Typically, when discussing hockey, the word “impact” is used to describe hard checks and facemasks smashed against the glass. A new study, however, shows that the Tampa Bay Lightning are among the NHL’s best at having an impact off the ice.
Playstar.com just released a study detailing the average per-game local economic impact each NHL franchise has in its hometown, and the Bolts checked in at No. 7 in the league. According to the study, the Lightning are responsible for nearly $2 million of economic activity in the Tampa area every time they take the ice—the third-highest average for an American team in the entire NHL.
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The multi-million dollar impact of the Tampa Bay Lightning
Sitting at a potential revenue of $1,990,138.00 per game, according to Playstar, the Lightning also boast one of the higher estimated tourism numbers (no surprise there). The study estimates that just under $1.3 million of the total comes from tourist activity. Researchers also calculated that the franchise brings in around $77 million per year in ticket sales (averaging just over $98 per ticket over the course of a season), with more than $290K spent on concessions alone each season.
While we can’t vouch for the accuracy of the study, the numbers certainly paint a picture of the Lightning as one of the more popular attractions in professional sports. And at the very least, we’re happy to know that a large portion of that money is funneled right back into our city. The Vinik Family Foundation, founded by Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, is one of the biggest and most consistent supporters of the Tampa Bay community. Their charity work has impacted hundreds of thousands over the years, and the work they do locally has an impact far beyond standard economic measurements.
Cooper is one of the most respected coaches in the NHL
On a related and somewhat more verifiable note, The Athletic just released its annual anonymous player poll, in which 111 active NHL players answered a variety of questions with the benefit of anonymity. When asked which coach, other than their own, they would most want to play for, Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper was the runaway winner. He’s one of the winningest coaches in the league, and quoted players cited his high-speed style of play as a particular draw.
Ready to get to a game? The playoff hunt is on in Tampa. Check out the remaining Lightning schedule here.
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