Support Us Button Widget

3 Can’t-miss Tampa Bay Lightning updates

We’re breaking down what you need to know ahead of the 2025-2026 Bolts season.

A group of Tampa Bay Lightning players celebrates a goal by the glass. They are dressed in their blue uniforms and are hugging each other while the crowd celebrates behind.

Let’s hope for plenty of scenes like this in the coming weeks.

Photo via the Tampa Bay Lightning

The Bucs are back, the Rays just wrapped up their season, so you know what that means ... the Bolts are finally back.

Victor Hedman and crew take the ice Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. against the Ottawa Senators. And we have some essential news updates before you head downtown or tune in:

Amalie Arena is now Benchmark International Arena

Obviously, the biggest change this season is the new name adorning the outside of the arena. Don’t forget to plug in Benchmark International Arena to Google Maps, not Amalie Arena.

It’s a 10-year naming rights deal, so you have time to get used to the name.

New stadium eats

Vinik Sports Group also just rolled out $2 million in stadium upgrades + dining options, like:

The redesigned Budweiser Biergarten is now an Michelob Ultra Sky Deck. Now you can grab local bites from Korean chicken joint Gangchu Chicken + Little Greek.

Bolts-themed ice cream flavor

The Bolts partnered with Chill Bros. Scoop Shop on a special flavor Lightning-themed flavor aptly named the “Thunder Crunch.” The ice-blue ice cream is swirled with rice crispie treats, marshmallow fluff, and blue spirulina.

More from TBAYtoday
We’re breaking down a new flooding mitigation project, PSTA line, and 15,000-tile art piece.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
The 3,260-sqft new build features a koi pond, zen garden, rooftop terrace, and swoon-worthy views.
Hunt for Tootsie Rolls, Kit Kats, and tricks across Tampa, St. Pete, Dunedin, and the rest of TBAY.
The city is working to make its inspection process faster and more accessible to more builders and contractors.
Once finished, the $56 million project connect residents across the city with a 12.2-mile loop.
Sink your teeth into standout slices at these pizza joints across Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Get your head in the game and learn everything you need to know about TBAY’s sports scene.
From pop legends to chart-topping bands, there’s no shortage of concerts to see this year in the Tampa Bay area.
We have the latest updates on Tampa’s transit options and the breakdown of what’s included in the proposed Gas Plant District redevelopment.