Nashville's makes historical mark with tailgate.

The Stanley Cup final is crazy to begin with, wherever it's played. It's the culmination of months of efforts and both players and fans are ready for the big finale. Motivation is not an issue for anyone and fun is the keyword.

However, the Nashville fans just went over the top today with their historical tailgate. According to multiple reports, this could be the biggest tailgate in hockey history, or lose to it.

#Smashville is rockin' and @OfficialJackson is the frontman. Watch the concert now! ????????

LIVE STREAM: https://t.co/XGBF3Xnal1 pic.twitter.com/elch2EI48M
— NHL (@NHL) June 3, 2017

Broadway. An hour before the Alan Jackson concert and two and a half hours before opening faceoff. pic.twitter.com/cMywCSGWqO
— Jim Diamond (@diamondhockey) June 3, 2017

#Smashville does the #StanleyCup BIG. #Preds pic.twitter.com/wmia6XUzx4
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) June 3, 2017

It is absolutely nutty out here. pic.twitter.com/OGqO8pJoDY
— Fang Fingers (@FangFingersTN) June 3, 2017

#Smashville pic.twitter.com/aytmZ54qdT
— NHL (@NHL) June 3, 2017

Why is this important? Simply because hockey has to continue to grow and Southern markets are the best target for it. Gary Bettman has a lot of things going against him, but it seems his vision of playing hockey in the South is finally paying off. The Nashville fans are as engaged and crazy as anywhere else in the league, even if it's 30 degrees Celsius outside.