Lightning Officially Opens Brandon State-Of-Art Training Facility

BRANDON, FL -- The Tampa Bay Lightning unveiled its new, $7.5 million facility at the Ice Sports Forum,10222 Elizabeth Place in Brandon, Wednesday, June 26.

Lightning CEO Steve Griggs and Ice Sports Forum owner Tom Bradley, accompanied by General Manager Steve Yzerman, officially cut a ribbon before offering a behind-the-scenes tour of the new facility while it is being used by players participating in the team's 2018 Development Camp, presented by Florida Blue.

The Lightning's new, privately-funded facility is “a world-class locker room and training facility for the team,” said Griggs.

The Ice Sports Forum also invested $500,000 in the project on rink, glass and dasher board upgrades.

The new facility is 18,000 square feet, substantially larger than the old Ice Sports Forum, which was 5,500 square feet.

By comparison, the team's facility at Amalie Arena is 14,500 square feet.

The new space also features upgrades that are not available at Amalie Arena, including hydrotherapy facilities as well as a theater and video room.

The Ice Sports Forum has served as the Lightning's practice facility since 1997, and the two recently signed a 10-year lease extension.

Griggs said the forum is also instrumental in the team's community hockey efforts, hosting a number of high school teams and clinics throughout the year.

The Ice Sports Forum hosts more than 100 teams in various leagues, including youth recreation leagues and travel teams ranging from mini-mite to high school.

Photo by Scott Audette/Tampa Bay Lightning.

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