Tampa General Hospital helmet entitlement agreement expanded

TAMPA BAY - Vinik Sports Group, LLC, parent company of the Tampa Bay Lightning, announced an expansion of Tampa General Hospital's partnership with the team, as the academic medical center takes over helmet entitlement for both home and away helmets ahead of the 2021-22 season. The National Hockey League approved branding on players' helmets for the first time before teams took the ice for the 2020-21 season; this marks an expansion on the previous partnership, in which Tampa General was one of the first partners to have their brand on the team's helmets.

"We'd like to thank Tampa General Hospital for their continued support of the Tampa Bay Lightning and AMALIE Arena," said Steve Griggs, Chief Executive Officer of Vinik Sports Group. "We could not be more pleased to showcase the Tampa General brand and iconic TGH logo exclusively on our team helmets as we compete to keep the Stanley Cup in Tampa Bay for a third consecutive year."
Tampa General Hospital is an enduring partner of the team and in agreeing to be the helmet sponsor for all Lightning games, Tampa General has chosen to deepen its relationship with the organization. The respective 2.25" x 3.75" decal will be positioned on both the left and right sides of the team helmets during all regular season games. In addition, the decals will be worn for all practices.
"Tampa General is thrilled to continue our deep and long-standing commitment to the Tampa Bay community through our sponsorship of the Tampa Bay Lightning/Vinik Sports Group." Tampa General President and CEO John Couris said. "Our logo represents the strength and determination of our team members and the true grit of our team, who has sacrificed so much over these past 18 months. To share this logo with the world, on the home and away helmets of a world-class team such as our Stanley Cup Champions, is the perfect way to show the strength and unity of this community."