Someone should put
the NHL on notice; the Tampa Bay Lightning are dead serious about winning the
Stanley Cup this year, and they expect their fans to be too. How serious you ask?
So serious that if you buy tickets to the team’s playoff games this year and
your credit card doesn’t have a Florida address attached to it, you’ll get a
full refund for your purchase and not be allowed inside the building.
That’s right. The Tampa Bay
Lightning’s powers that be are doing everything they can to keep fans of
visiting teams from being able to attend the team’s games. Throughout the
season, the organization noticed large and boisterous groups of fans from the
Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens in
the building.
Lightning fans need not fret though,
fans wearing the jerseys of visiting teams in the postseason won’t be allowed
to sit in the Chase Club section of the rink. That means if you hope to watch
Steven Stamkos and company while sitting in some of the best seats in the house
this spring, you’ll need to consider purchasing some Lightning apparel. Of
course here at Sports Jerseys Canada, you’ve got tons of options to choose from
should you be heading south for a game, whether you’ve got your eyes on
Stamkos’ number 91 or you’re a fan of Ben Bishop, Ryan Callahan and the other
leaders of the team.
While it may surprise some that teams
are even allowed to invoke such policies, there really is no clear rule against
it, so Tampa’s sales staff can indeed refuse to sell tickets to anyone they
choose, as long as the reason obviously isn’t related to blatant
discrimination.
Good for the Lightning for taking a
stand against tourists and fans of visiting teams who take away from the
atmosphere in the arena. Home ice advantage is huge in the playoffs and the
Lightning have not iced a real cup contender since 2004. This may indeed be the
year that the team gets beyond the first round again and if the club does, the
energy inside the Amalie Arena will no doubt play a factor.
Although Tampa’s first round opponent
is still unknown, visiting fans should be prepared to sport a team jersey even
if you do plan on rooting for the opposition. At least that will guarantee you
access to the Chase Club section of the arena. What remains to be seen is
whether this new team policy will translate into playoff success for the
Lightning.
Labels: Jack Choros