How to get tickets for Tampa Bay Lightning 2024-2025

How to get tickets for Tampa Bay Lightning 2024-2025

The Tampa Bay Lightning, based in Tampa, Florida, is an NHL franchise founded in 1992. Nicknamed "The Bolts," they quickly became one of the most competitive teams in the league, winning three Stanley Cups in 2004, 2020, and 2021. Known for their dynamic style of play and star players like Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, the Lightning attract a wide fan base. This presentation explores the Bolts' history, their arena—the Amalie Arena—and offers guidance on how to fully experience a match from this rapidly rising Florida team.

History and background

  • Founding: The Tampa Bay Lightning were established in 1992, marking the introduction of professional hockey to the southeastern United States. Despite being a young team, they quickly became a dominant force in the NHL.


  • Historical Journey: The Lightning have won three Stanley Cups, the first in 2004 under the leadership of Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier. More recently, they claimed back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021, solidifying their elite status with current players like Andrei Vasilevskiy and Brayden Point.


  • Colors and Identity: The Lightning’s signature colors are blue, white, and black, reflecting the power of the team. The mascot, "ThunderBug," is a fun character that embodies the team’s energy and enthusiasm.

Want to attend a New York Islanders game? Find out where and how to buy your New York Islanders tickets quickly and easily!

The Amalie Arena

History and background

  • Opening: Inaugurated in 1996 as the Ice Palace, Amalie Arena is the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. This modern venue also hosts concerts and major events, serving as a passion-filled hub for hockey fans.


  • Location: Amalie Arena is located in the heart of Tampa, in the Channelside District, close to numerous attractions and easily accessible by public transport and car.


  • Construction Context: Designed to provide an immersive experience, Amalie Arena has been continually updated to meet modern standards, ensuring an unforgettable spectacle for hockey fans.

Stadium Features

  • Capacity: Amalie Arena can accommodate 19,092 spectators for hockey games, creating an electric atmosphere for every Bolts match.


  • Architecture and Design: The arena's design focuses on visibility, with closely arranged tiered seating and acoustics that amplify the fans’ cheers during key moments.

Facilities and amenities

  • Ice Quality: The arena is renowned for maintaining high-quality ice, crucial for fast-paced, fluid games like those played by the Bolts.


  • VIP Suites and Premium Spaces: The arena offers luxurious suites and exclusive lounges with high-end services and breathtaking views of the rink.


  • Lightning Store: The official store sells jerseys, scarves, and team memorabilia. Historical exhibits highlight the franchise’s great victories and star players.

Fan Experience: Attending a Tampa Bay Lightning game at Amalie Arena

Preparation and arrival

  • Ticketing and Access: Tickets can be purchased through the Lightning’s official website or platforms like Ticketmaster. Season ticket holders enjoy numerous perks, including special offers and exclusive events.


  • Transportation: Amalie Arena is easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking options available. It is also serviced by public transportation and ride-sharing options to make fan access convenient.

Before the game

  • Pre-Game Atmosphere: Around the arena, fans can enjoy the bars and restaurants in the Channelside District, which turn into gathering spots before every game.


  • Official Store: Don’t miss the official store to purchase team gear before the game, or grab a photo with the mascot, ThunderBug.

Digital engagement and souvenirs

  • Mobile App: The Lightning app offers live stats, exclusive videos, and real-time interactions with the game.


  • Photos and Souvenirs: Official photographers are available to capture memorable moments with instant or digital prints.

How to get there

  • By Car: Several parking lots are available around Amalie Arena. It is recommended to book in advance, especially for major games.


  • Public Transport: Tampa’s bus services offer routes to Amalie Arena, and shuttles are available for large events.
  • Bus: The following public transport lines have stops near Amalie Arena. Bus: 1, 100, 360, 5, 19.


  • Streetcar: The TECO Line Streetcar is free and serves the Amalie Arena.
  • Bicycle: Bike parking is available near the arena for those choosing a more eco-friendly option. Rent a Coast bike or use your own and take advantage of our bike parking! FREE bike parking is available next to the Pam Iorio Garage, on Ford Thunder Alley. Bikes must be picked up no later than 30 minutes after the event ends.

Key dates and matches

For the 2024-2025 NHL season:

  • Home Opener: The Bolts will open their home season against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 12, 2024.


  • Final Home Game: The last regular-season home game will take place against the Florida Panthers on April 15, 2025.

Big games

Looking for NHL tickets? Discover the best places to buy your seats quickly

  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Nashville Predators: October 28, 2024
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Colorado Avalanche: November 25, 2024
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: November 30, 2024
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers: December 22, 2024
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers: December 28, 2024
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens: December 29, 2024
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins: January 9, 2025
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Edmonton Oilers: February 25, 2025
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: March 25, 2025
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: April 9, 2025

These matchups are always highly anticipated, especially against regional rivals and teams from the Eastern Conference.

Key information

Food and drink

Amalie Arena offers a wide variety of food, from classic stadium favorites like hot dogs and burgers to more upscale options like tacos and vegetarian dishes.

Food options available at Amalie Arena

  • Pub-Style Food: Enjoy dishes like tater tots, cheese curds, and buffalo chicken wings at Budweiser Biergarten Eats.


  • Regional Flavors: Try local specialties such as Cuban sandwiches and empanadas.


  • Varied Concessions: Numerous concession stands offer a range of choices, from classic stadium food to gourmet delights.


  • Cur(ate) TPA: A culinary experience showcasing fresh, local, and sustainable food options.


  • Wicked Oak Barbeque: Section 124


  • Bull Market: Section 311


  • Lolis Tacos: Section 320


  • Moschella's Italian Eatery: Section 108

How to get tickets for Tampa Bay Lightning games

1) Official Lightning sites

  • Description: Tickets are available on the Lightning's official website or app.

2) Ticket Platforms

  • Ticketmaster: The primary platform for purchasing Lightning tickets. Ticketmaster also offers secure resale if you can’t attend a game.


  • StubHub: StubHub is the Lightning’s official resale partner, offering a secure service for buying or reselling tickets.


  • SeatGeek: A popular alternative for finding tickets at competitive prices with the option to compare several listings.

3) Season Tickets

  • Description: Offering exclusive perks such as early access to playoff tickets and private events.

How to resell Tampa Bay Lightning game tickets

1) Official resale platforms

  • StubHub: As the official partner of the Lightning, StubHub guarantees secure transactions for ticket resales.

2) Resale process

  • Account Creation: Sign up on a platform to start selling your tickets.


  • Selling Tickets: Select the game, set your price, and monitor your sale online.

Tips for buying and reselling tickets

  • Buy Early: Tickets for popular games sell out quickly. Book as early as possible to secure your spot.


  • Competitive Pricing: Set an attractive price to entice buyers if you’re reselling tickets.


  • Check Policies: Be sure to understand each platform’s resale policies to avoid issues.


  • Safety: Use secure platforms to avoid fraud and scams.

Conclusion

Attending a Tampa Bay Lightning game at Amalie Arena is a thrilling experience, filled with the energy of a talented team and passionate fans. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or just curious, the Bolts' atmosphere will captivate you.