Ownership: Unplugged. Lightning Q and A event tomorrow night

There has been a great deal of movement with the Tampa Bay Lightning int he last 72 hours. From promotions and demotions through the system to the NHL trade deadline, closing with the official transfer of ownership to Jeffrey Vinik . We round it out now with a news release form the Lightning announcing that an impromptu “Unplugged” Q and A session with new Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and center Steven Stamkos has been scheduled at Times Palace for tomorrow night.

There is a 12:30 press conference with Vinik already scheduled with the media from around Tampa Bay but this Unplugged session will give the public a chance to talk to The Man that is now in charge of the Lightning.

The fifth event will feature a special twist on the traditional format as new Lightning owner Jeff Vinik will join emerging second-year superstar Steven Stamkos on the stage inside the lower bowl at the St. Pete Times Forum. The Lightning Girls, Thunderbug and the Lightning Mobile Marketing Truck will also be present to provide fans with the opportunity to score free giveaways and great prizes including signed jerseys, hats and pucks.

The scheduled time for the event is between 5 and 7 PM at 401 Channelside Drive — the St. Pete Times Forum. The full news release is below the fold.

LIGHTNING TO HOST SPECIAL EDITION OF “UNPLUGGED” EVENT

New Owner Jeff Vinik and Steven Stamkos to Appear Friday

at the St. Pete Times Forum

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning will host a unique edition with its fifth Lightning “Unplugged” event on Friday, March 5, 2010 at the St. Pete Times Forum from 5-7 p.m., featuring new owner Jeff Vinik and Lightning forward Steven Stamkos. “Unplugged” is a series of family-friendly and fan-interactive events in the Tampa Bay community, allowing fans the chance to meet Lightning players and ask them questions in an open, casual, barrier-free environment.

“Unplugged” is a staple of the Lightning’s “Together We Will” marketing campaign, bringing Lightning players into different neighborhoods of Tampa Bay each month to family-friendly restaurants and pubs. Previous “Unplugged” events were held at Pete & Shorty’s in Pinellas Park, Cantina Laredo at the Shops at Wiregrass, Barnacles in Brandon and the Tilted Kilt in Carrollwood.

The fifth event will feature a special twist on the traditional format as new Lightning owner Jeff Vinik will join emerging second-year superstar Steven Stamkos on the stage inside the lower bowl at the St. Pete Times Forum. The Lightning Girls, Thunderbug and the Lightning Mobile Marketing Truck will also be present to provide fans with the opportunity to score free giveaways and great prizes including signed jerseys, hats and pucks. Fans in attendance are also encouraged to stop by the merchandise area and ticket booth where they can purchase tickets to upcoming Lightning games.

Lightning season ticket holders are encouraged to attend an exclusive open skate on the St. Pete Times Forum ice until 8 p.m., and in addition, will receive a tour of the Lightning locker room and chances to win raffle prizes. Steven Stamkos will make an appearance, and food and beverages will also be provided.

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