Michael Stuart: Tampa to Host an Outdoor Game?

I voted no...for now. I reserve my right to change my mind after I see how the game down in California pans out

I voted no...for now. I reserve my right to change my mind after I see how the game down in California pans out
- mblightning

That's exactly what I did.

If Los Angeles works, I have no reason not to say yes. But I'm reserving real judgment until then.

That's exactly what I did.

If Los Angeles works, I have no reason not to say yes. But I'm reserving real judgment until then.
- Michael_Stuart

Personally I'd rather go to an outdoor game in Tampa than the outdoor game that is planned down the street in Winnipeg

Personally I'd rather go to an outdoor game in Tampa rather than the outdoor game that is planned down the street in Winnipeg
- mblightning

I don't blame you!

That's exactly what I did.

If Los Angeles works, I have no reason not to say yes. But I'm reserving real judgment until then.
- Michael_Stuart

Did u get my offer on twitter Mike?

Did u get my offer on twitter Mike?
- bradstar

Responding right now.

Michael Stuart: Tampa to Host an Outdoor Game?
- Michael_Stuart

as much as i would love to enjoy an outdoor game here at rayjay i dont think it will
happen. but we can all hope

Michael Stuart: Tampa to Host an Outdoor Game?
- Michael_Stuart

Hey droulinfordrouin, do you hear that? It's the sound of a beard kicking your ass

I met Tim Friedenberger, head of the ice operations, years ago when Vinik took over and jokingly asked if it was possible to have an outdoor game in Tampa and he said was in the works back then. He said you can put outdoor ice in the desert no reason it couldn't be done here. If its a night game I think its very possible. Why not add to the great events in Tampa along with the numerous Super Bowls, Frozen Four, and now the NCAA college Football Championship.

I could see Colorado or Minny before Tampa. Banking on the snowbirds in January I guess because they can't fill the stadium for the Bucs. Even Dallas would be good as the Boys don't play inJanuary anyway.

- Panthers88

Should be a good game the Cats are playing a helluva lot better than our earlier meetings.but we will win anyway.

That's exactly what I did.

If Los Angeles works, I have no reason not to say yes. But I'm reserving real judgment until then.
- Michael_Stuart

Who wants to sit in LA having to drink Veggie shakes with tofu burgers topped with alfalfa sprouts.

Not sure how NBC would feel about a Winter Classic featuring Tampa.
While Stamkos is certainly a draw, though he hasn't been marketed nearly as well as Ovie or Crosby, the Bolts just don't the fanbase that the Rangers, Philly, Boston, Chicago or Detroit does. Or the franchise history of a Montreal or Toronto.

Not sure how NBC would feel about a Winter Classic featuring Tampa.
While Stamkos is certainly a draw, though he hasn't been marketed nearly as well as Ovie or Crosby, the Bolts just don't the fanbase that the Rangers, Philly, Boston, Chicago or Detroit does. Or the franchise history of a Montreal or Toronto.
- BiggE

That's weird . Last time I checked TB had better rink attendance than some of those teams , and history ? How is one to develope any when not given the opportunity ? What season better to do so when being a leader of the Atlantic ? Tampa has more of a fan base than you think . I'm Canadian and would for sure g watch this , I can't ethe only one . Why does history matter at all during a game of the resent ? The NHL is allowed to develope outside f the original six ... It's 2013 man, were not in te Maurice Richard days.. It's not all about the "popular teams " anymore and TB would easily Match any other attendance at an outdoor game because they match it at indoor games and never get these opportunities to do this so you can bet ur ass it would be packed . The TB forum sells out for NCAA hockey ,it's gonna sell out for this

That's weird . Last time I checked TB had better rink attendance than some of those teams , and history ? How is one to develope any when not given the opportunity ? What season better to do so when being a leader of the Atlantic ? Tampa has more of a fan base than you think . I'm Canadian and would for sure g watch this , I can't ethe only one . Why does history matter at all during a game of the resent ? The NHL is allowed to develope outside f the original six ... It's 2013 man, were not in te Maurice Richard days.. It's not all about the "popular teams " anymore and TB would easily Match any other attendance at an outdoor game because they match it at indoor games and never get these opportunities to do this so you can bet ur ass it would be packed . The TB forum sells out for NCAA hockey ,it's gonna sell out for this
- RileyB77

Easy man, I wasn't trying to insult you or the Lightning, nor did I question the game's potential attendance. However, I doubt very much that NBC cares about the attendance. Their only concern would be the ratings, and no insult attended, the U.S. ratings.

As someone who travels a lot, I've seen folks wearing Rangers, Black Hawks, Bruins, Flyers gear in other cities. I haven't seen anyone in the U.S. outside of Florida wearing Lightning gear. Just my opinion.

Not sure how NBC would feel about a Winter Classic featuring Tampa.
While Stamkos is certainly a draw, though he hasn't been marketed nearly as well as Ovie or Crosby, the Bolts just don't the fanbase that the Rangers, Philly, Boston, Chicago or Detroit does. Or the franchise history of a Montreal or Toronto.
- BiggE

If we have such a bad fan base why are we ahead of Boston and ny rangers in attendance ? Also last year8th in attendance ... Boston? 15th/16th

Easy man, I wasn't trying to insult you or the Lightning, nor did I question the game's potential attendance. However, I doubt very much that NBC cares about the attendance. Their only concern would be the ratings, and no insult attended, the U.S. ratings.

As someone who travels a lot, I've seen folks wearing Rangers, Black Hawks, Bruins, Flyers gear in other cities. I haven't seen anyone in the U.S. outside of Florida wearing Lightning gear. Just my opinion.
- BiggE

Your opinion is fine , I just gave yu mine . I wear a TB lightning jersey in Canada and I see them when I go to Moncton as well ( city here ) ... So I'm sure if I see igtning jerseys in Canada you've seen a few in your traveling days .sorry for my spelling

Should be a good game the Cats are playing a helluva lot better than our earlier meetings.but we will win anyway.
- tpd11

Idk how you guys are playing so well.. who the hell is scoring goals? I know Stammer is out and I think Malone has been as well.. St. Louis?

I think that Tampa would fill Ray Jay for an NHL Outdoor Hockey Classic without a problem. The Lightning have a lot more fans then people realize. Jeff Vinik has really changed the public's perception of the Lightning. The Bolts franchise does more for the local community than the Bucs and Rays combined. Its not even close.

Hey droulinfordrouin, do you hear that? It's the sound of a beard kicking your ass
- Artyukhin76

Good match Arty, your team was on fire this week! Your team was a plus 24 for the plus/minus column, that's insane!!

Idk how you guys are playing so well.. who the hell is scoring goals? I know Stammer is out and I think Malone has been as well.. St. Louis?
- Panthers88

Scoring by committee

woah i just saw where michael writes all his hockeybuzz news, no wonder hes always on here if thats where he sits every time

i sit on a (frank)ing couch while it storms snow outside