The Lightning front office can "see the potential" of an outdoor game in Tampa as "more of a reality than ever" following their Stadium Series game against the Predators last weekend, according to Eduardo Encina of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. When the Lighting first started their campaign to host an outdoor game at Raymond James Stadium, it was "likely a pipe dream," but since then, the league's rink-building technology "has made monumental strides while the Lightning put together a star-studded lineup, won the past two Stanley Cups, hosted an All-Star Game and played in the league's Global Series in Sweden." The biggest takeaway for the Lightning from the game at Nissan Stadium was the "support the team received on the road." Its block of approximately 20,000 tickets "sold out, and another estimated 10,000 fans got tickets on their own." Lighting CEO Steve Griggs said that the NHL was "impressed with the turnout of Lightning fans in Nashville, and road support is something it considers when it awards games each season." Last Saturday's showing in Nashville "certainly showed the Lightning fans would do their part to fill Raymond James." But Raymond James "wouldn't be able to host a Winter Classic game -- which are always held on New Year's Day -- since the Outback Bowl is played there the same day." Weather is the "biggest obstacle." Griggs said that from all of the analysis the team has done, the best window for a game "would be between Jan. 15-Feb.6" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/2).
NHL was impressed with the turnout of Lightning fans in Nashville, and road support is something it considers when it awards games each seasonNHL
