Tampa Bay Lightning: Thank you fans! (Fan Fest, January 13)

[LightningStrikes]

From the Lightning's Facebook page:

Click to read more...

 

[LightningStrikes]

Tampa Bay Lightning: Thank you fans!

2013 Lightning Fan Fest

The Tampa Bay Lightning will welcome fans back to the Tampa Bay Times Forum with Fan Fest this Sunday, January 13, pending ratification of the tentative collective bargaining agreement recently agreed upon by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players Association, as the team prepares to open its landmark 20th NHL season.

The 2013 Lightning Fan Fest is free and is open to the public. The doors will open at 9 a.m. Fans should park in either the Forum East or Forum West Lots and enter through the main entrance. Lightning players will sign autographs for fans from 10-11 a.m. They will then head back to the locker room and get ready as Guy Boucher will lead the first practice of the season from 12:30-2 p.m. Between the autograph session and practice there will be commentary provided by Bolts management, coaches and broadcasters. ThunderBug and the Lightning Girls will also be on hand.

Season Ticket Members will receive a number of benefits just by wearing their STM jersey. They will receive free parking as well as exclusive autograph opportunities on the Club Level. Fan Fest is also a great opportunity for Season Ticket Members to redeem their loyalty and rewards program benefits or pick up their STM jersey if they haven’t done so already.

In addition to meeting the team and watching the first practice of the season, those in attendance will have the first opportunity to purchase single-game tickets. They will receive 50 percent off select Lightning merchandise at open merchandise stores throughout the event and have access to food and drink specials. There will also be enter win contests throughout the event.

The Lightning will be hosting a game-used equipment sale to benefit community hockey and those in attendance will get their first look at the Times Forum’s new $5 million center-hung scoreboard, the largest in an arena in the United States or Canada, in action. There will also be a kids’ zone where ThunderBug will be taking photos with members of his Kids Club (free to sign up).

http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=649762

Your first chance to purchase single game tickets! The 2013 Lightning Fan Fest is free and open to the public.

The doors will open at 9 a.m. Lightning players will sign autographs for fans from 10-11 a.m. They will then head back to the locker room and get ready as Guy Boucher will lead the first practice of the season from 12:30-2 p.m.

Between the autograph session and practice there will be commentary provided by Bolts management, coaches and broadcasters.

Fans also will receive 50 percent off select Lightning merchandise at open merchandise stores throughout the event and have access to food and drink specials.

The Lightning will be hosting a game-used equipment sale to benefit community hockey and those in attendance will get their first look at the Times Forum’s new $5 million center-hung scoreboard.

https://www.facebook.com/events/266153573514420

 

[LightningStrikes]

Vinik speaks to the crowd:

Bolt Prospects ‏@BoltProspects
Vinik acknowledges it's been a long four months without hockey. Apologizes for the "horrible headlines". Addresses basic details of new CBA.

Erik Erlendsson ‏@erlendssonTBO
#tblightning owner Jeff Vinik addresses the crowd, says "no reason this can't be one of the best org in NHL" http://instagram.com/p/Ubj5UCqtM0/

Bolt Prospects ‏@BoltProspects
Vinik expresses his pride in the achievements of what he calls the best minor league system in hockey. Proud of recent success in Syracuse.

 

[Felonious Python]

more

@BoltProspects
Says "nobody preordained the Packers" to be a top team in the NFL. Reaffirms vision of maintaining a world-class organization.

@TBLightning
Vinik - "My excitement level is off the charts."

DC
Owner Vinik said of lockout, "Players and owners agree this process was unfortunate and not in anybody's best interest and harmed our game"

 

[IdealisticSniper]

Apparently 5500 people there today?

Impressive if true.

 

[Felonious Python]

Apparently 5500 people there today?

Impressive if true.

https://twitter.com/BoltProspects/status/290523082924388353

Louie, the St. Louis Blues mascot tweets a similar number.

5500+ fans at @ScottradeCenter Today... #LETSGOBLUES!! Remember, training camp's open to the public!! Schedule here: http://*******/11nRYDt

https://twitter.com/LouieSTLBlues/status/290540439537328128

No one says St. Louis doesn't deserve a team.

@SaraOrlesky

The #NHLJets say there were about 5000 fans at the open practice today

https://twitter.com/saraorlesky/status/290563259008966656

 

[Felonious Python]

English Renaud @RenLavoieRDS

5500 Lightning fans show up for a full team autograph session and an open practice in Tampa Bay today. Great fan base there

https://twitter.com/RenLavoieRDS/status/290590039258324994

French Renaud confirms.