TAMPA, Fla. — It might have involved shouting from the car, but it was still a party. After all, this is Champa Bay.


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Fans certainly know how to rally for our teams.

Thousands turned out for a Tampa Bay Lightning pep rally on Saturday at Westshore Plaza.

Like last season, it was done drive-through style but that didn’t stop fans from getting excited about the Stanley Cup playoffs.

“We did it last year,” said fan Pam Howard. “We also went to the Rays and the Bucs rallies and we love it. Champa Bay!”

Fans got to see ThunderBug show off his dance moves and get some Bolts gear as the team prepares for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

“It’s awesome! Great to see the community out supporting the team,” said fan Don Unger.

The event was sponsored by AdventHealth. Fans went home with all kinds of swag, including hockey sticks, koozies, magnets, towels, Dunkin’ gift cards and more.  

Fans even got to get their cars decorated for the playoffs, all hoping to see if the Lightning can make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals once again.

“I think we’re going to do it,” Howard said.  “What else am I going to say, right? Of course we are!”

This is the Lightning’s fourth season in a row making it to the Stanley Cup playoffs. The team’s first playoff game is at the Florida Panthers on Sunday night, with Game 2 on Tuesday.