Military Appreciation Night
Thursday, November 9, 2023 vs. Chicago Blackhawks presented by USAA
Each season, the Tampa Bay Lightning host a Military Appreciation Night in support of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces. Tampa is home to a rich military community, and we are thrilled to show our gratitude to our local service members through this annual appreciation night.
Military service members are incorporated into all elements of the game, including pre-game activations on Ford Thunder Alley, in-game presentations, and post-game meet and greets. Military members from across our region have the opportunity to attend the game via our Seats for Service program, which donates purchased tickets back to service members for them to enjoy a Lightning home game.
Event Information
The Tampa Bay Lightning will host their annual Military Appreciation Night, presented by USAA, Thursday, November 9, when the team takes on the Chicago Blackhawks at 7:00 p.m. The night serves to recognize and support the members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.
Local service members will have the opportunity to attend the game via the Lightning’s Seats for Service program, which donates tickets purchased by local individuals and companies back to members of the Armed Forces. One dollar from every ticket purchased will benefit the Robert Irvine Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit dedicated to the well being of military members, veterans and first responders.
Among the evening’s highlights, US Marine Corps and other military vehicles will be present on Ford Thunder Alley; as will “Champa Boom”, the new mascot of the 6th Air Refueling Wing and MacDill Air Force Base. The Freedom Brass Air Force Band of the West will perform prior to doors opening at 6:00pm.
The opening ceremonies will showcase a number of special guests. The ceremonial puck drop will be performed by USSOCOM Commander, General Bryan P. Fenton, US Army. The USCENTCOM Joint Service Honor Guard will present our nation’s colors, while members of Blue Star Families will present a large American flag on the ice. The night’s Anthem Guest is World War II veteran, former Army Private First Class Charles Pratt. Retired USAF Technical Sergeant Sonya Bryson-Kirksey will perform the National Anthem.
During the game, the Lightning will honor and showcase a number of active and retired military members, including Clay Hutmacher and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation as the evening’s Community Heroes.
For the game on Thursday, camouflage-taped signed sticks and other signed camo merchandise will be placed up for auction online via the Lightning Foundation at bolts.givesmart.com. There will be a dedicated auction for signed camo jerseys benefiting local military charities at TBLmilitary.givesmart.com. The auctions will be live through November 19th. Camo jerseys and other military-themed Lightning merchandise will be available for purchase at the Tampa Bay Sports store inside AMALIE Arena. Military veterans will receive a 35% discount on merchandise at the team store.
Below is a list of the local commands participating in the events:
- USAF 6th Air Refueling Wing
- USAF 927th Air Refueling Wing
- US Joint Communications Support Element
- US Marine Corps Central Command
- US Central Command
- US Special Operations Command
- US Special Operations Command Central
- US Coast Guard – Station Clearwater
- US Coast Guard – Station St. Petersburg
- US Army Recruiting Station, Tampa
- University of South Florida ROTC
- 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion, Gandy
