As most of you already know, the Tampa Bay Lightning have made it to the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011. According to a press release from City of Tampa, Mayor Bob Buckhorn, along with former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk will be raising a banner in support of our team.

The Tampa Bay Lightning players celebrate after their game against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. The Lightning won 1-0 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The banner will hang on the side of the Tampa Municipal Office Building to show the City’s support of the team as captain Steven Stamkos and the rest of the Tampa Bay Lightning get ready to host Brian Gionta and the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the Quarterfinal Round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Wednesday night.

Of course, the City invites all fans to come and join in the festivities. Everything is set to go down on Wednesday, April 16th at 2:00 p.m. ET. Fans wishing to be in attendance should head to City Hall Plaza, which is located at 306 East Jackson Street.

If you have ever been to a Lightning game, you know what a pain that traffic can be and that parking can sometimes be hard to come by, so I would recommend that you make sure you allow yourself enough time to get there before the festivities start.

If you have any questions, or need additional information about the event, please contact City of Tampa Public Affairs Director Ali Glisson at any of the methods mentioned in the press release.

This is just one way that the City can show their support for all the hard work that our boys and blue do both on the ice and in the community.

Now, we as fans have a responsibility of our own. For those of us heading to the game, as well as those who will be watching it on television, whether it be in the comfort of your home or your favorite sports bar, I want you to throw on your favorite Lightning gear and scream loud and proud so that everyone knows that this is Lightning country and we Believe in our Bolts!

Are you ready to Be the Thunder?

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