Fans Shrug Off Loss As Bolts Head Into Game 4 Saturday At Amalie

TAMPA, FL — Fans may have the blues after the Tampa Bay Lightning's 1-point loss to the Florida Panthers in Thursday's playoff game, but that's not necessarily a bad thing in Tampa.

To cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning as they continue to defend their Stanley Cup championship in the NHL playoffs, the city of Tampa is sporting its best "Go Bolts" spirit, lighting up the old City Hall on East Jackson Street and downtown bridges in Bolts blue and flying the "Go Bolts" flag on city-owned facilities.

Thursday's 5-6 loss is the Lightning's first loss in the three playoff games to date.

Quick to put that defeat behind them, fans are preparing for Game 4 Saturday at 12:30 p.m. against the Florida Panthers at the Amalie Arena.

The Tampa Bay Lightning organization announced Wednesday it will allow 9,000 fans inside Amalie Arena for Game 4 against the Florida Panthers. Attendance was previously limited to 7,000 fans. However, team officials say they consulted with health and government officials and received approval to expand the capacity.

For those with tickets to Saturday's game, the Lightning is teaming up with AdventHealth to distribute COVID-19 vaccine shots two hours before the game.

Those without tickets can attend home game plaza watch parties, presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar, on Ford Thunder Alley. Fans will have the chance to watch the game with fellow fans on Ford Thunder Alley, the Pepsi Porch or at the Cigar City Taproom.

Fans attending the watch parties will be able to purchase Pepsi products for $3.

For those away games coming up next week, Bud Light will host Official Lightning Watch Parties at the Amalie Arena so fans can cheer on the Bolts from their home turf...er, ice.

The socially distanced watch parties will include live entertainment, appearances from ThunderBug and other Lightning personalities, giveaways, concession specials and more.

Tickets are $10 with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Lightning Foundation Charities. Pods of one to six people are available. Doors open 75 minutes before the scheduled puck drop.

More information, including ticket information for home and away watch parties, click here.

Other playoff games include:

• Game 5 Monday, May 24, Lightning vs. Panthers at BB& T Center
• Game 6 Wednsday, May 26, Lightning vs. Panthers at Amalie
• Game 7 Friday, May 28, Lightning vs Panthers at BB&T

Watch as ThunderBug and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor affix the "Go Bolts" banner to City Hall.