Tampa Bay Lightning Donates Tickets To First Responders
The Tampa Bay Lightning, in partnership with Ticketmaster, has announced discounted tickets for the team’s first three home games, along with plans to donate hundreds of tickets to first responders and recovery workers. This initiative, called #TampaBayStrong, aims to unify the Bay Area, the Gulf Coast, and everyone affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
The games in this initiative are scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, against Vancouver, Thursday, October 17, against Vegas, and Thursday, October 24, against Minnesota. Tickets are available online.
As part of #TampaBayStrong, fans can purchase lower and club-level tickets starting at $75, with upper-level seats available from $25. The organization will also donate tickets to local first responders, recovery personnel, and their families, recognizing their efforts to restore the community.
Following Hurricane Helene, Lightning Owner and Chairman Jeff Vinik and the Lightning Foundation pledged $2 million to relief efforts. In addition, the entire Bolts roster visited first responders throughout the Bay Area, and team captain Victor Hedman personally donated $150,000 to support the Tampa Police Department and the Coast Guard Foundation.
Fans who want to join in the relief efforts are encouraged to donate through the Lightning Foundation at TampaBayLightning.com/Donate.
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s game on Saturday, October 12, against the Carolina Hurricanes at AMALIE Arena was postponed as the Tampa Bay region recovers from Hurricane Milton’s aftermath. A new date will be announced later.
In other news, Tropicana Field’s roof was severely damaged after Hurricane Milton’s landfall in Florida. The Tampa Bay Rays, the MLB team playing in the stadium, stated it could take “weeks” to fully assess the damage, though no injuries were reported.
Large portions of the stadium’s domed roof were torn off during the Category 3 hurricane’s high winds, exposing the catwalks and interior. The roof was damaged on all sides, flapping in the wind before eventually falling as rain continued throughout the night.
“During the past couple of weeks, our beloved city, region, and state have been impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” the franchise said. “We are devastated by the damage incurred by so many. Our priority is supporting our community and staff.
“We are fortunate and grateful that no one was hurt by the damage to our ballpark last night. Over the coming days and weeks, we expect to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field. In the meantime, we are working with law enforcement to secure the building.”
