Tampa To Host NHL 2018 All-Stars

TAMPA, FL — The stars of the National Hockey League are coming to Tampa.

The National Hockey League Monday announced that the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the 2018 All-Star game. The game and competition will take place at AMALIE Arena Jan. 27 and 28. It’s the second time Tampa will have hosted the All-Star game after playing host in 1999.

The format will be 3-on-3 tournament divided into three 20-minute games, with star players from each NHL division making up the four All-Star teams: Pacific, Central, Atlantic, and Metropolitan, according to the NHL.

"We are thrilled to host the 2018 NHL All-Star Game at AMALIE Arena," Jeff Vinik, Chairman and Governor of the Tampa Bay Lightning said in a written release. "We've worked hard over the past several years to transform Tampa Bay into a hockey market. The honor of hosting the All-Star game validates that work, but it's not the end of our efforts. We pledge to work alongside the NHL as well as leaders across Tampa Bay to deliver a world class experience for All-Star players, fans and partners."

Tampa’s mayor Bob Buckhorn welcomed the announcement.

"Tampa's a world class destination that hosts events on the international stage better than anyone and there's no better city to host the NHL All-Star game in America," said Buckhorn in a statement issued by the NHL. "Whether you're attending a concert at Curtis Hixon Park, taking in the views of the city by water taxi or crossing the bay for some fun in the sand, there's something for everyone. Where's better than a hockey town with palm trees?"

Photo: (L-R) Shea Weber #6 of the Montreal Canadiens, Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals, Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ryan McDonagh #27 of the New York Rangers react to a goal during the 2017 Honda NHL All-Star Tournament Final between the Pacific Division All-Stars and the Metropolitan Division All-Stars at Staples Center on January 29, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)