Lightning To Welcome Fans Back To Amalie Arena March 13

TAMPA, Fla. — There's good news for hockey fans.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are welcoming fans back to Amalie Arena beginning March 13 when the Bolts take on the Nashville Predators.

Vinik Sports Group, parent company of the Tampa Bay Lightning, announced Thursday that it will welcome a limited number of fans back to Amalie Arena for games starting on March 13 when the Bolts take on the Nashville Predators. Information regarding Toronto Raptors games will be released at a later date.

In January, Vinik Sports Group announced a ban on spectators for the first eight games of the season.

See related story: Lightning Bans Spectators From Amalie Arena For At Least 8 Games

Lightning CEO Steve Griggs said the decision to ban spectators was due to the rise in positive coronavirus cases and hospitalizations across west-central Florida.

Both fans and players were disappointed. The season kick-off Jan. 13 was the first time the Lightning played since bringing home the Stanley Cup in September. The Lightning planned to host a ceremony, raising their Stanley Cup banner prior to the game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

"I was looking forward to playing in front of some of our fans," Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev admitted, adding, "We've just got to make sure everybody's safe in our community, this country, Canada. If that's what's best for people for their safety, that's what it is."

In the past month, however, the number of coronavirus cases has stabilized and Vink Sports Group feels comfortable allowing fans back in at a limited capacity of 3,800 fans. Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, seats 20,500.

Florida currently has a 5.12 percent positivity rate and Hillsborough County has a 5.98 percent positivity rate.

"The highest priority in the decision to welcome guests back to the facility has always been placed on the health and safety of fans and staff based on input from health care and government officials," said the Vinik Sports Group in a news release.

Following an extensive process, Amalie Arena has become one of the first arenas in North America to be dual certified by both the International WELL Building Institute and the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division of the International Sanitary Supply Association.

Fans entering Amalie Arena will notice increased measures to promote physical distancing, including entry points, concessions and restrooms.

• Concession and retail stands will be cashless and contactless.
• Hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the arena.
• Arena staff will increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitation in all areas being used with an emphasis on commonly used surfaces such as seats, handrails and bathrooms.
• Signage and physical distancing measures have been added to assure 6-foot separation between fans.
• Ultra-violet disinfectant lights have been installed at various locations including escalator handrails.
• The number of people allowed on elevators at one time will be limited.
• Masks will be required throughout the arena concourses and seating areas when not eating or drinking.

A full list of protocols and procedures can be found here.

The National Hockey League is hosting a shortened season due to the coronavirus pandemic with the league's 31 teams playing just 56 games instead of the usual 82 games.

The Lightning have 18 home games remaining on their 2020-21 regular season schedule. The team's last regular season home game is scheduled for May 7 against the Dallas Stars.

Information for season ticket members will be distributed in the coming days, including for those who have already purchased adjusted ticket plans, the Vinik Sports Group said.

Amalie Arena is also the temporary home of the Toronto Raptors National Basketball Association team. An announcement on allowing fans back into Raptors games will be made at a later time.

FOX Sports Sun, the television home of the Lightning, will televise regular season Lightning games. Fans can also watch the Lightning on the NHL's official live stream.

Remaining regular-game schedule:

• Friday, March 5 at Chicago
• Sunday, March 7 at Chicago
• Tuesday, March 9 at Detroit
• Thursday, March 11 at Detroit
• Saturday, March 13 - Nashville
• Monday, March 15 - Nashville
• Thursday, March 18 - Chicago
• Saturday, March 20 Chicago
• Tuesday, March 23 at Dallas
• Thursday, March 25 at Dallas
• Saturday, March 27 at Carolina
• Sunday, March 28 at Carolina
• Tuesday, March 30 - Columbus
• Thursday, April 1 - Columbus
• Saturday, April 3 - Detroit
• Sunday, April 4 - Detroit
• Tuesday, April 6 at Columbus
• Thursday, April 8 at Columbus
• Saturday, April 10 at Nashville
• Monday, April 12 at Nashville
• Thursday, April 15 -Florida
• Saturday, April 17 - Florida
• Monday, April 19 - Carolina
• Tuesday, April 20 - Carolina
• Thursday, April 22 - Columbus
• Sunday, April 25 - Columbus
• Tuesday, April 27 at Chicago
• Saturday, May 1 at Detroit
• Sunday, May 2 at Detroit
• Tuesday, May 4 - Florida
• Thursday, May 6 at Florida
• Saturday, May 8 at Florida