Predators get new arena lease with Metro

By MICHAEL CASS • Staff Writer • April 15, 2008 The Nashville Predators have a new lease at the Sommet Center - one their owners say will give them a better chance of succeeding in Nashville - after a decisive Metro Council vote tonight. The council voted 30-8 for the new agreement, which comes after months of negotiations. It will give the hockey team's owners more money for managing the facility and more incentives for booking top events there while also protecting the city's investment in the Predators more effectively. A group of mostly local investors bought the Predators last fall from Craig Leipold, who said he lost some $70 million in nine-plus years. The Predators trail the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 in a first-round playoff series that continues Wednesday night at the Sommet Center.