Can you believe it’s been 30 years since Phil l Esposito has brought hockey to Tampa? The Tampa Bay Lightning are celebrating their 30th season this year and they’ve announced a bunch of celebrations prior and throughout the season. The first festivity will begin with Saturday, October 1st with a FREE season kick-off event.
It’s not the fan-fest you remember, but it’s still an exclusive chance to see and hear from current players, alumni, and coaches. Starting at 4p.m. fans can see exclusive interviews with Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Julien Brisebois and Head Coach Jon Cooper. Fans will also get to hear from Lightning alumni like Dave Andreychuk, Brian Bradley, Ryan Malone and more! After the interviews fans will watch current and former Lightning players compete in a series of game shows. The day concludes with a concert from legendary 90’s band Smash Mouth. Season ticket members, partners and suite holders will be able to enter one hour early at 3 p.m. for an exclusive alumni autograph signing session. You’ll still need tickets to get in the door, click here to claim yours!
The second festivity for the Lightning’s 30th season celebration is a public practice inside Amalie Arena. Fans can head back to Amalie the next day, October 2nd to watch the Bolts prepare for the upcoming 2022-23 season. Following their third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance, the Lightning aren’t done yet. The boys are ready to get back on the ice and finish what they started. They’re looking to become the first team to reach the Cup Final in four consecutive seasons since the 1983 New York Islanders.
Practice begins at 10:30 a.m. with doors opening at 10 a.m. This is also a free event, but you’ll still need tickets to get into the arena. Click here to claim yours.
In addition to the free season kick off events, the Lightning will also host 30th season celebrations with in-game theme nights, anniversary content, and community give backs throughout the year.