The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced a detailed schedule for Fan Fest, presented by Florida Blue, on Sunday, September 25 beginning at 8 a.m. at AMALIE Arena. Bolts fans attending this free event will have the chance to meet some of their favorite players, enjoy giveaways and have the chance to watch live hockey for the first time since last spring.
The Lightning's annual Fan Fest event is free and open to the public, although fans must register for a ticket at tampabaylightning.com. The fun on Ford Thunder Alley begins at 8 a.m. with music and interactive activities. Doors to AMALIE Arena will open at 11 a.m. for the general public, while doors for Season Ticket Members will open at 9 a.m.
The team will be split into three groups for scrimmages, with the first on-ice session for the general public starting at 11:15 a.m. The second on-ice session will begin at noon. Each scrimmage will be 30 minutes. Season Ticket Members will have access to a 30-minute exclusive scrimmage session at 10:30 a.m. Following the final scrimmage, the Lightning will hold a High School Hockey Shootout. Local students from 16 Tampa Bay area high schools will participate in a shootout against Lightning goaltenders with each high school player getting at least one shot.
Following their scrimmages, the players will sign autographs for fans in two separate sessions. The first autograph session will begin at noon, followed by the second session at 12:45 p.m. Each autograph session will be 45 minutes in length. Fans will also have the opportunity to take selfies with the players during these time slots. New this year, fans will need a voucher to get an autograph from a player. The new voucher system will improve the experience for fans by reducing wait times, and allowing more fans to get an autograph from a player. Fans wishing to receive a voucher for the autograph sessions can do so by collecting one as they enter through Gate B, which is located at the top of the main staircase as fans enter AMALIE Arena. All fans are limited to one voucher per person, while supplies last.
Other Fan Fest highlights include a used equipment sale at section 128, beginning at 11 a.m., a live 620 WDAE broadcast from Rum Fish Grill inside AMALIE Arena, alumni autographs, food trucks on Ford Thunder Alley, Kid Zone in the south end zone of the arena and concession specials. Additionally, Tampa Bay Sports, Powered by Reebok, will be open beginning at 8 a.m. and will be hosting a sale, including 75-percent off select items.
Lightning Fan Fest Timeline
8 AM - Ford Thunder Alley opens with interactive games and music
9 AM - AMALIE Arena doors open for Season Ticket Members
10:30-11 AM - Exclusive Lightning practice for Season Ticket Members
11 AM - Doors Open to general practice at AMALIE Arena
11:15-11:45 AM - Lightning Scrimmage
11:45 AM-Noon - Interview session with Jeff Vinik
Noon-12:30 PM - Lightning Scrimmage followed by High School Hockey Shootout
Noon-12:45 PM - Player Autograph Session / Selfie Station with Players
12:45-1:30 PM - Player Autograph Session / Selfie Station with Players
1:30 PM - Event Concludes
~BE THE THUNDER~
9 AM - AMALIE Arena doors open for Season Ticket Members
10:30-11 AM - Exclusive Lightning practice for Season Ticket Members
11 AM - Doors Open to general practice at AMALIE Arena
11:15-11:45 AM - Lightning Scrimmage
11:45 AM-Noon - Interview session with Jeff Vinik
Noon-12:30 PM - Lightning Scrimmage followed by High School Hockey Shootout
Noon-12:45 PM - Player Autograph Session / Selfie Station with Players
12:45-1:30 PM - Player Autograph Session / Selfie Station with Players
1:30 PM - Event Concludes
~BE THE THUNDER~
