Whether you’re the world’s biggest sports fan or don’t know the difference between a touchdown and a homerun, you’ve probably heard that the Tampa Bay Lightning is on their way to try and claim the Stanley Cup in the Eastern Conference Finals.
And whether you enjoy sports outings or not, there’s no better way to have a good time then hang out with great people, eat delicious food, enjoy some cocktails, and watch your hometown team in the biggest series in hockey.
Here are some of the best places to watch the Lightning playoffs.
Go Out and Party
If you weren’t lucky enough to score a ticket, or simply want to check out some of the local surrounding areas to cheer on The Lightning, here are some of the best places to be.
Watch Parties in Channelside
Find a way to gather with fellow fans at one of the area’s watch parties. Can’t get into the stadium? Get as close as you can to the action by watching on the big screen in the Courtyard at Amalie Arena (401 Channelside Drive). Just down the road, you can enjoy another outdoor gathering at the Channelside Bay Plaza. The area hosted watch parties during away games and may move to Curtis Hixton Park for games in this series. Get all the latest news regarding downtown watch parties at 83 Degrees Media.
Ferg’s Live
Enjoy the game right across the street from Amelie Arena at Ferg’s Live, a 5,000 square foot venue with patio space and tons of TVs so you’ll get a clear picture, and who knows, maybe catch an awesome hockey brawl. Ferg’s has become Downtown Tampa’s new place to be for sporting events, it’s almost as good as being at the stadium.
490 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL. 33602
The Brass Tap – Central Ybor
Featuring over 70 taps and over 300 craft beers, The Brass Tap is the perfect place to knock a few back with your friends and enjoy the game. Enjoy your favorite brew while pleasing your taste buds with plenty of menu items that pair deliciously with your beer choice. During the game, The Tap is offering $2 off local drafts and cans.
1600 East 8th Avenue, E-118 Tampa, FL. 33605
The Patio Tampa
Just like the name implies, The Patio has plenty of beautiful outdoor patio space, with tons of lounging space and plenty of TVs so that you won’t miss any of the action on the ice. For every Lightning goal, enjoy free Lightning Bomb shots and $3 Coors light bottles.
421 S Macdill Ave Tampa, Florida 33609
Throw Your Own Party
If you’re not one for going out and battling a crowd of screaming, boozed-up fans, throw your own watch party! Here are some quick tips to make sure it’s just as fun.
Make sure you have plenty of seating.
Organize chairs and couches so that they are all facing the TV, that way no one misses out on anything. If you have extra, smaller TVs, try putting them in locations where someone could possibly miss some of the game, like near the bathroom or the food table.
Create a self-serve bar.
Fill some plastic tubs with ice and fill with beer, soda and water and have people grab their drinks whenever they need another. Make sure it’s not in the way of the TV because you don’t want people walking back and forth in the middle of the game.
Make delicious meals beforehand.
Serve up some of your favorite treats in all locations of the viewing area so that everyone can have access to different foods. Don’t go too heavy on the food. Try to stay simple with chips, dips, wings and other finger foods that are easy to eat and that you can make plenty of.
Plan a drinking game.
Spice up game day with your own drinking game, that is sure to get everyone involved and more excited about watching the game. Especially those who aren’t really sports fan. Come up with your own rules that result in people taking a sip or shot after each rule is broken.
Make a signature Lightning drink.
Try this team-inspired cocktail, in honor of the Bolt’s strive to Stanley Cup victory, known as “The Bolt.” Use the recipe below on ice and you’ve got yourself a drink that everyone at your party won’t be able to stop talking about.
The Bolt
- 1 ¼ Parts Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila
- ¼ Part Agave
- ½ Part Lemon Juice
- Lemon Wedge
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
No matter how you choose to watch the game, make sure to support The Bolt’s in the Finals!
Let us know how you plan on watching The Lightning or how you throw your own watch party in the comments below or tweet us at Dive In Tampa Bay.
Leave a Reply