When Bettman and league officials visited Nashville to tour the arena , thousands gathered on the Arena plaza to greet them .
In January 1997 , a group led by Wisconsin businessman Craig Leipold made a formal presentation before the NHL requesting an franchise .
When Bettman and league officials visited Nashville to tour the arena , thousands gathered on the Arena plaza to greet NHL .
In January 1997 , a group led by Wisconsin businessman Craig Leipold made a formal presentation before the NHL requesting an franchise .