TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning today announced a number of new, exciting fan activations and food and beverage experiences coming to home games as the excitement builds for the 2026-27 season, presented by AdventHealth.
Bolts fans will find a brand-new premium space this season. The redesigned and remodeled exclusive club on the ice level will feature an elevated menu and a larger, more spacious footprint. It will also include a private dining space with an upscale menu available for booking. The new space reflects Vinik Sports Group’s continued investment in Benchmark International Arena to ensure it remains a state-of-the-art destination for guests attending games and events.
Along with the rest of the NHL, the Lightning will participate in the Hometown Remix jersey program this season. The special-edition uniforms and accompanying apparel line will celebrate Bolts fans, Tampa Bay and the region’s local culture in a unique and authentic way. More information about Hometown Remix will be announced in the coming weeks.
New Executive Chef Casey Ryan, who joined the team this summer, will lead the creation of exciting food and beverage experiences at Benchmark International Arena. Ryan joins the Lightning from Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after serving as chef de cuisine at Truist Park and Turner Field in Atlanta, home of Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves. He studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City, one of the world’s premier culinary colleges.
Fans on the Terrace Level will have access to two newly designed markets. Tampa Bay Market and Ybor City Market will be located near Sections 308 and 310, with an additional location at Coors Light Between the Pipes near Section 322.
Guests at Lightning games this season will also find new beverage options at Benchmark International Arena. Sustainability-focused Open Water has joined the Bolts as the team’s official water partner, with both still and sparkling water available in aluminum bottles and cans. During intermissions, the newly branded CanZam will take the ice as the team’s fan Zamboni.
Bolts fans will enjoy an expanded lineup of new food and beverage experiences this season, from popular local favorites to new specialty cocktails. A few of the new menu items include:
WOW Items:
- 24” Big Stick Cuban
- Thunder Steak Dog
- Chicken Shawarma
- Slapshot Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
- Dessert Burger
- Hot Chicken Biscuit
More New Concessions Available This Season:
- Korean Corn Dogs
- Shaved Pastrami Sandwich
- Ultra Boozy Brat
- Blackened Fish Sandwich
- Papa John’s – Papa John’s Ham & Pineapple Pizza, Garlic Knots, Cinnamon Pull Apart
New Flavors at Market on Four:
- Mad Beach Cantina (St. Pete Area) – Tri Dip, Birria Tacos, Gingos Tacos
- Caddy’s Waterfront Dining (St. Pete Area) – Mahi Tacos, Sand Kicker Burger, Nashville Hot Fried Pickles
- Moreno Bakery (Brandon Area) – Quaya & Cheese Turnover, Quesitos, Specialty Cookie, and more.
New Specialty Cocktails:
- Blue Line Collins (Section 203, The Long Bar)
- Power Play Mule (Section 105 Bud Light Lounge)
- Game Day Punch (Section 325, Coors Light Between the Pipes)
- Ice Crew Paloma (Section 216 Bar)
- Overtime Margarita (Section 228 Bar)
- Bolt Old Fashioned – Barrel Select (Sections 105, 203, 215, 307)
New Oak View Group Hospitality Culinary Concepts:
- SMASH’D (Sections 109 and 301)
- Fan Fare Philly – Ybor City Market on the Promenade (Section 120)
- The Meltdown – Tampa Bay Market on the Terrace (Section 308)
- The Chop House – Ybor City Market on the Terrace (Section 322)
- Black and Blue Coastal Grill – Ybor City Market on the Terrace (Section 322)
The Florida Department of Citrus will also be featuring a mocktail all season long called Sunshine Refresher. The beverage will be available on the Club Level at the Market on Four Bar at Section 203 and at the Bar at Section 216.
Additionally, KNOX Hydration, a rapidly growing performance hydration brand, has become the Official Sports Drink of the Lightning. KNOX Hydration will be integrated across a wide range of platforms, including in-arena branding; digital and social media content, including the fan-favorite “New in Blue” series; and other consumer activations.
Also now pouring at Benchmark International Arena this season will be Rally Dog Vodka Ade, as well as the Sun Cruiser refreshing lineup of vodka iced tea and lemonades. Fans will also be able to enjoy Mi Campo tequila - a 100 percent Blue Weber agave tequila gently rested in Napa Valley wine barrels for an exceptionally smooth finish.
The 30th anniversary of the opening of Benchmark International Arena will also be part of this season’s early celebrations. The arena opened on October 12, 1996, with the Royal Hanneford Circus. Eight days later, on October 20, the Lightning played their first game in the building against the New York Rangers, christening the arena with a 5-2 victory over the Blueshirts.
