Tampa Bay Lightning Fans: Want To Be The Fan Of The Year?

By Will Clewis | Nov 1, 2016

May 20, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning fans celebrate a goal during the second period in game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Amalie Arena. The Lightning won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

The FanSided Sports Network is searching for the next sports fan of the year and the winner will receive star treatment and more. Could it be a Tampa Bay Lightning fan?

Though many people would disagree, the Tampa Bay Lightning has one of the more passionate fan bases in sports, despite being small in number. If your travels take you down to Tampa Bay, you’ll notice people wearing Lightning gear, representing the team on the go with car decals and flags, and attending every home game in droves with spirit and passion.

In addition, the Lightning organization was recently ranked number one overall on the ESPN Ultimate Team Rankings released last month, so you can bet that the fans in Tampa Bay are definitely behind this franchise.

It’s the combination of a winning team on the ice, fantastic ownership, and an incredible atmosphere at the games that keep fans coming back, no matter the event.

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So, what am I getting at here? Well, FanSided is holding their search for the next sports fan of the year and the grand-prize winner will receive a three-day trip to New York City and attend the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year event on Dec. 12.

Additionally, each finalist in the contest will receive a one-year subscription to Sports Illustrated (cool!) and be featured on the main website at FanSided.com.

Do you want in on this? Here’s what you have to do. In order to be selected as one of the five finalists, you must submit a 200-word essay or two-minute video describing why you should be the fan of the year. Per the official entry

Per the official entry page, “The FanSided Sports Fan of the Year is a person who exemplifies dedication, integrity and ‘Fansmanship’ all for the love of the game.”

Basically, you need to be the best all around fans and show how you exemplify those traits above. What’s there to lose? If you want to be considered for this year, submit your entry and contact info here.

Don’t delay, as the submission deadline is this Friday, Nov. 4 by 11:59 p.m. ET! (The official rules and more can be viewed on this page).

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With all the passion for the Tampa Bay Lightning here in the Sunshine State, there’s no doubt a Lightning fan could be considered the next sports fan of the year. Pull out your video camera or get typing because you won’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity. Go Bolts!