fundamentals — stick handling, passing, shooting, and game concepts.
Junior Predators: The competitive youth hockey program for more advanced players, organized by age group and skill level.
Adult Programs
Ford Ice Center Antioch is not just for kids. Adult programming is robust and active year-round.
Adult Learn to Skate: Available for complete beginners through intermediate adult skaters. Separate from the youth program, adult sessions are designed around the specific needs and pace of adult learners. If you are an adult who has never skated and wants to learn in a structured environment without kids around, this is the program.
Adult Hockey Leagues: Organized recreational and competitive adult hockey leagues run throughout the season at Ford Ice Antioch. Multiple skill levels are available. Check the Ford Ice Center website for current league registration.
Open Hockey and Stick and Puck: Drop-in sessions for hockey players to skate freely and work on skills without a structured game. Requires advance reservation like all other sessions.
Birthday Parties
Ford Ice Center Antioch offers birthday party packages that are genuinely well-suited for kids who like skating — or kids who have never tried it. The Powerplay Package runs $200 for up to 10 guests (additional guests at $15 per person) and includes one hour in a private party room, pizza, drinks, Icee vouchers, skate admission and rental for all guests, and four complimentary Nashville Predators tickets.
The Predators ticket inclusion is a nice touch — it turns a birthday party into a legitimate Preds game experience for the family. For hockey-loving families in south Nashville, this is one of the better party venue options in the area.
Concessions
The concession stand at Ford Ice Center Antioch serves a full range of food and drinks — sports drinks, snacks, and hot food options before and after skate sessions. Adult beverages are available for guests 21 and over.
Unlike Centennial Sportsplex, the Ford Ice concessions operate on the cashless system — same as the rest of the facility. No cash is needed or accepted anywhere on premises.
Getting There
Ford Ice Center Antioch is located in the Hickory Hollow area of Antioch, in southeast Nashville.
Address: 5264 Hickory Hollow Pkwy, Antioch, TN 37013
From downtown Nashville, take I-24 East toward Murfreesboro. Take exit 59A for Hickory Hollow Parkway and head south. Ford Ice Center Antioch is part of the Metro campus at Hickory Hollow, visible from the road. Parking is free and plentiful in the surrounding lot.
From Murfreesboro and the south, take I-24 North to the same exit. The drive from central Murfreesboro runs approximately 25-30 minutes.
From Brentwood and Franklin, take I-65 North to I-24 East, then follow the same route. Drive time from Cool Springs is roughly 20-25 minutes.
Ford Ice Antioch vs. Centennial Sportsplex
If you are deciding between Ford Ice Antioch and Centennial Sportsplex for a public skate visit, the choice comes down to a few key factors:
Choose Ford Ice Antioch if:
- You live in south Nashville, Antioch, or Murfreesboro
- You want to guarantee your spot with an advance reservation
- You prefer a newer, more modern facility with full restaurant and pro shop
- You are interested in hockey programming for kids or adults
- The higher price point is not a concern
Choose Centennial Sportsplex if:
- Budget matters — Centennial is roughly half the cost
- You want to be spontaneous and walk in without planning ahead
- You are closer to the West End or downtown
- You are enrolling in a non-hockey learn-to-skate program
Both are excellent facilities. The right choice depends almost entirely on where you live and what you are looking for from the experience.
Find More Nashville Rinks
For a complete guide to ice skating options across the Nashville area — including Centennial Sportsplex, Ford Ice Bellevue, and seasonal options — visit the Ice Skating Index Nashville guide.
New to skating and not sure where to start? Our complete beginner guide to ice skating covers everything from lacing up your skates to your first time on the ice.
Published by Ice Skating Index - your guide to everything on the ice.