TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Lightning are a step closer to another Stanley Cup championship.

And starting with the team's next series, more fans will be able to come along for the ride.

The Lightning announced Thursday that after approvals from health and government officials, as well as the National Hockey League, 13,500 fans will be allowed to attend home games at Amalie Arena.

That will be about 70 percent of capacity for hockey games at the arena.

Amalie Arena attendance for the first round of the playoffs was at 9,000

Tampa Bay completed a first-round victory Wednesday night over the Florida Panthers, winning four games to two.

The Bolts will next take on the winner of the series between the Carolina Panthers and Nashville Predators, who meet Thursday night.