Tampa Bay Lightning: 50 Greatest Moments In Franchise History

Jun 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Fans hold up blue glow sticks before game two of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

49. The Lightning’s Home Gets An Upgrade

Date: 2012-Current

It’s amazing what one man can do to change an entire franchise around. That man is Mr. Jeffrey Vinik, who purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 3rd, 2010 and from day one has pledged his support to the team to turn the organization into one of the best in the entire world. Boy, has he done one heck of a job at doing that.

On the ice, the team continues to improve, even reaching the Stanley Cup Finals during Vinik’s tenure. The biggest thing Vinik has done as Lightning owner is make upgrades to what was already a fantastic venue, pledging more than $62 million in improvements that have clearly revolutionized the industry and making this arena the premier entertainment venue in the state of Florida.

Here is the list of some of the improvements Vinik has made to the Lightning’s home arena over the years.

• Digital Pipe Organ – The new digital pipe organ features five keyboards and 42 ranks of sounds, with a sound system comprised of 260 dedicated speakers.
• New Views – The Bud Light Outdoor Party Deck located on the 300 level/Terrace level offers 10,000 square feet of gorgeous, unobstructed views of downtown Tampa. In addition to the views, the deck has five new concession stands and beverage bars with 10 new points of sale available to all arena guests.
• Sealed and Secure – Over 75,000 square feet covering the arena’s concourses, Promenade and Terrace level have been resurfaced and sealed.
• Lights Please! – Two hundred forty-two new sport lights have been installed to increase our game night lighting by doubling our foot-candle levels, exceeding all NHL standards and enhancing HD broadcasts for all events.
• Lets Eat! – The Amalie Arena main restaurants have been transformed into one grand 9,000-square-foot dining experience called The Firestick Grill. The kitchen was replaced with four ovens, one broiler, 10 prep stations, three refrigerators and a 320-square-foot freezer.

That is only some of the many improvements that has been made to Amalie Arena. Pretty amazing that we as fans have the greatest arena in hockey to watch our favorite team play.

Next: We Stand Together, Forever