Tampa Bay Lightning Unveil Championship Banner, Will Lift Banner at Amalie Arena When Fans Are Allowed Back

By  //  January 17, 2021

"we’ve decided to wait to raise the banner to the rafters until you’re back in our house"

ABOVE VIDEO: Tampa Bay Lightning lift the championship banner. (Tampa Bay Lightning Video)

TAMPA, FLORIDA – The Tampa Bay Lightning returned to action last week, but before they opened the new season they unveiled the championship banner from last season’s historic championship year.

The unveiling came with a twist though, the organization decided they will not lift the banner until fans are allowed back at Amalie Arena.

“In sports, they say trophies are for the teams, rings are for the players and banners are for the fans,” said Lightning captain Steven Stamkos in a message to fans.

“It’s those championship banners that link generations of hockey fans together with the teams that they love. So we’ve decided to wait to raise the banner to the rafters until you’re back in our house.”

In a year full of obstacles, the Lightning showed grit and determination despite what COVID-19 presented them towards the end of last season.

With no fans to celebrate their historic year last season, due to COVID-19, Friday was a chance to relish the great accomplishments from last year and ring in the new year with celebration and new challenges ahead.

However, the goal remains the same, win The Stanley Cup.

The Lightning opened the new season with a 5-1 win over Chicago.

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