3 Big Enhancements Coming To Amalie Arena This Hockey Season

Ahhh hockey season, aka the best season, is about to kick off. Although there's one major component missing from the Tampa Bay Lightning this year, the team has announced a few big enhancements coming to Amalie Arena in the 2024-2025 season. "These new arena enhancements are designed to elevate the experience for everyone who visits, from the moment they step onto Ford Thunder Alley to their time inside the arena," says VSG & Lightning CEO Steve Griggs.

You probably heard about the new digital signage being worked on the exterior of Amalie on the corner of Thunder Alley. The $6.5 MILLION digital video wall will feature cutting-edge LED lights with 3D capabilities. The new special digital kiosks will also border the sidewalk on Channelside Dr.—so when the Lightning score a goal, even the folks walking around outside will know it.

One thing we always look forward to every hockey season is the new foods inside the arena. Even though we'll never forgive them for taking away Portillo's, fans can now try items from local restaurants in the new Market on Four food hall! This vibrant new food hall that brings together five iconic local eateries under one roof including: King of the Coop, Bavaro’s, Malio’s, Zukku Sushi and Bake’n Babes. The new food hall will be open 90 minutes prior to puck drop and extending service for an additional hour after a Lightning game.

The new digital sign isn't the only change coming to Thunder Alley. Pregame is going up a level with new and improved Corona Bolts Bay. This space will feature a shipping container concept with a relaxed, low-key beach vibe and happy hour pricing up to half off, making it the perfect pregame spot for Lightning fans.

Not only is the club level getting a sweet upgrade with new carpet, TV's, kiosks, and more. But the Lightning have also announced the new and improved party deck aka the RIPA Rooftop. This is open to all fans and will feature new seating, TV's, and absolutely STUNNING views of Tampa Bay.

Today is a sad, sad day for Lightning fans. After being teased and promised about a resigning of Captain Steven Stamkos, it looks like the Bolts have decided to part ways with the face of the franchise. As we sit back and wonder why the Lightning are okay with losing such a key player in their roster, we'll look back at some our most favorite memories of Steven Stamkos highlights.

Stamkos is 34 and has spent 16 years with the Tampa Bay Lightning, 10 seasons as our captain. He finished last season with 40 goals, and 41 assists. At the beginning of the 2023 season, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois had promised Bolts fans they would address and re-sign Stamkos after the 2023-2024 season. A few days ago rumors were spreading around X (formerly Twitter) about the offer to the captain, and many fans found it insulting.

After a lot of a back and forth between the team and Stamkos' agent, the Lightning offered him a contract of $3million a year for 8 years. Stamkos' agent was hoping for at least $4.5-$5 million. Even after making $16 million in cap space after trading a star defenseman and another forward, JBB didn't change his offer to Stamkos, which seemed to be the last straw.

It was announced today at the start of free agency that Stamkos took a deal with the Nashville Predator's for $8 million for 4 years. Below is a statement from the Captain:

So many stats could be stated to show how Steven Stamkos has contributed to the team and community over the years. Over 500 goals, over 1,000 points, 2 Stanley Cups, Rocket Richard trophy winner, overcoming heartbreak and injuries, donating thousands to the city. It's no shocker why Stamkos was so loved around Tampa Bay and no doubt he'll have his own spot in the Lightning Hall of Fame. So be sure to check on your friends who are Lightning fans today, as we are going through a mourning process.

June 20, 2008 was a day to remember in Lightning history. Although it wasn't the first time Stamkos was drafted first overall, as he was also taken first overall by the Sarnia Sting in the OHL draft. But this was the start of everything for Lightning fans, a breath of fresh air when we needed it the most.

This just proves what a warrior Steven Stamkos is. Stamkos broke his tibia in this game against Boston in 2014 and still was trying to stand up. His return to the ice as our new captain after this injury still gives me chills.

In the 2009-2010 season Steven Stamkos became the 3rd youngest player in league history to score at least 50 goals in a season. This earned him the Rocket Richard trophy.

Another playoff memory that's forever etched in Lightning fan's brains is the 90 mph slap shot to the face Stammer took back in the Game 7 of the ECF against Boston. A shot deflected from St. Louis and hit Stamkos directly in the face. Just after 5 minutes of clean up, Stamkos returned to the ice in a full cage, just showing how tough he is.

Who could forget Stamkos' iconic goal in the 2020 SCF against Dallas. Stamkos had less than 5 shifts on ice and under 9 minutes in playing time that game. But all it took was 1 shot and 1 goal to change momentum of the series.

Not sure who we'll miss more, Steven or future Lightning captain, Carter Stamkos. We'll miss his cutest moments like driving the zamboni or stealing the show at his dad's 500th goal celebration

Every great memory surrounding Stamkos can be summed up with the back-to-back boat parades. One of my favorite moments will always be Stamkos lifting the cup on Alex Killorn's jet ski, his speech to the fans at Raymond James, and watching him lift the cup on home ice.