Lightning Launch Week Excites Tampa Bay Ahead of Home Opener

Tampa Bay Lightning fans celebrated the start of the hockey season with a week of free events that concluded Saturday, Oct. 3, with the team's home opener. Lightning Launch Week, held Sept. 27-Oct. 3, featured vintage markets, trivia nights, fitness classes and watch parties.

The celebration began Sunday, Sept. 27, with a vintage market on Ford Thunder Alley offering goods from more than 40 vendors. A daily social media scavenger hunt, "Find the Bolt," ran Monday through Friday, challenging fans to locate a hidden Lightning Bolt for prizes.

Midweek activities included a Sept. 29 Pilates session at Armature Works with a DJ, giveaways and treats from Fit Bowl. On Wednesday, Sept. 30, four local bars hosted trivia nights: Pinellas Ale Works in St. Petersburg, Tamiami Tap in Sarasota, Top Shelf Sports Lounge in Wesley Chapel and The Blind Goat in Tampa.

The week culminated Saturday, Oct. 3, with the team's home game against Washington at Amalie Arena. Before the puck dropped at 7 p.m., fans gathered on Ford Thunder Alley at 3:45 p.m. for the Lightning Blue Carpet Walk to greet players. Attendees also posed for photos with the Hart Memorial Trophy, Jack Adams Award and Vezina Trophy.

The season opener against New York on Thursday, Oct. 1, was celebrated with a watch party presented by Jai Alai. Friday, Oct. 2, marked the inaugural "Blue Cup Day," when participating coffee shops offered the first 50 paying customers a limited-edition commemorative Blue Cup and chances to win giveaways. Participating locations included The Lab, Shortwave, Flatbread & Butter, Lady & The Mug, Intermezzo and Grove Surf Café.