Out-of-state Tampa Bay Lightning fans are out of luck.
As initially reported by Sports Illustrated, the Bolts are restricting playoff ticket sales to Florida residents only. That’s right. If you don’t have a credit card billing address in Florida, your purchase will immediately be canceled and refunded. The team likely believes that this policy help to create a Lightning-centric atmosphere at Amalie Arena.
I hate to break it to the team, but Red Wings/Canadiens fans exist in Florida too. All this does is stop out-of-state fans (like me) who were thinking about heading to Tampa for a playoff game from being able to purchase a ticket immediately like everyone else.
It gets worse, as the team takes things further.
If you’re sitting in the Chase Club or Lexus Lounge for a playoff game, you won’t be allowed to wear another team’s logo. You want to wear your Red Wings hat at the game? Not in those sections. You want to cheer on the Canadiens with your vintage Jean Beliveau jersey in tow? Not here. This move reeks of insecurity.
I guess my main question is this: Who cares? Who really cares if the guy sitting next to you is cheering for the other team? Who cares if there's some emotion in the building with two passionate fan bases fighting for supremacy? It's utterly ridiculous.
From Sports Illustrated:
"Amalie Arena is located in Tampa, FL," reads the Lightning's ticket policy. "Sales to this event will be restricted to residents of Florida. Residency will be based on credit card billing address. Orders by residents outside the selected area will be canceled without notice and refunds given."Chase Club and Lexus Lounge ticket holders - please note that for all 2015 NHL Playoff Games at Amalie Arena, only Tampa Bay Lightning team logos will be permitted in these areas. Fans wearing visiting team logos will be asked to remove them while in the Chase Club and Lexus Lounge areas."