TheDaysOf 04
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Bolts Bits: Lightning Fan Fest
Lightning owner Jeff Vinik said he thinks Tampa Bay is close to hosting its first outdoor game, something he's been pushing the NHL for from the moment he took over the franchise. The climate for an outdoor game in Tampa is not ideal but not a deal breaker either. Vinik stated that during the mid-February timeframe when the Lightning would hold an outdoor game, there is a "90 to 95 percent chance" the weather would cooperate. Rain would obviously be a hindrance, but it rarely rains in Tampa at that time of year. Also, a high humidity day could wreak havoc on the ice, but, again, those days are don't come along often in February.
Additionally, the game could be scheduled on a Saturday, and if the weather wasn't ideal that day, it could be pushed back to Sunday. Vinik seemed to think, logistically, the game can happen, and he thinks the NHL is coming around to the idea it could happen too.
Vinik also updated the crowd on the progress of Water Street Tampa, saying the currently under construction USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute building should have a topping-off ceremony in one to two months. Vinik expects to see a number of new buildings break ground in the near future.
"We'll basically see a new building breaking ground every quarter for the next four to six quarters," he said.
He also asked fans to remain patient with parking and routes to and from AMALIE Arena for the next two years while construction continues.
