The Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the top teams in the NHL and have a very passionate fanbase in the Tampa Bay area. Getting tickets to see the Lightning play at Amalie Arena is always in high demand, especially when they are having a good season and making a playoff push. Ticket prices can fluctuate based on the day of the week, opponent, and demand, but generally speaking Lightning tickets don’t come cheap.
Current Lightning Ticket Prices
According to Ticketmaster, here are some of the current price ranges for Lightning tickets for upcoming games this season:
– Weeknight (Mon-Thurs) games against non-marquee opponents: $40 – $250
– Weekend (Fri-Sun) games against non-marquee opponents: $60 – $350
– Weeknight games against marquee opponents: $70 – $400
– Weekend games against marquee opponents: $100 – $500
– Stanley Cup playoff games: $125 – $600
As you can see, there is a wide range of ticket prices depending on the game. The cheapest tickets can be had for weeknight games against less popular teams. These upper deck seats will run you $40-60 typically. The most in-demand games against rivals like the Panthers, Canadiens, and Capitals on weekends can have tickets upwards of $500 for lower bowl seats.
Once the playoffs roll around, prices go up across the board. Even first round games will usually start around $125 for nosebleeds. If the Lightning go on a deep playoff run, expect to pay a premium. The team has been very successful lately, going to the Stanley Cup Final in 3 of the last 4 seasons and winning it all in 2020 and 2021. With star players like Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point, and Victor Hedman, they are always a threat to make a run.
Factors That Impact Ticket Prices
There are several factors that impact Tampa Bay Lightning ticket prices on the secondary market:
Day of the Week
Weeknight games (Monday-Thursday) are almost always cheaper than Friday, Saturday or Sunday games. People tend to have more free time and availability on weekends.
Opponent
When the Lightning play big rivals like the Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins or Pittsburgh Penguins, demand goes up compared to less exciting opponents. Divisional matchups are also always popular.
Time of Season
At the beginning of the season, there is a lot of excitement so ticket prices start off high. They dip a bit during the middle months before ramping up again as we get closer to the playoffs.
Team’s Playoff Positioning
If the Lightning are firmly in a playoff spot and fighting for seeding, prices will reflect that demand. If they are struggling, prices may come down.
Promotions
The Lightning frequently run special promotions like student nights that come with discounted upper deck tickets to drive demand. These games may be cheaper.
Stanley Cup Playoffs
Once the playoffs start, especially deeper rounds, get ready to pay a premium. The Lightning have been a top playoff team lately so tickets are in high demand.
Where to Find Lightning Tickets
Here are some of the best places to shop for Tampa Bay Lightning tickets:
Ticketmaster
As the official ticketing partner of the NHL, Ticketmaster has a wide selection of verified primary market Lightning tickets for sale. They have everything from single game seats to partial season ticket packages. There are often special deals and promotions as well.
StubHub
StubHub is one of the most popular secondary marketplaces for ticket resales. Season ticket holders often sell their unused Lightning tickets here. Sort by price to find the best deals.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek is another big secondary ticket site that compiles inventory from a number of different sellers. Use their Deal Score feature to identify the best price on Lightning seats.
Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is similar to StubHub and has a large selection of resale Lightning tickets. They also offer a 100% Buyer Guarantee on all orders.
Gametime
Gametime exclusively sells last minute tickets to sports, concerts and theater events. You can often score amazing deals on Lightning seats just hours before the game.
Craigslist
Always use caution, but Craigslist can be a source of discounted tickets from individual sellers avoiding fees. Just beware of scams.
Tips for Getting Cheap Lightning Tickets
Here are some tips and tricks to get cheaper Tampa Bay Lightning tickets:
– Buy upper deck seats instead of lower bowl. The nosebleeds still provide great views at Amalie Arena.
– Target weeknight games instead of weekends if possible.
– Look for promotional deals and specials.
– Check sites like StubHub right before the game for last minute price drops.
– Sit in the corners or ends rather than center ice for cheaper rates.
– Buy in groups – often you can get bulk ticket discounts.
– Avoid marquee opponents like the Panthers, Capitals or Penguins.
– Join the Lightning email newsletter for special insider ticket offers.
– Follow the Lightning social media accounts for short notice deals.
Convenience Fees
One downside of buying Lightning tickets online is that you’ll be hit with unavoidable convenience fees from the ticket sites. These can really add up, raising your total cost 15-20%. Here are some typical convenience fees:
– Ticketmaster – Around $15-$20 per ticket
– StubHub – Around 10% of your order
– VividSeats – Around $10-$15 per ticket
– SeatGeek – Around $10-$20 per ticket
Always factor these fees in when comparing ticket prices across different sites. There are some sites like Gametime that include all fees upfront in the list price to avoid surprise charges at checkout.
Lightning Ticket Seating Chart
Here is a seating chart for all levels at Amalie Arena where the Lightning play:
Some key notes about different seating areas:
– Lower Bowl (100s) – Closest view of the ice but most expensive tickets
– Club Level (200s) – Middle tier with private bar/lounge access
– Upper Bowl (300s) – Cheapest seats but still decent views
– Suite Level (400s) – Luxury suites for premium experience
– Standing Room – Cheap tickets for a standing view from end zones
Best Seats at Amalie Arena
Fans debate where the best seats are at Amalie Arena. Here are some of the most desirable spots according to reviews:
– Center Ice Rows 5-10: Putting you right on top of the action.
– Lower Bowl Corners Rows 1-5: Allows you to see both goal lines.
– Behind Penalty Boxes: Get a great view when penalties are called.
– Shoot Twice Side Lower Sections: Closer view when the Lightning attack twice.
– Club Level Center Ice: Great views with access to premium club spaces.
Many fans recommend avoiding the highest rows of the 300 level if possible, as you can feel very far away from the action. The best bang for your buck is typically the upper rows of the lower bowl in the corners or shoot twice end.
Buying Lightning Playoff Tickets
Here are some tips if you are looking to buy Lightning tickets for the Stanley Cup Playoffs:
– Expect to pay at least 2X a regular season game, sometimes more for later rounds.
– Buy early once playoff matchups are set. Prices go up closer to each game.
– If possible, buy tickets for multiple games at once to lock in better prices.
– Conference and Stanley Cup Finals tickets will be the most in-demand.
– Standings don’t matter – playoff tickets are hot no matter the seeding.
– Join a fan forum like Reddit to ask season ticket holders if they have playoff tickets for sale.
– Consider road games in nearby cities like Sunrise, Miami, Jacksonville or Orlando to save money.
– Set up price alerts on sites like SeatGeek to grab deals when prices drop.
The Lightning have been a top Stanley Cup contender lately so expect around a $200/ticket premium for the playoffs. Home playoff atmosphere is electric however, making it worthwhile for diehard fans.
Attending Lightning Games on a Budget
Don’t let the seemingly high costs prevent you from experiencing an exciting Lightning game live. Here are some budget tips:
– Eat before the game – food/drinks are expensive inside.
– Avoid shopping for jerseys or merch at Amalie Arena.
– Buy standing room only tickets and scout out open seats to grab later.
– Take advantage of concession discounts like kids meals and happy hour specials.
– Buy a single upper deck ticket and move down to better empty seats later.
– Use public transportation like the TECO streetcar to avoid parking costs.
– Buy tickets on game day for the best deals even if it’s last minute.
– Follow Lightning social media for special discount ticket opportunities.
You can still have an awesome time at a Lightning game on a budget. Some creativity and planning will go a long way to stretch your dollar.
Joining the Lightning Season Ticket Waitlist
If you live in the Tampa area and want season tickets, you can join the Lightning season ticket waitlist:
– Browse season ticket options and prices on their website.
– Fill out the season ticket interest form with your info.
– Select your preferred section and number of seats.
– They will contact you when seats become available.
– Often takes 1-3 years for seats to open up.
– Pay a deposit of $250-500 per seat when selected.
– Invoiced for remainder of season ticket cost.
– Tickets distributed electronically through Ticketmaster.
Benefits include first access to playoff tickets, merchandise discounts, VIP access to events, and more. Lightning sell out every game so the waitlist is quite lengthy. Get on it as early as possible if season tickets interest you.
Conclusion
Tampa Bay Lightning tickets can range quite a bit in price depending on seat location, day of the week, opponent, and stage of the season. With some smart shopping tactics, fans on any budget can experience the exciting atmosphere of a Lightning game at Amalie Arena. The Lightning are perennial Stanley Cup contenders loaded with star talent, making their games a must-see event. Use this guide to understand the Lightning ticketing landscape and secure the best deals. Let’s Go Bolts!