Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates a goal in the first period during a game against the Winnipeg Jets at Amalie Arena on November 22, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
You have a chance to meet some Tampa Bay Lightning players tomorrow afternoon in Tampa. The team just announced they'll be doing a charity shopping event at the Target on Gandy Boulevard in Tampa tomorrow (December 5) starting at 1:30.
The event is to collect gifts for Tampa area kids who might not get something under the tree otherwise. It could be the perfect opportunity to help the less fortunate and maybe snag a selfie with your favorite Bolts player. No word yet on which players in particular are participating, but here's all the info on the event that I just got from the Bolts so you can make plans.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to take part in a charity holiday shopping event on Tuesday, December 5 at 1:30 p.m. This event is the first of its kind for the Lightning and will spread joy and create lasting memories for children and families in need this holiday season.
Current Lightning players will visit Target on Gandy Boulevard to help 20 children from Metropolitan Ministries select toys, clothes and more as part of the Lightning Foundation’s holiday giving initiative. Each player will be paired with a child to help fill their shopping cart with up to $300 worth of items, helping make the holiday season brighter for these children and their families.
Event Timeline
1:15pm – Families from Metropolitan Ministries arrive
1:30pm – Lightning Players and significant others arrive
1:30pm – Shopping begins
2:30pm – Shopping concludes
Tampa Bay Lightning playoff season is here. Here are some of the creative food options you'll see and smell as you roam around Amalie Arena this year at Bolts games, concerts and other events. The latest Cur(ate) TPA additions include local favorites Lolis Tacos and Bull Market. Many will be happy to know Wicked Oak Barbecue is back for another season too.
Take a look at 16 of the best things I tried today. Yes, 16. Don't judge me. Here are the photos of all of 'em. I'll describe the ingredients of each and one and even tell you where to find them when you're at Amalie Arena.
Coconut Shrimp
From Corona Cove behind Section 124, it's coconut and panko hand breaded shrimp with an apricot sweet Thai chili sauce.
Seaside Heights Hot Dog
A footlong dog with fingerling potatoes, roasted pepper & onions and whole grain mustard. Find this one at Dog Gone It behind Sections 112 and 322.
Poke Nacho
This was the most eye-catching dish to me. It's Ahi Tuna marinated in a sweet Ponzu sauce with spicy sriracha mayo atop fried wontons. Find it at Corona Cove behind Section 124.
The Tampa Two
The photo doesn't do this one justice. It's incredible. Pulled brisket, drizzled with a sweet BBQ sauce in between two pieces of buttery Texas Toast. Get this one at Wicked Oak Barbeque behind Section 124.
The Roasted Vegetable Flatbread
Fire roasted eggplant, fennel and charred cherry tomatoes with fresh and aged mozzarella atop San Marzano tomato sauce. Find this in Section 209 at Knead.
Carne Asada Taco
Loli's told me their most popular taco is the Carne Asada with juicy grilled steak. Find them behind section 320.
Ginger Beef Bowl
This might be my favorite. It's from Bull Market behind Section 311. It's Bulgogi marinated beef over jasmine rice with caramelized onion, spinach, carrots and fried egg on top with go sauce. Great flavor!
Chicken Tacos
Grilled chicken placed into warm tortillas with cilantro, onion and lime. Get them Loli's Tacos at Section 320.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Dusted in a jerk spice and paired with rice and beans. This one's at Corona Cove at Section 124.
All-American Burger
Listen. I know it's tough to get excited about a burger, but this one was phenomenal. It's from Bayshore Brioche. They're behind Sections 109 & 301. It's 2 all-beef chuck patties with American cheese, onion, mustard and pickles. If you want some bacon, get their Bayshore Burger.
Hat Trick Heatwave
This one was so simple but so good. It's thick cut Benton Farms bacon, aged cheddar and jalapeno jelly on a crosscut challah bread. It's at The Melt Away behind Section 308.
Italian Beef Poutine
From Fry Box behind Section 306, this is thinly sliced Italian beef, sweet peppers, beef gravy, shaved Parmesan cheese over house cut fries.
Loaded Nacho
Pulled pork on a bed of nachos topped with queso, shredded cheese and jalapenos. Get 'em from Wicked Oak Barbecue behind Section 330.
Crispy Veggie Spring Rolls
Find these at Bull Market behind section 311.
More Tacos from Loli's
There's the Tacos Al Pastor with think shaved roasted pork in a Mexican Achiote sauce. Find Loli's this season at Section 320.
Lots of adult beverage options this year...
The new, innovative lineup also includes iconic partners featuring Copper Cane Wine (Section 206), offering their portfolio of- consumer favorite wines, and Cutwater Spirits (Section 306), serving ready-to-drink cocktails for fans on the go. Further, Cigar City Brewing brings local craft beers throughout the arena. Casamigos Tequila, Jack Daniel's® Tennessee Whiskey, 6 O’Clock Gin, Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, New Amsterdam Vodka, and limited-release mezcals, whiskies and bourbons can be savored at various bars throughout the arena.
