A partnership between two of Tampa Bay’s most recognizable organizations is paying off in more ways than one.
The University of South Florida and the Tampa Bay Lightning have developed strong ties over the past several years. It’s a relationship that has led to several high-profile projects, public outreach events and opportunities for USF students and the community. They’re outcomes that demonstrate the power of partnership when all sides work toward a common goal.
“USF’s been a great partner of the Tampa Bay Lightning from the day I got here and probably before that,” said Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, who has played a crucial role in developing the relationship, both as the Lightning's owner and as a private philanthropist. “We’ve had so many things we’ve worked on together; whether it’s the sports management program at USF, the medical school coming downtown, entrepreneurial activity, we could go on and on. It is rooted in two organizations that have the same DNA, that have the same values – it’s integrity, hard work, achievement, respect and community. That’s the Lightning, that’s USF, and that’s why it’s been a perfect combination from day one.”
This Saturday, thousands of fans and supporters will be part of one of those partnership events – the fourth annual USF Presenting Night with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Fans will fill Amalie Arena as the Bolts, currently the NHL’s top team, take on the Detroit Red Wings.
Before the puck drops, those in attendance will see the USF Street Team out in force at Thunder Alley along with a huge co-branded social media presence online. The first 10,000 fans into Amalie Arena will receive a set of Bulls & Bolts thunder stick noise makers before standing for the National Anthem performed by USF College of Music graduate student Annie Scott.
Along with the annual game-night event, the USF/Lightning relationship extends far beyond the ice. Take a look at some of the other ways this partnership continues to enrich the Tampa Bay community.
USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute
The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute is moving later this
year, bringing approximately 1,800 students, faculty and staff to live, work and study
along the downtown waterfront as a key anchor at Water Street Tampa – a massive development
project led by Strategic Property Partners, a Jeff Vinik-owned organization. By moving
within a mile of its primary teaching hospital, Tampa General Hospital, USF will attract
the brightest students and faculty, and will increase federal research dollars to
fight heart disease.
Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program
From reimagining the waterfront to owning the Tampa Bay Lightning sports franchise,
the Vinik name is synonymous with success. Since 2017, it has also officially linked
with the University of South Florida, thanks to Jeff and Penny Vinik’s generous commitment
to USF and ongoing support of a Muma College of Business program that the Vinik’s
helped found.
CAMLS Provides Life-Saving Training at Amalie Arena
The USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation brought an advanced
patient simulator to Amalie Arena so that Tampa Bay Lightning team physicians and
athletic trainers, Tampa Fire Rescue paramedics, and a few USF Health emergency medicine
trainees at Tampa General Hospital could more realistically practice life-saving stabilization
procedures on the ice.