Sunny Florida may not seem like the most logical spot for ice hockey, but inside the St. Pete Times Forum, it’s not all sunshine – it’s hard-hitting, no holds barred, hockey at its finest.
From now until April, the Lightning take the ice almost weekly, sometimes even two or three times a week (Click here for Full Schedule), at their downtown arena. And with affordable prices and a convenient and easily assessable venue location, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be ice-side watching the game live.
BEST LIGHTNING TICKET DEALS AND SPECIALS
The Forum knows that spending big cash on big game tickets isn’t easy, so they offer a variety of ticket purchase options and specials that make it possible to get into the game without dropping a heavy dollar.
Student Rush Ticket Program – Present a valid student ID at the box office 2 hours prior to game time and receive Lower Level Tickets for $25 (Save up to $40) and Upper Level Tickets for $10. For More information call 813-301-2500.
Firehouse Subs Tailgate – Spend the two hours prior to the game on the West Plaza enjoying all you can eat and drink of Firehouse Subs, chips, salad, cookies, brownies, beer and soda. The tailgate is available for every Saturday and Sunday game day. Tickets to the tailgate can be purchased under the Lightning Tailgate Package when purchasing regular game seats. The Tailgate package adds about $20 to the ticket price (worth it when you consider the cost of beer and food inside the arena). Click here to order.
Bright House Networks 10 Ticket Flex Plan – Huge hockey fan? Get the best bang for your buck and buy in bulk. With the 10 Ticket Flex Plan, starting at $200 you can custom pick tickets to ten games. (Don’t bother with the math – it’s $20 a ticket.) Call 813-301-6600 to order.
Ten Pack Ticket Option – Still feel like watching 10 games but not dropping 200 bucks to do it. With the ten pack ticket package, you get tickets to ten set games throughout the season with prices that start at $79. Choose from three packages that include Big Game, Weekend and Rival Packs. More info.
Tampa Bay Lightning Family Packs – If you have three friends, you have a deal for the game that includes 4 Tickets, 4 Hot Dogs and 4 Sodas starting at $56 a package. But remember to grab your dogs and sodas before the game. Food and drinks must be redeemed at Shots at Channelside (sports bar on the West Plaza) before the game. More info.
BEST PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK BEFORE THE LIGHTNING GAME
Don’t just go to the game. Make a night out of it. There is a great selection of restaurants and bars located near the Forum. So go hungry and thirsty and stop off somewhere before you get to the game.
The Luxury Box – Most Convenient – (490 Channelside Drive – Across the Street ) Just in time for hockey season, the former location of Andreychuk’s and Hot Tuna has re-open as The Luxury Box. So stay close to the arena and choose from bar food, fine east and sushi.
The Sail Pavilion – Best Place for a Drink Before the Game – (333 S. Franklin St. – Downtown) The Sail Pavilion is only a short walk or trolley ride from the Forum. Located near the Convention Center on the Hillsborough River, this little urban-tiki bar is the best place for a relaxing beer before a high-energy game.
Tampa Bay Brew Co. – Best Place to Catch the Trolley – (1600 E. 8th Ave. – Ybor) Why deal with all of the downtown traffic that comes with the game when you can park your car in Ybor and take the trolley? While you are waiting for your pick up, stop into Tampa Bay Brew Company. It is only a few steps away from the trolley platform and offers locally brewed beers and dinners designed to compliment the craft beverages.
Smoke BBQ and Grill – Highlight Reel Meal – (901 W. Platt St. – Hyde Park) Before driving in for the game, stop before you get to Downtown in Hyde Park for a BBQ treat that might make you forget that the game is supposed to be your night’s main event. Texas Brisket, Spanish Garlic Potatoes, Smoked Pork Ribs, and Flamed Grilled Kabobs. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
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