Lightning Overview

Fast facts

League: Eastern Conference Atlantic Division

Head Coach: Jon Cooper

Team Mascot: ThunderBug

Year Opened: 1996

Capacity: 20500

City / State: Tampa / Florida

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Governor’s Cup

Rival Team: Florida Panthers

The Lightning and Panthers compete for the Governor’s Cup, which was introduced in 2013. The rivalry began in 1993 when the Panthers joined the league, and the two teams have played in the same division since then. There are always a lot of bragging rights on the line when the Panthers are in town so make sure to get your tickets.

Lightning Stadium Guide

In Game

The Lightnings have left no stone unturned when it comes to building a fanbase, and it shows. The team even gives away free tickets to potential fans, so those of you who have never been to a Lightning game have little excuse not to go.

Recently, the Lightning have also put a fair amount of money into their arena to make it one of the best venues in the NHL. Amalie Arena is home to several tributes to some of the best players in the team’s short history. There are also plenty of things to do inside and outside the arena before and during the game. Thunder Alley allows fans to enjoy live music and win prizes before the game and you’ll struggle to find a better view of Tampa then the one from the Party Deck inside Amalie Arena.

Another area where the Lightning shine is by providing fun gameday entertainment. Not only do the Lightning have a mascot, like most NHL teams, they also have a dance team, a hype squad, and emcee. All of these things do a fantastic job of keeping fans engaged throughout the game.

These efforts to increase the fan base have helped make a Lightning game one of the better experiences in the NHL, and make a trip to Tampa well worth your time.

Things to check out

Phil Esposito Statue

The Lightning honor Hall of Famer Phil Esposito who played an important part in bringing a team to Tampa with a statue outside the arena. The statue is a must see for hockey fans everywhere, particularly Bruins fans.

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Championship and Retired Number Banners

Hanging from the rafters you’ll see banners honoring the 2003-04 Stanley Cup winning team and Martin St. Louis. Remember the Lightning's incredible cup run by taking in these two banners.

Thunder Alley

Enjoy activities and win great prizes at Thunder Alley before the game. Those of you looking for something to do before the game will find exactly what you’re looking for at Thunder Alley.

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Party Deck

The Party Deck inside Amalie Arena offers you an excellent view of downtown Tampa and is the perfect place to meet with friends before or during the game. Take a minute to check out the Party Deck during your trip to Tampa.

Between the Pipes

Between the Pipes is arguably the best place to grab a drink while attending a Lightning game. It’s the only full-service bar in the arena, so if you’re looking for a wide variety of drinks then look no further than Between the Pipes.

Tim Horton’s

Snowbirds making the trip to Tampa to escape the winter will feel right at home thanks to the presence of Tim Horton’s inside Amalie Arena. Even if you’re not a Canadian, you’ll still enjoy a cup of joe from Tim Horton’s.

Wall Projection

If you’re in Tampa and unable to get tickets for some reason, you can still watch the game at the arena thanks to the large projection outside the stadium.

Amalie Arena Tours

Take a tour of Amalie Arena before the game. The tours take place 3.5 hours before the game and cost $7 for adults, so take advantage of your opportunity to get exclusive access to Amalie Arena.

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“Lightning Strikes”

Located in the northwest and southeast ends of the arena, these 25 ft Tesla coils are lit when the Lightning take the ice and after every Tampa Bay goal. Keep your eye out for these coils when the Lightning light the lamp.

ThunderBug

ThunderBug interacts with fans on game days and provides in-game entertainment. Keep an eye out for ThunderBug for your chance to meet the Lightning’s mascot.

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Lightning Girls

The Lightning Girls dance teams entertain the crowd with a variety of different dance routines. Don’t miss these talented performers when attending a Lightning game if you want to get the full experience.

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Bolt Brigade

The Bolt Brigade perform a variety of promotions including everyone’s favorite, the t-shirt toss. Get loud when you see the Bolt Brigade for your chance to win some great Lightning prizes.

Paul Porter

Porter has been the Lightning’s PA announcer for 23 seasons and has become a game day institution in Tampa. Listen for Porter to energize the crowd with his thrilling in-game calls.

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Greg Wolf

If Porter isn’t enough to energize you, the Lightning have an emcee as well. Wolf is in his 8th season and will bring everyone to their feet when in-stand activities and promotions are underway.

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Sean Bovelsky and Krystof Srebkowski

DJ Bovelsky and organist Srebkowski do an excellent job of providing in-game music that brings everyone into the action. Keep your ears open during the game as you wouldn’t want to miss the musical stylings of these two.

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Fight Songs

  1. Fluxland

    Lightning goal song

  2. Can’t Touch This

    Goal song when Steven Stamkos scores

    ou can’t touch this [5x]

    My, my, my, my music hits me so hard
    Makes me say, “Oh my Lord,
    Thank you for blessing me
    With a mind to rhyme and two hype feet.”
    It feels good, when you know you’re down
    A super dope homeboy from the Oaktown
    And I’m known as such
    And this is a beat, uh, you can’t touch

    I told you homeboy (You can’t touch this)
    Yeah, that’s how we living and you know (You can’t touch this)
    Look at my eyes, man (You can’t touch this)
    Yo, let me bust the funky lyrics (You can’t touch this)

    Fresh new kicks, and pants
    You gotta like that, now you know you wanna dance
    So move, outta your seat
    And get a fly girl and catch this beat
    While it’s rolling, hold on
    Pump a little bit and let ’em know it’s going on
    Like that, like that
    Cold on a mission so fall them back
    Let ’em know, that you’re too much
    And this is a beat, uh, they can’t touch

    Yo, I told you (You can’t touch this)
    Why you standing there, man? (You can’t touch this)
    Yo, sound the bell, school is in, sucker (You can’t touch this)

    Give me a song, or rhythm
    Make ’em sweat, that’s what I’m giving ’em now,
    They know
    You talking about the Hammer you talking about a show
    That’s hyped, and tight
    Singers are sweating so pass them a wipe
    Or a tape, to learn
    What’s it gonna take in the 90’s to burn
    The charts? Legit
    Either work hard or you might as well quit

    That’s word because you know…

    You can’t touch this [3x]

    Break it down!

    Stop, Hammer time!

    Go with the flow, it is said
    If you can’t groove to this then you probably are dead
    So wave your hands in the air
    Bust a few moves, run your fingers through your hair
    This is it, for a winner
    Dance to this and you’re gonna get thinner
    Move, slide your rump
    Just for a minute let’s all do the bump, bump, bump, bump

    Yeah… (You can’t touch this)
    Look, man (You can’t touch this)
    You better get hype, boy, because you know you can’t (You can’t touch this)
    Ring the bell, school’s back in

    Break it down!

    Stop, Hammer time!

    You can’t touch this [4x]

    Break it down!

    Stop, Hammer time!

    Every time you see me
    The Hammer’s just so hype
    I’m dope on the floor and I’m magic on the mic
    Now why would I ever stop doing this?
    With others making records that just don’t hit
    I’ve toured around the world, from London to the Bay
    It’s “Hammer, go Hammer, MC Hammer, yo Hammer”
    And the rest can go and play

    You can’t touch this [8x]

  3. Taking Care of Business

    Goal song when Viktor Hedman scores

    [Musical Intro]

    You get up every morning
    From your ‘larm clock’s warning
    Take the 8:15 into the city
    There’s a whistle up above
    And people pushin’, people shovin’
    And the girls who try to look pretty
    And if your train’s on time
    You can get to work by nine
    And start your slaving job to get your pay
    If you ever get annoyed
    Look at me I’m self-employed
    I love to work at nothing all day
    And I’ll be

    Taking care of business (every day)
    Taking care of business (every way)
    I’ve been taking care of business (it’s all mine)
    Taking care of business and working overtime
    Work out

    If it were easy as fishin’
    You could be a musician
    If you could make sounds loud or mellow
    Get a second-hand guitar
    Chances are you’ll go far
    If you get in with the right bunch of fellows
    People see you having fun
    Just a-lying in the sun
    Tell them that you like it this way
    It’s the work that we avoid
    And we’re all self-employed
    We love to work at nothing all day
    And we be

    Taking care of business (every day)
    Taking care of business (every way)
    We be been taking care of business (it’s all mine)
    Taking care of business and working overtime

    Mercy
    Whooooo
    All right

    [Instrumental Interlude]

    Take good care of my business
    When I’m away, every day
    Whoooo

    You get up every morning
    From your ‘larm clock’s warning
    Take the 8:15 into the city
    There’s a whistle up above
    And people pushin’, people shovin’
    And the girls who try to look pretty
    And if your train’s on time
    You can get to work by nine
    And start your slaving job to get your pay
    If you ever get annoyed
    Look at me I’m self-employed
    I love to work at nothing all day
    And I’ll be

    Taking care of business (every day)
    Taking care of business (every way)
    I’ve been taking care of business (it’s all mine)
    Taking care of business and working overtime

    [Brief Instrumental Interlude]

    Takin’ care of business, whoo
    Takin’ care of business
    Takin’ care of business
    Takin’ care of business
    Takin’ care of business (every day)
    Takin’ care of business (every way)
    Takin’ care of business (it’s all mine)
    Takin’ care of business
    And working overtime
    Whoooo
    Takin’ care of business
    Takin’ care of business
    Takin’ care of business
    We be Takin’ care of business
    We be Takin’ care of business
    Takin’ care of business
    Takin’ care of business

    [Fades Out]

  4. Let's Go Lightning! Chant

    Let’s Go Lightning!

    Let’s Go Lightning!

    Let’s Go Lightning!

Lightning Bars & Restaurants

  1. Splitsville

    Splitsville wine

    Swanky bowling center enhanced by pool tables, TVs, bars & a restaurant serving sushi & more.

    615 Channelside Dr #120, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Cafe Dufrain

    Cafe Dufrain

    Relaxed space for modern takes on global cuisine in a waterfront establishment with a warm ambiance.

    707 Harbour Post Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-275-9701

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  3. Jacksons Bistro Bar & Sushi

    Jacksons Bistro Bar Sushi

    Waterfront spot with an eclectic menu, including sushi, plus nightlife, private rooms & a patio.

    601 S Harbour Island Blvd #100, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-277-0112

    Bar website

    american - asian - $$

  4. Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk

    Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk

    Open since 1905, this landmark with 15 dining rooms offers Cuban-Spanish dishes & flamenco dancing.

    801 Old Water St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-228-0097

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Cry Baby Cafe

    Cry Baby Cafe

    Cry Baby Cafe is about simple, rustic and fresh foods.

    710 Harbour Post Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-443-4956

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  6. First Watch

    First Watch

    Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.

    520 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-307-9006

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza

    Eddie Sams NY Pizza

    Thin-crust pizza by the pie or slice made with New York water at a casual, counter-serve spot.

    203 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-229-8500

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  8. Dio Modern Mediterranean

    Paninoteca

    Simple brick-lined cafe offering sangria, Mediterranean salads & panini, plus hookah & DJ music.

    519 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-341-2525

    Bar website

    european - $$

  9. Inside the Box Café

    Inside the Box Cafe

    Good Food. Doing Good.

    2002 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-209-1272

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  10. Taco Bus

    Taco Bus

    Converted school bus doles out Mexican street fare, including vegan plates, around the clock.

    505 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-397-2800

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  11. Spain Restaurant and Toma Bar

    Spain Restaurant and Toma Bar

    Sleek spot near Performing Arts Center featuring Galacian seafood & tapas plus live flamenco music.

    513 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-223-2831

    Bar website

    european - $$

  12. Bamboozle Cafe

    Bamboozle Cafe

    Let them bamboozle you into healthy living!

    516 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-223-7320

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  13. Cena

    Cena

    Cena is a modern, fresh and simple Italian food served in a contemporary and stylish setting in the Grand Central building.

    1120 E Kennedy Blvd UNIT 112, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-374-8840

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  14. Fabrica Woodfired Pizza

    Fabrica Woodfired Pizza

    At Frabrica, we bring the taste and energy of a Neopolitan Pizzeria to our guests. Our hand-streteched dough is made using 00 flour.

    142 S Meridian Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-605-0764

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  15. Ferg’s Live

    Fergs Live

    Modern, cavernous game-day spot with pub grub, draft beer & cocktails, plus a lineup of bands.

    490 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-443-8403

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  16. Hattrick’s Tavern

    Owlz Pub Sand Trap Scorpions Bar Grill

    Set in a historic building, this hockey-themed sports bar joins comfort food, beer & game-watching.

    107 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-225-4288

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  17. The Hub Bar

    The Hub Bar

    Laid-back 1940s-vintage bar attracts a diverse clientele with strong drinks & an acclaimed jukebox.

    719 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    813-229-1553

    Bar website

    american - $

  18. Splitsville

    Splitsville

    Swanky bowling center enhanced by pool tables, TVs, bars & a restaurant serving sushi & more.

    145 Second St E #120, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

    813-514-2695

    Bar website

    american - $$