Lightning Launch Weekend Plans Span the Bay

Tampa Bay Lightning fans eager to see the Eastern Conference champs hit the ice once more are invited to celebrate the upcoming season this weekend.

Lightning Launch Weekend kicks off Friday, Sept. 18, with Lightning Live at the Amalie Arena’s Ford Thunder Alley. The live musical event begins at 6 p.m. and costs nothing to attend. Local bands, including Zulu Wave, Tribal Style and UNRB will take the stage. DJs Capser and Lesage will also be on hand, along with a live painting demonstration by Pep Rally.

The team says fans can also count on a few guest appearances, as well. A Lightning player will make an appearance, along with ThunderBug, the Lightning Girls and the Bolt Brigade.

Food trucks will be on hand and discounted parking for $5 is being offered in the blue, silver, green, pink, brown, yellow, red and orange lots. The south garage will also offer discounted parking.

The fun moves to Clearwater on Saturday for Lightning Strikes. This event takes over Clearwater Beach, south of Pier 60, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It features a street hockey event with appearances by Lightning alumni. The Rolling Thunder fan truck will also be on site, along with the Lightning Girls, ThunderBug and the Bolt Brigade.

On Sunday, attentions turn back to Tampa for the annual Fan Fest. Doors at the arena open exclusively for season ticket holders at 9 a.m., and at 11 a.m. for the general public. While free, Fan Fest, does require a ticket. Season holders can get their tickets from their MyBoltsNation account while others are asked to visit www.tampabaylightning.com/lightninglaunch to get free tickets for the event.

Fan Fest features player autograph sessions, selfie stations, food trucks, a high school hockey shootout, the Prince of Wales Trophy and team scrimmages, among other festivities. Used equipment will be offered for sale and alumni autographs will be available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Fans are also asked to bring school supplies to benefit kids in need within Hillsborough County.

The Bolts’ first preseason game is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at home against the Nashville Predators. The first regular season game is also a home one on Oct. 8 against the Flyers.

For more details, visit the team’s website.

Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning