Bolts euphoria good while it lasts

Downtown Tampa put its full support behind the Tampa Bay Lightning during its month-and-a-half National Hockey League playoff run, which ended May 27 with a Western Conference finals loss to the Boston Bruins.

Window signs were displayed in storefront windows and a giant GO BOLTS banner was emblazoned over the Tampa Street skybridge. The top of the SunTrust Financial Centre office tower was also lit in blue and white, recognizing the team's colors.

In exchange, the Lightning brought eight extra soldout home games to the 20,000-seat St. Pete Times Forum, bringing immeasurable business to nearby restaurants and bars.

The team also hosted watch parties on a giant TV screen on the Forum plaza, bringing thousands of fans downtown to cheer on the home team during away games.

“The new ownership, and the energy they infused, were right up there,” Christine Burdick, president of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, tells Coffee Talk. “Even if they hadn't made the playoffs, they have still come in and made a significant impact. It's been the most fortunate thing both for the new leadership, but also for downtown.”

The good feelings are expected to carry over to next hockey season, as Lightning owner Jeff Vinik will soon launch a $35 million makeover of the Forum that is expected to be finished by this fall.