TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa Bay Lightning players and staff arrived home in Tampa on Tuesday evening with the Stanley Cup in tow.
Players and team staff arrived in Tampa with the cup around 5 p.m. It was the first time the Bolts got to see their families since they left Tampa and entered the National Hockey League bubble on July 26.
Once the team landed, Captain Steven Stamkos presented the Stanley Cup to Lightning Owner and Chairman Jeff Vinik as well as other local officials like Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
Players and staff then boarded open-air trolleys that brought them to Amalie Arena for a Stanley Cup Champions On-Ice Celebration.
A team spokesperson says families, staff and other VIPs will be allowed inside for the celebration. The event will be closed to the general public.
Celebratory events with fans are scheduled to happen on Wednesday. The City of Tampa and Tampa Bay Lightning organization are hosting a Stanley Cup Champions Boat Parade on the Hillsborough River at 5 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. Stanley Cup Champions Celebration at Raymond James Stadium. The event at Raymond James is free but tickets ran out Tuesday afternoon.
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