More than 3,000 fans were on hand at Amalie Arena for the game and ceremony, which was emceed by longtime and recently retired announcer Rick Peckham. The Lightning last had fans in the building in March 2020 before the season pause. The remainder of their Stanley Cup run was played inside the bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton.
"Welcome back, fans!" captain Steven Stamkos said in addressing the crowd. "You guys don't know how much we've missed you. This year's obviously been a tough year, but we hope that that 2020 Stanley Cup run really gave everyone the joy that it did for us. We obviously wish that everyone was there along the ride with us but we heard you guys from far, so to all the fans that are here tonight, to the Distant Thunder, to everyone watching that are Tampa Bay Lightning fans all across the world, this banner is for you guys, so thank you."
Banner ceremonies are typically done during the first home game of the season, but because of COVID-19 protocols there were no fans until Saturday and the team didn't want to raise the banner to an empty arena.
Before the game, coach Jon Cooper and forward Brayden Point reflected on the last year and the return of fans for the special event.
"Well I can't believe it's been a year. I can't believe how much has changed in a year. I just think of it on my own family…this is the first time my immediate family gets to see our team play live in over a year," Cooper said. "Just that aspect alone is pretty sweet on a personal note.
"Big picture, our team has been used to playing without fans for so long it's probably going to be a little different having them in there. But for me what I'm most happy for is the fans. For them to get to see the team that they support, they love, that they are passionate about and who has accomplished a ton since the last time you saw. So for them to be a part of history and the raising of the franchise's second Stanley Cup banner. It's one of those things…I'm happy for them."
The Lightning were able to celebrate their championship with fans
during their boat parade
but having them in the home building again is something the players cherished as well.
"It just makes it that much more special to have the people there that supported you," Point said. "We went through a tough year that year before and to be able to share this one with the fans that have stuck with us and went through that playoff with us is exciting."
- NHL.com Independent Correspondent Corey Long contributed to this story.
