Florida Hospital steps up backing of Tampa Bay Lightning

NHL ice hockey team the Tampa Bay Lightning has expanded its partnership with Florida Hospital.

Under the new agreement, the hospital will serve as a championship partner of the team and continue as its official health and wellness partner.

As part of the multi-year deal, Florida Hospital will also be the presenting sponsor of the Lightning’s 25th anniversary season in 2017-18.

On game days, Florida Hospital will be granted the southwest quadrant of Amalie Arena, where it will install an interactive area for fans.

The space will be located behind section 128 of the arena, where Fox Sports Sun broadcasts games from. Florida Hospital will be partnering with the network as the presenting sponsor of the Fox Sports Lightning 25th anniversary season broadcasts.

The hospital will continue as a co-presenting partner of the Lightning Foundation’s annual family-run charity run, which this year takes place on October 21. In addition, Florida Hospital will host two presenting nights during the season, including Heart Health Awareness night and Pediatric Health Night.

“Our multi-year sponsorship is indicative of Florida Hospital’s investment in the team, our commitment to expand in the communities that we serve throughout Florida, and one that will bring a health and wellness message to Lightning fans and all event attendees at Amalie Arena,” Mike Schultz, president and chief executive of Florida Hospital, the West Florida Division of Adventist Health System, said.

“Our organisations share a similar value of giving back to the community and the opportunity to be one of the elite sponsors for the Tampa Bay Lightning came at a time when the hospital was well-positioned to strengthen its storied partnership and help support the inspired vision that Lightning team owner Jeff Vinik has for downtown Tampa.”

Florida Hospital first teamed up with the team in 2011 and had previously served as a ‘preferred partner’.