TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning are celebrating launch week ahead of the opening of the 2026-27 season.
Lightning Launch Week events are scheduled for fans for several days this week.
On Tuesday, Lightning Pilates is happening at Armature Works at 6:30 p.m.
Lightning Trivia Night is taking place Wednesday at the following locations: Pinellas Ale Works in St. Pete at 7 p.m., Tamiami Tap in Sarasota at 7 p.m., Top Shelf Sports Lounge in Wesley Chapel at 7:30 p.m. and The Blind Goat in Tampa at 8 p.m.
The season begins Thursday with a watch party. Fans can gather at Sparkman Wharf to celebrate the Lightning’s first game of the season vs. the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The event will begin at 7 p.m.
On Friday, the Bolts will introduce Blue Cup Day, a new celebration marking the return of hockey. Featuring numerous coffee shops throughout Tampa Bay, the first 50 paying customers at each participating location will receive a limited-edition, commemorative Blue Cup and a chance to win a number of surprise giveaways.
Meanwhile, the Lightning also are sponsoring Find The Bolt, a week-long scavenger hunt taking place at locations throughout the region. Each day, a Lightning Bolt will be hidden at a secret location, with clues revealed through the team’s social media channels. The first fan to locate the Bolt will win an exclusive prize each day.
It all leads up to Saturday’s game against the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. at Benchmark International Arena.
Tampa Bay opens its home schedule on Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. the Washington Capitals. (Spectrum News image)