TAMPA -- Friday has been declared as Lightning Appreciation Day to recognized the team for their successes this season.
- June 1 declared as Lightning Appreciation Day
- Day to recognize successes of the team
- Put on by six Chambers of Commerce in Bay area
The Tampa Bay Lightning ended their season after losing in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final to the Washington Capitals. The Capitals went on to the Stanley Cup Final to face the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Lightning held a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, just as they did two seasons ago in the 2016 Eastern Conference Final against Pittsburgh.
The team shared its successes this season with the Tampa Bay community with watch parties and home games that drew thousands of fans to support them.
The mission of Lightning Appreciation Day is to show the Tampa Bay Lightning that the chambers and their members support the team and appreciate the successes that the team has had all season long.
They want to thank the team for giving Tampa Bay a reason to be proud this season. The chambers are asking the community to wear their "Bolts Blue" on Friday and post pictures on social media using #AppreciateBolts.
The six Chambers of Commerce involved are:
- Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce
- North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce
- Plant City Chamber of Commerce
- South Tampa Chamber of Commerce