Awesome hockey arena and such a fun way to spend the day. There is a good amount of food and drink vendors, but the options are actually pretty good. I don't know much about hockey, but the entire atmosphere is so fun and engaging. The staff are very friendly and helpful. It's very clean and easy to navigate. I highly recommend! read more

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The arena is okay. Came here for opening night. Great crowd. Not much to see. Sat upper deck but still had a great view of the game. Had a great time! read more

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Such a shame! I was a Bolt 4 Life for several years! Went to the playoffs and even the Stadium Series in Nashville. Every year for the past few years the quality has went downhill. Poor food quality, rising costs to the point of not being affordable! Continuing to make poor decisions with the latest the changes to the LPAC policy! read more

For one of the NHL's 10 newest teams, the Tampa Bay Lightning have done very well for themselves. Since the team's first season in 1992-93, the Lightning have won three Stanley Cups: their first in 2004 and recent back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021. It's impressive for a hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. It wasn't until the early 2000s that the Bolts hit their stride. The team had only one playoff appearance in the 90s (1996, a 4-2 series loss to the Philadelphia Flyers) then rattled off 12 playoff appearances beginning in 2003. That stretch included the three aforementioned Cup wins along another Finals appearance in 2015. Tampa Bay's recent success has been led in part by head coach Jon Cooper, center/captain Steven Stamkos, defenseman Victor Hedman, and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. Cooper is now the longest-tenured head coach among all 32 active NHL head coaches. His first season in Tampa was 2012-13. What's cool about the trio of Stamkos, Hedman, and Vasilevskiy is all three were drafted by the Lightning: Stamkos in 2008 (1st overall pick), Hedman in 2009 (2nd overall pick), and Vasilevskiy in 2012 (19th overall pick). All of these guys experienced the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals loss to Duncan Keith, Marian Hossa, and the Chicago Blackhawks. After that, they got within one win of the Finals twice: the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins and the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals against the Washington Capitals. They finally made it count with a 4-2 series win over the Dallas Stars in 2020 and a 4-1 series win over the Montreal Canadiens in 2021. Stamkos is a seven-time All-Star and owns several franchise records including most career goals (422). Hedman is a four-time All-Star and won the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoffs MVP award) in 2020. Like Hedman, Vasy is also a four-time All-Star and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2021. Somewhat surprisingly, Cooper has never won the Jack Adams Award, the NHL's coach of the year award, though he was a finalist in 2014 and 2019. As I wrote in my review for the Canadiens, the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals were unique in that the championship series featured *two* teams from the same conference: https://www.yelp.com/biz/le-canadien-de-montr%C3%A9al-montr%C3%A9al. The 2020-21 season and playoffs were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Simply put, the Tampa Bay Lightning is a smart, well-run, and well-coached organization. read more

WOW! What a show. They played a great game tonight and beat the Penguins 3-1. There was a lot of great entertainment throughout the game, everyone had a good time. I don't about you but I think NHL games are much better compared to other major league sports. read more

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It is Oct 5, 2025. I gave only one star and would give less if I could simply because of what has happened now. I have been a fan of over 30 years, but regretfully no more. The pre-season games just now against the Panthers sickened me. With all the hate in the world why did it need to be shown in the great game of hockey to the extent of almost killing each other. The Panthers are known for that and now because the Lightning Bolts found they needed to defend themselves they had to reciprocate. Hockey is such a great game of skill on ice with ice skates and how the players can manipulate the puck while skating fast, circling, passing and getting a goal. NOW WITH WHAT HAS HAPPENED I WONDER IF KNIVES AND GUNS WILL BE BROUGHT NEXT. Shame on the owners, coaches and even the announcers who portray that hate as fun. STOP, LOOK, CHANGE, for the sake of the kids, PLEASE !!!!! read more

I must say the Tampa Bay Lightening are fun to watch. Trouble is I was living in South Florida when the Florida Panthers Hockey Team played their first game. Considering it was the year my Mother died (1993) I have a good reason to like Tampa Bay Lightning as my SECOND favorite Florida Team. I'm really just a hockey fan period. I come from a family of musicians and athletes. Even the girls played hockey on their college hockey teams. I have to say I'm super pleased with the performance of the Lightning. They have the Panthers beat in that area. It's wonderful to have two teams in my old home state. It took a long time for Florida to embrace the sport. I'm glad one of the two teams is a winner. I can't wait to see how this 2021 Season progresses. Things sure suck when I can't attend the games! I'll see the Lightning when they play in either NYC or I'm visiting Florida. I hope I will be able to attend a live game again some day........ read more

Tampa Bay Lightning - My Christmas Decoration hangs on my apartment door. Posted with review 03/06/21 - Professional Sports Teams Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Took my 10 yr old son and my brother to a game , standing area , overbooked 5x , couldn't watch anything, left after first quarter, complained to the guest services they told me in front of my 10 yr old boy eager to watch the game to leave if we didn't like how they operated literally, rude & not helpful at all...standing areas were 6 people deep...complete scam...offer no explanation, no effort to accommodate a guest specifically one with a child... , shameful. read more

Tampa Bay Lightning - Ended up leaving and force to watch outside the arena, - Professional Sports Teams Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Top level organization + top level arena = top level experience. The in-arena experience is great with entertainment in the breaks to keep everyone engaged & an excellent organist & great DJs keeping the music lively. Outside the arena is also a great time, especially in the playoffs with watch parties on the plaza for home games and watch parties at various locations for road games. Check out the website for road game parties during the regular season too, they do giveaways and prizes during the game with several restaurants participating in the 2021-22 season. There are so many promotions during the season and so much involvement in the community too. Glad to have an organization like the Tampa Bay Lightning in the area! read more

Tampa Bay Lightning - 300 level view of the action - Professional Sports Teams Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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You guys are the worst. I didn't think it could get worse than January But here we are. The trade deadline moves were a dud and all of a sudden the star players can't produce to save their lives. Insanely unreliable team won't get past the first round once again. It's not even that you're losing, it's the lack of effort and forced mistakes just feeding chances for the other teams. I saw a U10 team play the other day that would have a pretty easy time embarrassing this group. There are zero positives with this team and we're tired of being given these expectations only to not even be competitive come playoff time. Does anyone on this team know how big the goal is or even where it is? It seems like they don't. read more

What a fun team to watch. It is so much fun to go to a game at Amalie. The fans are great. They do not have "an edge" about them. A lot of the fans simply believe they are watching a very good team when the reality is they are watching a GREAT team. read more

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My favorite hockey team. I love the NJ Devil's too. I moved from New Jersey to the Tampa area almost 10 years ago and instantly became a Lightning fan. So I still love the devils but I love the Lightning a little bit more lol. read more

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We attended our second game at the Amalie arena in downtown Tampa. Let me just tell you that the Lightning really know how to put on a good game. Not only are the team members amazing, the organization truly knows how to keep the audience engaged and entertained. From the music and lights to the yummy food and drink choices, you won't leave the game unhappy. read more

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Makes no difference what seat you purchase or how entrances are labeled. It is a free for all to enter. Do not waste money on any premium seating read more

Best Nhl franchise, 3x cups, team located in the perfect city with a great astmosphere, team holds great events for the fans, great owners too read more

Tampa Bay Lightning - Professional Sports Teams Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Let's go Lightning !!! We bought tickets to tonight's game at the last minute. They were only twenty bucks each. Section 317 row H. That sounds pretty far up there but it's really not. In fact, there isn't a bad seat in the house!!! We were dead center and right above the stairwell so there was nobody in front of us which worked out great for my son who came with me. I was never a huge hockey fan until I moved down to Tampa and came to a Lightning game. Between the stadium, the fans, the ownership and of course the team, it's always such a great time. If you're going with your kids, make sure to get there a half hour before the game starts and head down to the glass and you can watch them practice. They even toss a few pucks to the kids. During the breaks in between periods they have a bunch of games and of course the T-shirt gun courtesy of Chick Fil-a. That's the only downside of our seats. There's no way the T-shirt gun was going to reach section 317. If you get a chance to go to a game, do it. Get in their mailing list for deals. And if you're not a fan, you will be soon enough! read more

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Every employee is first class,compassionate,knowledgeable,, respectful To everyone they come in contact with.They should consider bringing That Man who has been Playing The National Anthem outside all over Tampa And ask him. To play it inside ,and to move him around the inside of the arena to play Charge.With that beautiful Trumpet sound to keep the fans fired up Until they Win another one.I herd his Mother was a 30 year retired school teacher in STampa,Father was a Pilot in Vietnam, his older brother was also a pilot in Iraq,Afghanistan I herd he is From Tampa And a retired UPS man Now that would be a great opportunity to show case A Native Tampa Patriot and really show respect to our veterans and first responders That Those people are the reason why we can all watch a game In Freedom Just a few thoughts to think about God blessRemember he's watching over you all the time read more

Thee best venue for the best, talent-stacked team! No other arena can compare to the the electricity that is felt during the intro of the team...I mean those Tesla coils are the shit!!! Even the owner is amazing with all of the incredible things he has done for the Bay Area. In addition, Thunderbug is absolutely the greatest mascot ever! Hockey Bay, USA is where it's at!!!! #LetsGoLightning #HockeyBayUSA read more

Go Bolts!!! Let's bring another one home! I miss the days of Lecavalier and St. Louis... and the Khabi-BULIN WALL!

The Lightning game against the Blackhawks was our introduction to live hockey in Tampa's impressive venue. The fans were enthusiastic and fun to share the game with. We hope to become regular attendees and see a Stanley Cup victory! read more

I am a sports fan, and I am thrilled to live in a town that has so many different live sporting options. From college to the pros, Tampa Bay has some great teams and great groups of fans. One of my very favorites is the Tampa Bay Lightning ice hockey team. Now, let's be perfectly honest here......the thought of ice hockey in Florida when it's nearly 80 degrees outside must seems a bit silly to those who live up north. But then again, the Tampa Bay fans support our home-town team by cheering loudly and enthusiastically -- not by throwing beers at each other, taking swings at fans from opposing teams, or generally bullying everyone in the vicinity. No, we cheer on our team by showing up for the games, and by watching them on TV when they're on the road. We cheer on GM Steve Yzerman, Coach Guy Boucher, and the Tampa Bay Lightning for playing hard -- regardless of the score or who's on the opposite end of the ice. Sure, they go through their up and downs, but even during a slump the fans still route for the Lightning because we know that these guys are playing hard for an ownership and a city that truly supports them. In my humble opinion, the Tampa Bay Lightning provide the best all-around sports experience in the Tampa Bay area. The games are reasonably priced, the stadium is gorgeous, and you are guaranteed to have a great time, regardless of the final score. read more

Tampa Bay Lightning - Yourrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Tampa Bay Lightning in action! - Professional Sports Teams Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Love this place for a game, although concessions are through the roof & ticket prices are a bit high. I sat in 209 & had a great vantage point for a hockey game :) I actually used a Living Social deal & got my ticket for $30. The que to pick up the Living Social ticket deal was efficient. The staff/attendants are always helpful and eager to please. read more

First hockey game in 21 years. I went with my best friend and had a very good time. The game was exciting and unfortunately for my friend the Penguins lost. I feel for him but it was a good game with alot more action than Ive ever personally seen in a hockey game. A great time read more

I want to like the Lightning. We have been to several games at this point so on with the review. Unfortunately I sat in a section that were a bunch of 'other team' haters. Turns out, the three games I have been to this year were the same result. This is why I don't like attending games any more. People can't be polite and respectful. They have to be hateful and mean. As I left the third game I decided I don't want to return to this arena for another hockey game. It has nothing to do with the arena's set up. It has everything to do with the disrespectful fans (touching you, pushing you, and harassing you because you aren't cheering for 'their team.') This used to be a fun team to watch and fans used to be respectful of all fans. Not anymore. Sad to see. The team deserves better fans. Maybe if fans treated it like a hockey game instead of a drunk fest they may be more polite. And then again, maybe not. read more

Although, I'm not a very big hockey fan I love the Tampa Bay Lightning. Like most major sports franchises, this one has had it's share of ups and downs... This team is yet again on the rise... They lost in the Stanley cup finals last year, but the team is doing well again this year... It's a breath of fresh air to have a major sports team in Florida doing well, given the state of affairs of the other teams in Florida.... read more

How have I not reviewed the Lightning??? In short, hockey is awesome and our team rocks. I grew up watching the Cincinnati Cyclones which are not in the NHL and this is a completely different game (the Cyclones are more fast paced and heavily violent). Over the years I have learned to love the Lightning in spite of the lack of punches. The games are quite enjoyable. Particularly if you are in the nosebleed section that chants the entire game (ala Ralph's Mob). There is a lot of fun, food trucks and bands outside the stadium before the game. They let everyone in with just enough time to find their seats, grab snacks and enjoy the action. The best part about our name is that we have some amazing TESLA COILS that product "Lightning" throughout the game. So obsessed with Tesla coils. Any seat in this stadium is a good one for a hockey game. We also have a Stanley Cup win in our history. Go BOLTS! read more

Great venue. Visiting friends who live in Tampa and they treated us to club seats st a Lightning game-----and they won! I absolutely loved the food stations and the varied items. Thought it was first class and very impressed. Nice variety of fresh sushi, shrimp, sandwiches, pizza and a carving station. Great desserts, snacks, etc. They even had a bar made of ice where they were serving drinks. A great time with great food. read more

As a soldier stationed at MacDill AFB in the early to mid '90s, I was around when Tampa was awarded the franchise. Needless to say I was a fan instantly and have been since. Part of the fascination is that I had several friends who were huge hockey fans took me to games the first expansion season which was at Expo Hall and then to what is now known as the Tropicana Dome. Again, these guys know how to build fan loyalty. With tickets unsold, the team always donated tickets to the G.I.'s at MacDill and we took full advantage. I hit a ton of games and became a true fan sticking with them through all of their ups and downs. From Brian Bradley to Martin St. Louis, I've been there and will always be. Despite not translating well on to TV, watching a game live and in person is the only way to see hockey. The chill in the air from the ice and the anticipation of the first check, it's definitely a good time for all. Hopefully soon I will get to head back down to the Bay to see the team in its new digs in the near future! read more

The only Tampa Bay professional sports team that I've ever been a fan of. My step-dad used to win tickets to their game all the time at work and we'd spend some step-father to step-son time at the St. Pete Times Forum watching the vicious hockey games. Always fun to watch, it's one of the few sports where I don't feel like leaving during a game. Plus, I like the chilly temperature of a hockey game as well. Saw them play a few games before they won the Stanley Cup and went to their big aware ceremony at the St. Pete Times Forum after they won. Good times. read more

Tampa Bay Lightning - Professional Sports Teams Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Starting with the building, then the attendants, next the food vendors and finally the product on the ice, this is a first class facility. Everyone is friendly and helpful. They fall over themselves to make the customer experience the best it can be. I am not sure why the other sport franchises don't take advantage of all the local food flavors and vendors to provide the level of quality choices that Amalie Arena does but they should take note. You can get everything from a premium salad, to an empanada to BBQ to a cuban sandwich to something from the No Worries folks at Outback. Even for the non hockey enthusiast this is a venue that provides a fun time. Be the Thunder!! read more

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Citizens of Tampa: We have one of the best venues, and best owners, in all of hockey. Who would have thought hockey would survive in Tampa, Florida? The forum is an amazing place to watch a game; it's clean, well laid out, the staff is very professional and helpful, and there's nothing like a Lightning game. I'm proud that to this point of the 2013 season, we've sold out all 11 home games. That's how you support a team Tampa! Ticket prices vary greatly. I've sat in the second to last row of the building, the suites, three rows from the ice...and no matter where you sit, you'll have a fun time. GO LIGHTNING! read more

If you are looking for the best sports experience in the Tampa area, hands down it is going to be the Lightning. There is a reason that most games are sell outs or near sell outs. Fast paced, constant action are sure to even keep the youngest kids attention. The Forum is a great arena and you are assured to enjoy your time there. There are some great restaurants in the area, and there is nothing like a good meal, and then a great hockey game. There is a reason why the Tampa Bay Lightning are rated #9 on ESPN's Ultimate Team Standings for all sports teams in America read more

Tampa Bay Times Forum was recently renovated. You can buy BOLTS tickets at reasonable price. I recommend channel side club tickets. It includes a delicious all you can eat upscale buffet and unlimited beer, wine, or soft drinks. The team is great, the place is clean for a sports venue. Remember to tip your server and bar tender. They work hard! read more

Went for my first game when they played Ottawa. Was definitely a neat arena with the tesla coils. Just did not feel the energy I would expect to feel at a sporting event. Even the regulars were commenting that it felt dead in there, even though it was packed with people. I am no professional hockey guru, but the day we went the Lightning looked horrible. It played like a high school team. Several players kept falling on the ice with no one around them, skills were lacking. During play the puck control did not look very good. The Otawa team definitely schooled them by looking like a true professional team. But I guess all that matters is how the scoreboard looks at the end. They ended up winning in a shoot out, sooooo I guess at least I can say I went to a game when we won. This games was based on if I had to pay for tickets (3 out of 5 stars). I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars because we did have free seats, which came with 2 free drinks and cheesy bread but I want to give an opinion on what most people would be experiencing. read more

Well...for starters I'm not a hockey buff but I do know enough about it considering my mother is an avid fan. Let me just say WOW; I have no clue how they beat the Ottawa Senators. Taking that into consideration TB had poor control of the puck on the ice and a bunch of players kept falling...with no one around them. It was however very cool that they had lightning in the stadium from what i've been told is called a "tesla coil." Also the organ player added some extra atmosphere. The fans didn't seam to get into the game until abut the 2nd period which was a little disheartening. With all that being said..they did win in a shoot out so yay Tampa Bay!! read more

Okay, we are spoiled. Jeff Vinik and his team have done an incredible job with the Team, the arena and the Club seats. The arena was full and you could feel the energy from the moment you walk in. We had the club seats that include food and beverage, so that was awesome. Service was good and the food was tasty and plentiful. Hopefully, we can get the Rays over to downtown Tampa and see if this magic can happen with them as well. Great experience and great evening! read more

This is a great venue to see hockey action. I'm sorry but $16.00 for a can of beer is gouging. Period.

The Forum does not have a bad seat in the house. I have been going to games here for the last four years and frequently have people next to me tell me it is the nicest hockey stadium they have ever been to. You can get top level seats to most games for $15.00 or less. You can't beat that! The energy here on the weekends. It is a lot of fun. Hit the bud desk between periods for a great view of the city! They have $2.00 beers after the game as well. Looking for a fight??? Make sure to hit a Lightning/ Flyers game. If you are a foodie and want a great meal before the game there is a restaurant in the forum you can get reservation at before the game. It is buffet style and they usually always have lobster and prime rib. Yum, Yum! If you really want to go big get club tickets. The club has free alcohol and the food selection is top notch. The food here blows Tropicana Field out of the water. World of Beer and Outback are located right next to each other. These are the two best places to grab a bite/ beer. There is also a Tim Hortons for Coffee! read more

I've been going to Lightning games since 1998. I can't think of a negative experience I've ever had while attending a game (aside from the Lightning losing.) This organization makes it very affordable for fans to attend games by offering single game tickets at low prices as well as season ticket packages that are affordable for many different budgets by means of payment plans. The Tampa Bay Times Forum was recently renovated and it is as nice as ever. I've yet to attend a hockey game with the renovations but I have taken part in a charity event that was located inside the Forum and I've also watched a Tampa Bay Storm game there as well. The Lightning have a great fan base for being in a market that isn't typically huge on hockey. The owners make it apparent that they care for the fans by giving us great players, chances to win championships, and giving us renovations to the stadium where we watch our Bolts play. If you ever have a chance to watch some Lightning hockey in the forum then you should seize that opportunity. Win or lose you will still enjoy some hard fought hockey! read more

What's the general consensus and the new gray black lightning uniforms? I have a 60 inch TV but cannot read the numbers on the players. Still like the old lightning blue. Love the lightning team! read more