TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning today announced a variety of exciting special events taking place this Thursday, October 9, as the club kicks off the 2025-26 NHL season, presented by AdventHealth, with a divisional matchup against the Ottawa Senators at Benchmark International Arena. Prior to puck drop at 7 p.m., Bolts fans can enjoy an afternoon packed with the return of the blue carpet walk, electrifying live entertainment, happy hour pre-game specials and more.
The afternoon festivities will begin at 3:45 p.m. with the return of the Lightning Blue Carpet Walk as the team will arrive and greet fans on Ford Thunder Alley. Shortly after, Bolts Nation won’t want to miss a FREE pre-game concert on the Ford Thunder Alley stage, featuring local Tampa rock band, Saints of Saturn, from 5-7 p.m.
Fans enjoying the festivities can pair the live music with a number of specials during Lightning Happy Hour, also running from 5-7 p.m. and highlighted by $2.50 waters and sodas, $5 beers and seltzers, a $5 combo meal with a burger or hot dog, chips and a drink, and an $8 combo meal with pizza and a drink. Lightning Happy Hour specials are only eligible if purchased at a portable POS location at Benchmark International Arena.
Along with the delectable food and beverage offerings, Bolts Nation can get amped up for the game with balloon twisters, face painters, caricature artists and photo opportunities through the state-of-the-art Glambot cinematic robotic camera system. Fans looking to get geared up for their photo op can check out a variety of brand-new merchandise at Tampa Bay Sports, featuring a new self-checkout system that makes the shopping experience quicker and easier than ever before.
Fans tuning in as the Lightning embark on another quest for the Stanley Cup will get even more coverage with a special one-hour, Opening Night pre-game show on The Spot 66, the official Lightning app and across the Lightning television network. The show will air live from Ford Thunder Alley from 6-7 p.m. with Paul Kennedy, Braydon Coburn and Pat Maroon on the desk, along with a number of special guests, getting everyone ready for another exciting season of Bolts hockey. Fans are encouraged to come be part of the show.