Lightning modifies arena regulations after a humiliating altercation with an 11-year-old child
The Tampa Bay Lightning have opted to make sense for the postseason's second round. According to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, the Lightning will no longer enforce a regulation prohibiting fans from wearing clothing from other NHL teams in its premium seating zones.
The Bolts had no choice: after a viral video of Panthers fans being challenged by arena staff went viral, the team realized it needed to change its policy.
The video shows a guy and his sad 11-year-old kid being asked to take off their Florida Panthers jerseys by arena staff. The parent claims that he was advised that wearing the opposing team's jersey was ok, although he was plainly unaware of the ludicrous restriction. The fan claimed that he spoke with Crystal Ortiz, who told him that he and his kid may sit in their seats but would not be permitted to enter the Chase Club. Two employees shown on the video, however, informed him that they were still in breach.
They have two options, according to the Amalie Arena staff: remove their jerseys or get a refund for their tickets and be forced to leave the rink.
The Lightning has had this policy since at least 2015 and other teams have similar rules.
Finally, the Lightning has made it official on Friday that the policy is no longer in order and so we could get to see fans with Carolina Hurricanes jerseys for the second round.
Credit: HockeyFeed
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531249.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531292.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
