Reigning Champs Tampa Bay Lightning Increasing Fan Capacity For Round 2

The Tampa Bay Lightning are opening up Amalie Arena to nearly double its current in-person capacity. The team is set to face off against the Carolina Hurricanes this Sunday, and Game 3 at Amalie is expected to have 13,500 fans in attendance.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Lightning hosted the max capacity of 9,000 fans during Thursday's Game 6 against the Florida Panthers. Attendance will now increase from 47% to 71% capacity.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are entering the second round of the NHL Playoffs for the eighth time in franchise history.

Their opponents, the Hurricanes, started out hot against the Nashville Predators in Round 1, only to lose both Game 3 and 4 and then finish out the series with consecutive overtime thrillers. So, the reigning champions should like their chances going into Round 2.

News of Amalie Arena's expanding capacity comes after the Boston Bruins announced that TD Gardens are expecting to host full capacity playoff games in Round 2. However, a mask mandate remains in place. “According to city and state guidelines, Boston Bruins will be allowed to return to near full capacity from May 29, 2021,” announced a team press release. “According to NHL guidelines, all guests at TD Garden must continue to wear masks and follow Play it Safe Protocols until further notice.”

After defeating the Florida Panthers, led by a great series from Pat Maroon, the Lightning remain in good contention to hoist the Stanley Cup two years in a row.