Military Appreciation Night

Tuesday, November 8, 2022 vs. Edmonton Oilers presented by USAA

Each season, the Tampa Bay Lightning host a Military Appreciation Night in support of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces. Tampa is home to a rich military community, and we are thrilled to show our gratitude to our local service members through this annual appreciation night. 

Military service members are incorporated into all elements of the game, including pre-game activations on Ford Thunder Alley, in-game presentations, and post-game meet and greets. Military members from across our region have the opportunity to attend the game via our Seats for Service program, which donates purchased tickets back to service members for them to enjoy a Lightning home game.

Service members past and present had the opportunity to attend a Lightning practice ahead of their matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes. The morning skate included appearances from the Prince of Wales trophy, Lightning Alumni, and Thunderbug. Food and beverages were also provided courtesy of Papa Johns and Dunkin' Donuts. Additionally, all attendees at the practice received a complimentary game ticket to the Lightning's Military Appreciation Night game.

Before the game, fans have the opportunity to get an up-close look at military vehicles, including Jeep, Humvee, and Trac unit, on Ford Thunder Alley.

Fans had the opportunity to sign a "Saluting Our Heroes" banner on Ford Thunder Alley. The banner was signed with messages of support for service members by fans and Lightning players and was on display for all fans to read the messages and sign the banner before entering the game.

Lightning anthem singer and retired USAF Technical Sergeant Sonya Bryson was joined for the national anthem by 100-year-old military veteran Robert McLintoch.

Medal of Honor Recipient Sergeant Gary Beikirch, escorted by Command Sergeant Major Patrick McCauley, participated in a ceremonial puck drop.

Lightning players wore special jerseys during pre-game warmups that were auctioned off after the game with the proceeds going to Tampa-area military charities through the Lightning Foundation.

A Marines enlistment ceremony was held on the ice during the game's first intermission.

During the first intermission, SOCOM members rappelled from the rafters for a demonstration following the Marines enlistment ceremony.

After the game, military members were invited into the Lightning locker room by Head Coach Jon Cooper. There, the players signed their warmup jerseys and military-themed locker name plates and posed for photos with the service members.

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