"As a team, we stand in solidarity with the NHL's ongoing efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community both on and off the ice," said Vinik Sports Group Chief Operating Officer Mark Pitts. "We are proud to continue our initiatives to promote inclusivity and equality. From the various Pride Night activations you'll see on March 7, to initiatives benefiting local LGBTQ+ charities via the Lightning Foundation, we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all fans and players. We recognize that this work is ongoing, and we will continue to use our platform to advocate for positive change in our community and beyond."
Lightning players will again tape their sticks with rainbow-colored Pride tape for morning skate and warmups. Pride-taped sticks will be auctioned off to benefit local LGBTQ+ organizations via the Lightning Foundation. The auction for rainbow-taped sticks will run until March 17 and is available at
boltspride.givesmart.com
. The Lightning's Bolts Silent Auction for the game on March 7 will also feature Pride-signed items and can also be found at
boltspride.givesmart.com
. Various Pride Night merchandise will also be available at Tampa Bay Sports.
The March 7 Pride-themed game will feature a pre-game mixer, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Budweiser Biergarten, with drinks and concessions available for purchase. Group ticket packages are available for purchase at
https://fevo.me/2023tblpride
. Each package purchased through the link includes a terrace-level ticket to the game, an exclusive Pride fanny pack, and a $5 charitable contribution to a local LGBTQ+ organization. For questions or groups of 20 or more, contact Crystal Ortiz at [email protected] or 813.445.9210.
The Lightning will have numerous promotions throughout the game to highlight Pride Night, including the 50/50 Raffle, presented by Moffitt Cancer Center. The proceeds will go to designated local non-profits within the Tampa Bay LGBTQ+ community. The 50/50 Raffle will run until the beginning of the third period and is available to fans at
www.bolts5050.com
.
Chase will distribute 1,000 Pride sunglasses to the first 1,000 fans at the Chase Entrance at Gate C via the Publix Plaza. Additionally, a limited supply of Pride Mystery Pucks, with artwork commissioned by local artist Chad Mize, will be available for sale starting at 6 p.m. at
boltspride.givesmart.com
. For every mystery puck sold, Florida Blue will make a $10 donation to the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit affiliate of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber. The Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to LGBTQ and allied students who exhibit leadership potential, demonstrate strong academic abilities and are actively involved in school and community organizations. Please visit
https://www.tampabaylgbtchamber.org/foundation
for more information.
Pride Month is part of the NHL and NHLPA's joint Hockey Is For Everyone year-round initiative. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #HockeyIsForEveryone or #NHLPride. For more information, visit
NHL.com/Pride
.
