The Lightning will celebrate their Stanley Cup championship today with "socially distanced events along the Tampa Riverwalk and at Raymond James Stadium." A boat parade will be held at 5:00pm ET at the Riverwalk, where fans are "encouraged to gather" while exercising "proper social-distancing guidelines." A fan rally will be held at 7:30pm at the stadium. Free tickets were available starting yesterday at Ticketmaster.com (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 9/29).
A Lightning spokesperson said that the "plan was to have 15,000 people in the stands" at the stadium. It is "unclear exactly how many lucky fans were able to snag a ticket for the celebration," but after tickets went on sale at 1:00pm, the "website said the free event was 'sold out.'" The free tickets "began appearing on Craigslist and Ebay quickly after they were distributed through Ticketmaster" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 9/30).
Lightning players upon returning to Tampa yesterday "presented the Cup to their families and fans at the airport and then took it to Amalie Arena." Families, sponsors and "some season-tickets holders were allowed to attend." Owner Jeff Vinik, captain Steve Stamkos, coach Jon Cooper and GM Julien BriseBois spoke to the crowd (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 9/30).
