The Lightning certainly have a trying schedule where they play more games on the road and fewer on the road until… well, until well after the new year.
And while we lamented the lack of Lightning Unplugged social events in a poll here on Raw Charge, the franchise has gone a different route in trying to rally forth the fanbase while the boys are away from home.
This week there will be three watch parties in the greater Tampa Bay area for this week’s road trip through the northeast: Wednesday’s contest against he Islanders, Thursday’s game against the Flyers and Saturday’s matchup with the Buffalo Sabres.
Two watch parties later in the week will be held in the downtown Tampa area while Wednesday’s party will be at Outback Steakhouse in Palm Harbor.
Saturday’s watch party coincides the opening of Downtown On Ice in Curtis Hixon Park — a public, outdoor skating rink in the park for the holiday season.
Full details are below the jump.
LIGHTNING TO HOST WATCH PARTIES FOR NEXT THREE ROAD GAMES
Fans Invited to View November 17, 18, 20 Road Games
at Three Different Bay Area Locations
TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning will host multiple watch parties next week, beginning with the November 17 road contest against the New York Islanders, and continuing with subsequent parties on November 18 versus the Philadelphia Flyers and November 20 against the Buffalo Sabres. Each watch party will be held at a different Bay Area location beginning at 6 p.m., while all games start at 7 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to kick off the action by visiting Outback Steakhouse, located at 31988 US Hwy. 19 in Palm Harbor, on November 17 to watch the Lightning take on former Bolt Zenon Konopka and the New York Islanders. Aside from being treated to the excitement of Lightning hockey, a street hockey rink will be set up outside in the parking lot for fans to test their skills prior to puck drop as well as throughout the game. Food and beverage specials will also be available.
The action will continue the following night, Thursday, November 18, at Champions Sports Bar inside the Marriott Waterside Hotel, located just across the street from the St. Pete Times Forum, when the Lightning face off against the defending Eastern Conference Champion Philadelphia Flyers. As an added bonus, former Lightning captain Brian Bradley will be on hand and Lightning Director of Radio Programming Matt Sammon will broadcast the pre-game and post-game shows live on the Lightning Radio Network on flagship station 620 WDAE-AM.
For the conclusion of the road trip a final watch party to kick off the Lightning’s partnership with Tampa’s Downtown on Ice will be held on November 20 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, located at 600 N. Ashley Dr., when the Lightning visit the HSBC Center to take on the Buffalo Sabres. Fans are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs in order to sit in the park. Although festivities don’t officially begin until 4 p.m., the park and its exclusive outdoor ice rink will open at 10 a.m. to treat those in attendance to 90 minutes of ice time for just $10, including the price of skates. Former Lightning captain and 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Dave Andreychuk will also be present to mingle with fans and sign autographs.
Rolling Thunder, the Lightning Girls, Thunderbug and Lightning alumni will be on hand at each location for fans’ enjoyment, along with chances to score great food and beverage specials, as well as free giveaways.
