If You're Visiting Tampa Bay, You Need to Go to a Tampa Bay Lightning Game
A Lightning game offers a unique invitation into what makes Tampa Bay…Tampa Bay. You don’t have to be a diehard hockey fan to have a fun night out, cheering on the Bolts, alongside the Tampa community. In the end, anyone can “be the Thunder” if they’re visiting Tampa (and should).
Doors open, crowd is ready. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
I’ve always felt that sports are a decidedly underrated way to get a feel for the local culture.
It’s not just about attending the game itself, and seeing the respective team, it’s about seeing how the fans support that team, what the game experience is like, and how that reflects the community itself. Perhaps most importantly, if you’re someone who has had the pleasure of seeing a lot of games in a lot of places — it’s about seeing how this team, arena, and their fans, do things differently.
When the Tampa Bay Lightning became the first NHL team in Florida in the early 90s, there were a lot of people in sports media who weren’t sure if the team would have staying power here. Well, it’s safe to say they couldn’t have been more wrong.
Not only has the team been an example on the operations side about what it means to have alignment between ownership, staff and players, but the support for the team, and the community around it, is something to behold.
On a personal level, I’ve been a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan (yes, I’ll accept your pity in that regard). The average Torontonian has been priced out of the rink, quite frankly, and I do agree that our culture has become a little dull and corporate as a result.
Everywhere I looked in Tampa, I saw the community. The rink was buzzing, the entertainment in the arena (and outside it) was impressive, and the offerings for fans were top-tier. And these offerings weren’t just for the corporate elite (though they did have some great offerings for those who are business focused), they were for all people from the city.
When people think of “hockey cities,” they often think of the original six teams (New York Rangers, Montreal Canadians, Boston Bruins etc) — but I’m here to tell you that, when I was walking along the Tampa Riverwalk on the way to the arena, and I could see jerseys everywhere, I came to realize that this is undoubtedly “a hockey city.”
As I alluded to before, I’ve been fortunate to attend a lot of games in a lot of cities — to me, this is a hockey experience that rivals anywhere. If it’s hockey season and you’re in Tampa Bay, I’d urge you to consider grabbing a ticket and cheering on the Lightning. There’s a real feeling of connection that comes with standing beside 20,000 locals, and gifting yourself an unforgettable night on the town.
Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means we may earn a small commission for some of the travel tips in this article at no additional cost to you.
Why Do We Feel Attending a Lightning Game Needs To Be on Your Tampa Itinerary?
It’s not just one thing, it’s many, so let’s break down what makes this experience both unique and special, and is almost guaranteed to make your trip to Tampa a more memorable one.
The Lightning Are a Talented, Consistent squad
Kucherov’s dad was there to celebrate his 700th assist. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Since 1992, there have been some incredible players to don the electric blue. I can still vividly remember the likes of Andreychuk, Lecalvier, and St. Louis putting the world on notice that the Tampa Bay Lightning were not a team to be reckoned with. The modern era of the team has been the picture of consistency, and has continued that legacy.
They often play an uptempo style of game that means that games are going to be nothing if not entertaining. The chapter after some of those aforementioned greats featured/features players like Stamkos, Hedman, Kucherov, Hagel, and Vasilevsky. Some teams try to lock things down, and play a defensive game that, quite honestly, can make for some mind numbing hockey, but not the Lightning. It’s run and gun…and a lot of fun.
We had the pleasure to sit beside a gentlemen from Visit Tampa Bay named Bryan, and before he was working in tourism, he spent a decade working for the Lightning, alongside folks on the management side like Steve Yzerman. Being able to hear some of the stories from the backend, and how deliberate the Lightning were in building what they’ve built…it was just incredible to me. All those seeds that were planted, well you can see how they’ve grown as a fan in the stands.
Of course, no team is at the top every season, that’s just not how sports work, but the Lightning are an example of what pro sports consistency can look like. Remember, I’m a Leafs fan, and we haven’t won since 1967. The Lightning, a team created about 25 years after our last cup — has won it in 2004, 2020, and 2021, and been a real contender deep into the playoffs many other years.
That’s easier said than done, and worth recognizing and applauding.
The Arena is a Premiere Entertainment Venue
Lightning-throwing tesla coils, a video display board that’s one of the biggest in North America, an 11,000 square foot sky desk with incredible views of the city, a 105-rank digital pipe organ, a renovated grand plaza entrance, comfortable padded seats, and even a 1 acre organic vegetable garden — yes, this place is something.
Personally, I was most taken with all the action taking place outside the arena before the game even got rolling, which is colloquially called “Thunder Alley.” It’s a place for attendees to enjoy a festive atmosphere pre-game, and even a place for people who aren’t attending to feel a part of the action. It’s worth noting that they have watch parties here where fans can watch games on a huge outdoor screen.
We were fortunate enough to have “Club Seats,” which gave us action to multiple floors of premiere hospitality. Specifically, we had “The Mark” tickets, which means we had all-inclusive food, beverages and more. And the food and drinks on offer were top shelf. I was eating fresh shrimp and sipping on an old fashioned for roughly the same price as tickets in the upper deck would run you back for the Maple Leafs.
I saw people conducting meetings there while the game was on, but also hardcore fans who wanted a few hours of what felt like an all inclusive vacation. We were there to see the Leafs play the Lightning, and the Lightning dominated, but I couldn’t find a way to wipe the smile from my face because of the incredible sports and hospitality experience that was offer. The private bathrooms, and access to the Cigar Lounge also didn’t hurt!
I would spend the intermissions wandering around the two floors, simply in awe of all that was included with the ticket. I should also mention that, if you do go for “The Mark” tickets, VIP parking is indeed included.
There’s Something For EVeryone at a Lightning Game
It’s a family friendly atmosphere, so you can set out as a family who happens to be in the city and catch a great game with entertainment at the forefront. That being said, if you’re there for business, you can also spree for tickets like we had, conduct meetings without a fuss, and enjoy food and beverages as you wish.
The arena and the entire experience was designed for a “fun night out.” You don’t have to be diehard hockey fan (like yours truly) to genuinely enjoy yourself here.
Considering the location of the arena (it’s centrally located, and likely walkable for you if you’re staying downtown), you can make a day of it. Why not visit a restaurant, explore a neighbourhood, then add the game into the mix? Bri actually put together a guide of some cool things to do in Tampa, so take a peek at what might pad your experience.
It would not be hard at all to do something like paddle boarding on the Hillsborough River, grabbing a bite at Armature Works, then walking along the Tampa Riverwalk to catch the game that night. That’s all part of the magic.
“Be the Thunder” at a Lightning Game
Ready for puck drop with Bri! Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Whoever is in charge of marketing for the Tampa Bay Lightning deserves a raise. They lean into their team name, which adds to the fan experience. Everything is centred around thunder, lightning, and “being a spark” in the crowd. You’re there, alongside so many others, to cheer on “The Bolts,” and asked to “be the thunder.”
I loved being outside the arena roughly an hour before puck-drop, and a big countdown being set off to welcome fans to the arena, then watching fans excitedly pour into the arena. If that doesn’t tell you that hockey has a home in Tampa, I don’t know what will.
But I think, more than anything, it was the emphasis on this being fun that I loved. I would be heading off to try a different food stand (and my goodness is there a lot of good food on offer), and be stopped by a mascot like “Thunderbug” riding a little bike, weaving in and out of fans. There was never a dull moment.
We’ve been fortunate enough to experience a lot in the world of US Travel, but as Bri alluded to in her article, and I firmly concur, there’s something different about Tampa, and I believe attending a Lightning game is an awfully good way to discover that for yourself.
Thank you to Visit Tampa Bay for hosting us as media. All opinions are completely our own.