Bolts and Florida Blue drop the puck on outdoor hockey rink at Sadie Park

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Blue held a Grand Opening and dropped the first puck on the new outdoor rink at Sadie Park. The ceremony was immediately followed by an 18 team Ball Hockey Tournament with different community centers from across the county. The rink, presented by Florida Blue, is in Sadie Park at 502 East Sadie Street and serves as one of 10 community rinks being built in the Tampa Bay community as part of the Lightning's Build the Thunder 2.0 and Connect the Thunder initiatives.

On hand to help open the facility was former Lightning General Manager and current Vice President of Community Hockey Development Jay Feaster and Lightning executives, along with Parks and Recreation Director Rick Valdez, Assistant County Administer Dexter Barge, Florida Blue Strategic Programs and Local Partnership Manager Rick Bennett and Florida Blue Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Michelle Hamilton. Former Lightning players Brian Bradley and Mathieu Garon were also in attendance.
The Grand Opening also featured a live DJ, face painter and balloon artists for fans to enjoy. The Sadie Park outdoor rink is open Monday through Saturday from sunrise to 9 p.m.